Lions Add WR Antoine Green with Pick No. 219
Lions general manager Brad Holmes and the personnel department seemed to have a measured approach to this year's draft.
Prior to their seventh-round pick, Detroit had targeted four players on offense and three players on defense.
Following 218 selections that took place before, the Lions made what could be their final selection of the 2023 NFL Draft, adding North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Antoine Green.
The 6-foot-3, 199-pound receiver impressed Detroit's coaching staff at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and has the opportunity to compete for playing time his rookie season.
According to NFL Draft Bible, Green is a "technically sound, fluid athlete that can give you a little bit of everything as a wide receiver. Green runs routes, it is as if he is attacking his defender rather than going about his route without considering what the defense is doing. Green has a good release off the line of scrimmage and does not get held up too much when facing press coverage. He uses his hands well to reduce contact against the press and accelerate off the line. He analyzes coverages well and makes quick decisions on how to break down his defender throughout his route. He can read zone defenses and has a knack for finding spaces to make himself an easier target."
Last season, he caught 43 passes for 798 yards and seven touchdowns. Over his career, he totaled 1,710 yards and 15 touchdowns.
One knock against Detroit's newest receiver is he does not possess game-breaking speed.
A quick review of his collegiate film shows a player who could be utilized in multiple positions, including the slot, where he can use his athleticism to secure yards after the catch.
Earlier on Day 3, Detroit targeted offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal in the fifth round.
Barring any further trades, Detroit will have made eight selections in this year's draft.
Picks made by Lions in 2023 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick 12 -- Alabama Crimson Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs
- Round 1, Pick 18 -- Iowa Hawkeyes LB Jack Campbell
- Round 2, Pick 34 -- Iowa Hawkeyes TE Sam LaPorta
- Round 2, Pick 45 -- Alabama Crimson Tide DB Brian Branch
- Round 3, Pick 68 -- Tennessee Volunteers QB Hendon Hooker
- Round 3, Pick 96 -- Western Kentucky DL Brodric Martin
- Round 5, Pick 152 -- William & Mary OT Colby Sorsdal
