Lions' 2023 Re-Draft
The Detroit Lions had an eventful 2023 draft.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes seemingly spent the entirety of the the three-day draft making trades, and ended up coming out of the weekend with eight new players.
Holmes added multiple players that will be able to contribute right away, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round. And, he also added a few developmental pieces, such as quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive tackle Brodric Martin in the third round.
It led to mixed reviews for Holmes' third draft as Detroit general manager.
With that said, here's what All Lions would have done if it would have been in charge of making the Lions' picks this past weekend.
Round 1, Pick 12 -- Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
Original selection: Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs
I think Holmes definitely reached for Gibbs at No. 12. With that said, I take the best cornerback on the board here with Gonzalez.
The Oregon product developed into a premier cover corner during the 2022 season (his lone campaign with the Ducks). He recorded four interceptions – the third-highest total in the Pac-12 – and earned an 81.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus (the fourth-best mark among Pac-12 corners).
In my opinion, he would’ve delivered great value with the 12th pick (and would’ve been a better selection than Gibbs).
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1, Pick 18 -- Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey
Original selection: Iowa LB Jack Campbell
While I like Campbell, I don’t think he was worthy of being selected at No. 18. In fact, prior to the draft, I had mocked the Iowa linebacker to the Lions in the second round, at No. 48 overall.
So, instead of drafting Campbell here, I have the Lions selecting Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.
Kancey, a Scouting Combine standout with an impressive 4.67-second 40-yard dash time, went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a pick later, at No. 19 overall.
The 6-foot-1, 281-pounder would’ve been a welcomed addition to the interior of the Lions’ defensive line. He totaled 31 tackles, including 14.5 for loss (the most by an interior lineman in the country), and 7.5 sacks in his final season with the Panthers. And, for his efforts, he was a unanimous All-America selection.
By passing on Kancey, I believe Holmes missed out on a tremendous opportunity to significantly upgrade his defensive line.
Round 2, Pick 34 -- Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
Original selection: Iowa TE Sam LaPorta
I think Detroit went in the right by grabbing a tight end here. I just would’ve selected Mayer instead of LaPorta. Mayer ended up going a pick later to the Las Vegas Raiders, at No. 35 overall.
The one-time Notre Dame tight end recorded 67 receptions for 809 yards and nine touchdowns during his final collegiate season.
He would’ve been a nice target over the middle for Lions signal-caller Jared Goff, and could’ve easily transitioned into the No. 1 TE role in Motown.
Round 2, Pick 45 -- North Dakota State OT Cody Mauch
Original selection: Alabama DB Brian Branch
I loved Holmes’ selection of Branch, and gave it an “A” grade. However, with how my re-draft panned out with Gonzalez going No. 12, I had to address another area of need at No. 45. It’s why I opted to take Mauch here, adding some much-needed depth along the offensive line.
The 6-foot-5, 302-pound lineman has the potential to make an impact as both a pass-protector and run-blocker at the next level, and would’ve been a great security blanket for Detroit’s O-line.
According to NFL Draft Bible, “Mauch is an excellent athlete who possesses ideal lateral and vertical agility to mirror defenders in pass protection or climb to the second level and pick off linebackers in the run game. He quickly climbs to the second level and is always looking for work. Mauch has the grip strength to latch and sustain blocks against linemen, and these skills help him overwhelm defensive backs and linebackers.”
I see Mauch transitioning well to the NFL ranks, and becoming a successful starting guard for the Buccaneers.
Vasha Hunt, USA TODAY Sports
Round 3, Pick 68 -- Clemson LB Trenton Simpson
Original selection: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
I’m a fan of the pick of Hooker, and believe he can develop into a starting NFL quarterback one day. However, up to this point in my re-draft, I haven’t taken a linebacker, and I don’t want to wait until after the third round to do so.
So, with Simpson still on the board, he’s my pick here. The Clemson product profiles as a hybrid defender who will be most efficient on passing downs as a nickel linebacker.
Simpson was expected by many draft pundits to go somewhere in the second round. So, I believe he would’ve been a great value pick for Holmes & Co. with pick No. 68.
Round 3, Pick 96 -- Fresno State QB Jake Haener
Original selection: Western Kentucky DL Brodric Martin
Instead of picking Martin, whom the Lions dealt three picks to trade up and get, I have Detroit selecting its potential franchise quarterback of the future here: Fresno State’s Haener. Just like Holmes, I preferred Hooker. But, with how this re-draft has shaped up, I thought Haener would be the best signal-caller left on the board at this point.
The Fresno State product might not have the strongest arm or the biggest frame (he stands in at about 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds). But, with proper development, he has the necessary instincts, accuracy and competitive drive to become an NFL starter one day.
The 2022 first-team All-Mountain West selection threw for 2,896 yards and 20 touchdowns, as opposed to just three interceptions, in his final season with the Bulldogs.
In an alternate world, such as this, where the Lions don’t end up drafting Hooker, I think Haener is a solid fallback option.
Round 5, Pick 152 – Texas A&M S Antonio Johnson
Original selection: William & Mary OT Colby Sorsdal
With Mauch already having been taken in my re-draft, the Lions no longer have a need for Sorsdal or any other offensive lineman here. Instead, I choose to further add to the team’s defensive backs room, via the selection of Johnson.
Johnson is a versatile defender who lined up at slot corner, split zone safety and even occasionally at linebacker while at Texas A&M. All the while, he showcased the ability to cover, tackle and play the run from a myriad of alignments.
In his final season with the Aggies, he produced 71 total tackles, including five for loss, as well as three forced fumbles and a single sack.
I believe Johnson’s positional versatility would’ve made him an asset to Detroit’s secondary.
Round 7, Pick 219 – Michigan WR Ronnie Bell
Original selection: North Carolina WR Antoine Green
I have the Lions also picking a wide receiver here. But, instead of Green, I have Holmes going with Michigan product Ronnie Bell.
Bell did battle the injury bug during his time in Ann Arbor, suffering a torn ACL during the 2021 season. However, when he was healthy, he was consistently productive, and had the knack for making the big play.
Bell, a five-year letterman, recorded 145 catches for 2,269 yards and nine touchdowns in 41 career games with the Wolverines.
