NFL Power Rankings: Lions Soar into Top 5
In this story:
Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, the latest round of power rankings has been released.
The Lions spent the majority of last season in the lower third of the power rankings, especially after starting Dan Campbell's second campaign with a 1-6 record.
In the latest polls, the team has gained a significant amount of credibility, coming in the top third of the majority of rankings.
Here is a look at the latest Lions power rankings.
Power ranking: 5th
The Detroit Lions have the pieces in place to crack the code in 2023. With a successful free-agency period that saw the defense add multiple defensive backs to the roster and with impactful role players returning like John Cominsky and Isaiah Buggs, there is no reason why the team cannot be among the favorites in the NFC North.
Power ranking: 9th
"After (Ben) Johnson led one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses, many believed he would be jetting out of Detroit. However, despite interviewing -- and being a top candidate -- for multiple head-coaching vacancies, the 36-year-old decided to stay in Detroit. The Lions' offense ranked fifth in the league in points scored with 26.6 per game, and Johnson's creative playcalling, coupled with his tight-knit relationship with quarterback Jared Goff, was a big reason behind that."
Power ranking: 13th
"The Lions looked to add veterans to their young team, especially on defense, signing cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley and safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Compare running backs Jamaal Williams and David Montgomery in the graphic below — Montgomery performed better than expected in terms of rushing yards; he will be a good fit for the Lions and may even be an upgrade."
Power ranking: 10th
"While I was disappointed the Lions lowballed Jamaal Williams, being able to hold on to Ben Johnson was the most important part of their offseason. Detroit added some serious glue to its secondary with the Chauncey Gardner-Johnson signing and brought in David Montgomery to cover the supplementary running back position. The Lions have been “on the rise” for two years now. It’s time to see what Dan Campbell can do when he starts the race at the front of the pack."
Power ranking: 10th
"The NFC North is there for the taking — something the Lions haven’t done since … 1993, MY GOD. Jared Goff will have to continue the hot streak that capped his 2022 comeback and re-established him as a viable starting quarterback. More importantly, a rebuilt defense — one that ranked 28th in overall DVOA last season — will have to make significant improvements around new additions Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and CJ Gardner-Johnson."
Power ranking: 10th
"Hope you have been introduced to the hottest team in the NFL – and by hot I mean the most popular. It’s the Detroit Lions!
Last year’s final-week playoff push fell just short, but the Lions understood where their roster was at. Addressing the defense in a big way in free agency (Cameron Sutton, Alex Anzalone, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley) was a statement for the rest of the NFL to watch out, because the Lions are trying again."
