Detroit Lions Perfect 2023 NFL Draft Fits
The Detroit Lions are approaching a pivotal moment in their build toward contention.
If the team hopes to compete for the NFC North crown in 2023, it could strongly boost its chances by acing the NFL Draft.
Beginning Thursday, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes will have the chance to add premium talent to the roster.
Though the team doesn't have a glaring need on its roster, it could stand to benefit from adding to a number of areas on the depth chart. Here is a perfect fit for the Lions at every position in the upcoming draft.
Quarterback: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA
The presence of Jared Goff won't force the Lions to reach on a quarterback. As a result, Holmes and company can be patient, should they pursue a signal-caller.
Thompson-Robinson is a high-upside pick who could pay dividends for the Lions in the future. He needs development, but his abilities as a runner bring an extra element to the offense.
He improved consistently throughout his time at UCLA. Even at 23 years old, his best football may still be ahead of him. If he can continue the trend of development as a passer and grow under Goff, he could be a big steal later in the draft.
Running back: Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
With D'Andre Swift in a contract year, the Lions could certainly target a running back. In offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's explosive system, a player like Gibbs would fit nicely.
He's tough to tackle in the open field, and possesses high-end speed that makes him a threat to score each time he gets the ball.
Coupled with powerful runner David Montgomery, Gibbs could be a dynamic player for Detroit's offensive unit.
Wide receiver: Quentin Johnston, TCU
DJ Chark is off to Carolina, and Jameson Williams is suspended for the first six games of the season. This creates a need for another pass-catcher.
The physical Johnston fits the mold of what the Lions may be looking for. Despite not having top-end speed, he is able to make defenders miss in the open field.
The TCU product would slot in nicely at the "X" position. His downfield impact is similar to what Chark offered, and he has plenty of run-after-catch ability, as well.
Tight end: Darnell Washington, Georgia
The Lions proved in 2022 that they don't need an elite pass-catching talent at tight end to be successful. That shouldn't keep the team from adding one of the draft's best talents at the position.
Washington has a unique blend of size and strength. He stands in at 6-foot-7, making him an instant mismatch. His most appealing trait, though, is his strength as a blocker.
He's been billed as someone who will serve as an extra lineman at the NFL level. His blocking abilities would help him fit in nicely in Detroit's run-oriented scheme.
Offensive tackle: Dawand Jones, Ohio State
Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker are set as the team's bookend tackles moving forward. Decker isn't getting any younger, though, and Sewell is due for a massive extension.
Targeting a backup option would be beneficial for the Lions on multiple levels. The unit has been dashed with injuries in recent years, so having insurance is important.
Jones is a massive blocker. Standing in at 6-foot-8 with good athleticism, his intangibles are impeccable. With some growth, he'd be a solid insurance option, and he has the potential to step in, should Decker depart.
Interior offensive lineman: Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
The Lions have done a good job in building their offensive line. Sewell, Decker and Ragnow were all first-round picks. Why not add another to the fold, in the form of Skoronski?
The Northwestern product has positional versatility, and could be a difference-maker as a pro. He was a tackle in college, but best fits at guard in the NFL.
Skoronski may need some time to adjust to a new position. Still, he'd be another premium addition to an already-solid offensive line.
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Interior defensive lineman: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
Drawing comparisons to Aaron Donald, Kancey has been a hot name on the pre-draft circuit. A strong NFL Scouting Combine showing and some impressive stats in his final college season have boosted his stock.
Though he's undersized for his position, the youngster has elite pass-rush ability. He totaled 16.5 sacks in four seasons, and notched 34.5 tackles for loss.
Alim McNeill appears to be a reliable run-stopper in the middle of the defense, so Kancey would be an adequate addition to provide some pass-rushing spark.
EDGE: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
It will take a stroke of luck for the Lions to land Anderson, but he's among the best talents in the draft. He'll be an impact pass-rusher at the next level.
He has an array of pass-rush moves, and has the necessary savvy to make opponents miss.
With Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston already in place, the addition of Anderson would offer Detroit one of the league's top pass-rush units.
Linebacker: Jack Campbell, Iowa
The Lions have built a culture on physicality. The team has struggled against the run, so adding another talent at linebacker would help shore up struggles.
Campbell is one of the draft's best tacklers. A thumper in the midst of Iowa's strong defense, he emerged as a play-maker. His physical style is similar to Malcolm Rodriguez, who wound up being an excellent pick by Holmes on the 2022 NFL Draft's third day.
Cornerback: Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
The class of cornerbacks is an intriguing one. Several top talents are available, with others set to be under-the-radar options who will benefit their new squads.
The Lions' best fit is Witherspoon. A dynamic talent, he can play either outside or in the slot. He has a superb knack for finding the ball, having recorded three interceptions in 2022.
Witherspoon isn't afraid to get involved in stopping the run, either. His willingness to play in tight spaces, while making impressive plays in the passing game, makes him appealing to Holmes and company.
Safety: Brian Branch, Alabama
The Alabama product is another versatile defender who can play multiple positions. His best role is when he can come up and defend as the box safety.
His coverage ability is solid, making him an asset in multiple ways. However, his ability to fill run lanes is uncommon, and will set him apart from the rest of the safety class.
Detroit needs this effort against the run. With DeShon Elliott heading to Miami, his absence would be filled by Branch's similar skill set.
