Ranking Detroit Lions' 2023 NFL Draft Needs Post-League Meetings
The Detroit Lions are hoping to contend for the playoffs in 2023.
A strong finish to the 2022 season gave the organization both positive momentum and optimism, and a solid free-agency class has only amplified those feelings.
Still, the Lions have plenty of needs to address throughout the remainder of the offseason. The NFL Draft offers another opportunity to do so.
With the event set to commence less than a month from now, here is a ranking of the Lions’ draft needs heading into April.
11.) Kicker
Michael Badgley is back on a one-year contract, but that won’t mean the team is done making moves at the position. Expect Detroit to add another young kicker, potentially through the draft, to compete with the veteran in training camp.
10.) Safety
The Lions seem pretty set at the safety position heading into next season, after the signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Kerby Joseph emerged as a ball-hawk while filling in for the injured Tracy Walker III, and cemented himself as a key piece of the defense moving forward.
When Walker returns from his Achilles injury, he and Joseph will likely split the field. Gardner-Johnson will handle the nickel position, giving the Lions three solid playmakers at the back of their defense.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph
© Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
9.) Running back
It will be a new-look backfield for Detroit in 2023, as David Montgomery will replace Jamaal Williams. D’Andre Swift is back, though, and gives the Lions a solid tandem of backs.
Detroit’s newest running back is signed for three years, which gives the team some stability moving forward. Swift, however, is on the final year of his rookie deal. He’s struggled with durability throughout his career, so the Lions could benefit from adding more depth.
Should general manager Brad Holmes take a running back, the back will compete for the third spot with Craig Reynolds, who has been good when healthy as a reserve option.
8.) Quarterback
Jared Goff is set as the team’s starter under center heading into 2023. There’s no doubt about it. However, questions about his long-term future with the team will persist, as he heads into the final two years of his contract.
Holmes has made a point of addressing the backup quarterback position behind Goff. Though he brought back Nate Sudfeld in free agency, the team may not be done making moves at the position.
There’s a talented crop of quarterbacks at the top of draft, and one of the consensus top-four prospects could fall to them at No. 6 overall. Should that happen, it’ll be interesting to see what the organization decides to do.
Quarterback is not a pressing need, but the value of adding a young signal-caller on a rookie deal, and with a fifth-year option, is enticing. A top prospect falling could create an intriguing scenario for Detroit’s brass.
7.) Cornerback
Detroit added two corners in free agency, signing both Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley. Sutton, coming from Pittsburgh, is likely to be a starter right away, while Moseley’s status is more in question due to injuries.
Despite the additions, there are still questions about the position group’s overall depth. Jeff Okudah has been up and down since being drafted third overall in 2020, while Jerry Jacobs has shown flashes of ability in his two years.
The Lions will likely see some of the best talent at the position available via either of their first-round selections. Though the two free-agent signings decrease the overall need at this position, the Lions could certainly make a move to add top-tier young talent.
6.) EDGE
Holmes struck gold in drafting a pair of EDGE prospects last season, as both Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston emerged as young stars. Together, the pair totaled 17.5 sacks.
With Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris both returning to the team on slashed salaries, the Lions have some depth in the group. Still, the thought of adding even more young pass-rushing talent could be too much to pass up.
5. Linebacker
Alex Anzalone earned a three-year extension after a career year in 2022, seemingly cementing himself as the starter in the middle of the defense going forward. Malcolm Rodriguez was steady as a rookie, though he had moments where his young status showed.
Derrick Barnes is a key piece in this puzzle. The Lions have given him opportunities throughout his first two years, but he’s yet to establish himself as a reliable player. This insecurity creates a need that is rather big, given Rodriguez’s youth.
Detroit can get away with taking other players early, given the lack of a far-and-away top prospect at this position. But, the team must address the linebacker position within the first two days to feel good moving forward.
4.) Wide receiver
With DJ Chark’s departure, the Lions have a hole to fill at this position. Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown give them two young prospects to be excited about, but the depth is still lacking in some areas.
Josh Reynolds and the newly re-signed Marvin Jones Jr. will compete for a starting role, and Kalif Raymond had his best season as a pro last year. Reynolds and Jones are both older players, though, and the Lions have been committed to getting younger.
The Lions shocked everyone by trading up for Williams on draft night last year. Could something similar be in store this year?
3.) Tight end
Holmes and company have yet to make any significant moves at this position since trading away T.J. Hockenson at last season’s deadline. They leaned on the trio of Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell to fill his void last season.
Heading into draft night, the Lions will have an opportunity to add another piece to the puzzle at tight end. It might not be the first position addressed, but the Lions have a big need at tight end that will need to be shored up.
2.) Offensive line
Penei Sewell is already one of the best offensive tackles in football, and Frank Ragnow has continued to play at an All-Pro level at center. However, the Lions need to address depth on the interior.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai missed all of last year with an injury, so free- agent addition Graham Glasgow will compete with him to start at guard. Jonah Jackson, who has manned the left guard position since being drafted in 2020, will need to continue to prove himself.
Taylor Decker isn’t getting any younger at left tackle, either, so Detroit could look to add a backup for him. The Lions have been passionate about rebuilding in the trenches, so look for them to address the offensive line.
1. Defensive line
The biggest area of need for the Lions is their defensive line. The Lions struggled to stop opposing offenses on the ground, including being decimated by the Carolina Panthers’ rushing attack in a crushing Week 16 loss.
Isaiah Buggs and Alim McNeill, paired with John Cominsky, give the Lions a good core to build around. Detroit likes what it has in those players, but could benefit from adding another piece.
A young nose tackle could help Detroit’s run-stopping efforts. So, look for the Lions to make an attempt at securing that position in the draft.
