4 Lions Players Who Will Exceed Expectations in 2023
Organized team activities are in full swing for the Detroit Lions at their Allen Park practice facility. And, buzz continues to build for Dan Campbell's squad, which has emerged as a preseason favorite to win the NFC North division in 2023.
With that said, let's take a look at the four Lions players who are bound to exceed expectations this upcoming season.
WR Jameson Williams
The second-year receiver will miss the first six games of the 2023 season due to violating the NFL's anti-gambling policy.
Yet, once he returns to the field, expect big things for the 2022 No. 12 overall pick.
In organized team activities, the speedster has been working on his route-running and the other "little things" in his game – as he stated during the first week of OTAs – that he still needs to "perfect."
It's a positive sign from Williams, who needs to continue working on his craft in order to take the next step as a pass-catcher. I believe he'll take a step forward upon his return from his suspension, and prove to be a solid No. 2 option in the passing game for Lions starting signal-caller Jared Goff.
EDGE James Houston
The Lions couldn't have scripted it any better with Houston.
Houston, the No. 217 overall pick in the 2022 draft, made his NFL debut in Detroit's Thanksgiving clash with the Bills, and proceeded to make an instant impact.
The Jackson State product sacked Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen twice, and also recorded a fumble recovery in the contest. And, this came on just five total snaps for the pass-rusher.
It was just the start of big things for Houston during his rookie campaign, too.
In fact, the sixth-round pick amassed at least one sack in each of his first four NFL games, and went on to produce eight total sacks in seven games during the 2022 season. He helped Detroit record a 5-2 mark in those seven contests.
Because of his late-round draft status and late-season addition to the active roster, Houston flew under the radar for much of last year. He won't be afforded that same opportunity in 2023. Yet, I don't think it will matter.
Houston is here to stay, and should once again form a lethal pass-rushing duo with fellow second-year pro Aidan Hutchinson this upcoming season. I believe Houston will again be good for at least eight sacks during his sophomore NFL campaign.
Detroit Lions edge rusher James Houston
© Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
DT Alim McNeill
McNeill appears ready to take the next step as an NFL defensive lineman, headed into the 2023 season. The third-year defensive tackle is in the best shape of his playing career after having reduced his body fat by 13 percent, thanks to a new and improved diet and workout regimen.
Additionally, he's expected to take on a new role in the upcoming season as a 3-tech defensive lineman. It should allow him to thrive more as a pass-rusher, while also allowing the 6-foot-2, 330-pounder to continue to clog up running lanes.
Detroit certainly could use more consistent production out of McNeill, who recorded just one sack in a full season's worth of games a season ago. I believe the Lions will get just that out of the N.C. State product in 2023.
QB Jared Goff
Goff, in his second campaign with the Lions in 2022, experienced a career resurgence of sorts. The former No. 1 overall pick threw for 29 touchdowns – his most since throwing 32 with the Rams in 2018 – and recorded the second-best QBR of his career (61.1). He did all of this while earning Pro Bowl honors and guiding the Lions to their best record (9-8) and first winning season since 2017.
Now, all eyes will be on the veteran signal-caller to see what he will do for an encore in 2023. Being without Jameson Williams for the first six games of the season certainly won't help Goff and Detroit's passing game.
However, the Lions, via this past April's draft, did equip Goff with two new weapons: running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta. Gibbs is a multi-dimensional back who is more than capable of making an impact as a receiver. Meanwhile, LaPorta has the potential to grow into a solid No. 1 NFL tight end.
So once Williams returns from his suspension, I think Goff and the Lions' passing attack will be off to the races, and will be in store for another big season.
