Predicting Lions' All-Pro Candidates
The Detroit Lions have high expectations heading into 2023.
Not known to be a perennial contender, the organization is facing the reality of being favorites in the NFC North.
This high standard is warranted, though, as the Lions have plenty of talent on their roster. General manager Brad Holmes has a solid mix of drafted and outsourced talent at his disposal.
If the Lions are to live up to their expectations, they will be fueled by individual performances that will take them to the next level.
Here are five All-Pro candidates for the Detroit Lions in 2023.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
In his first season, St. Brown was a pleasant surprise who broke the organization's record for receiving yards by a rookie. In year two, he elevated his game even more.
The All-Pro threshold is one he can realistically cross in 2023. He will be a focal point of the offense, especially with fellow top target Jameson Williams suspended for the first six games.
He's established an exceptional rapport with quarterback Jared Goff. The USC product has a solid blend of toughness and reliability that makes him a top option.
The wide receiver position is full of talent, and St. Brown isn't among the most flashy. However, he should put up big numbers in Ben Johnson's offense, and Detroit's success could vault him into the league's top tier.
OT Penei Sewell
The centerpiece of Detroit's first draft class under Holmes, Sewell has wasted no time establishing himself among the league's best young tackles.
The Oregon product was among the most effective Lions in 2022, earning a 80.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade. That mark was second only to St. Brown.
Moving forward, he needs to show growth as a pass-blocker. With his ability to run block being among the league's best, development in pass protection would cement him at the top.
C Frank Ragnow
A two-time pro bowler, Ragnow seems to have been on the precipice of earning All-Pro honors. If not for bad injury luck the last two seasons, he may have cracked the list by now.
He managed to miss only one game last season despite a nagging injury that held him out of practice most weeks. As long as he's healthy, he's among the best centers in football.
CB/S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The Lions committed to upgrading their secondary in free agency and came away with three solid players. The best among them is Gardner-Johnson, who is a takeaway artist.
After tying for the league lead in interceptions last season despite missing five games, a full season could mean big things for the newcomer.
Interceptions are king when it comes to deciding a defensive back's impact. Had he remained healthy in 2022, he likely would've been in the mix for earning All-Pro honors.
This season is a prove-it year for the former Philadelphia Eagle. Working with former position coach Aaron Glenn will give him familiarity, and that comfort could lead him to new heights.
P Jack Fox
In an ideal world, the Lions' offense would prevent Fox from earning these honors by not punting the football enough.
He is undoubtedly among the best in the league at his position. The fourth-year punter has a career average of 49 yards per attempt and has a knack for backing opponents inside their own 20-yard-line.
Detroit's offense aims to be among the league's best, which would negate his impact. However, one can't overlook the fact that the Lions have one of the NFL's top punters at their disposal whenever they have to call on him.
