Ranking Detroit Lions' 2023 Draft Class
The Detroit Lions have finished another draft under general manager Brad Holmes.
As the team heads into the next phase of the offseason, it will look to indoctrinate the new talent on the roster into their offensive and defensive schemes.
The Lions added eight players through the NFL Draft, supplementing an active offseason that brought in multiple starting-caliber players.
Here is a ranking of the Lions' 2023 draft picks.
8.) Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary
The Lions are set at tackle with Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell anchoring the position for years to come. Decker is a veteran, so the pick could've been made with the idea of building depth.
There's also the chance that Sorsdal moves to the interior, with guard serving as a potential landing spot. The Lions signed Graham Glasgow, and opted to hold onto Halapoulivaati Vaitai, though, so it's hard to see what Sorsdal's future will be in Detroit.
At the very least, he'll be competing with the likes of Logan Stenberg and Kayode Awosika for a roster spot heading into 2023.
7.) Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
The Lions stunned the masses by trading back into the third round to select Martin. He was projected as a late-round pick by many.
Though his 6-foot-3, 334-pound frame profiles as solid for his position, there are questions about his overall athleticism.
If Martin can put everything together, he'll be a steal for the Lions. However, his film suggests there's more to be desired from a technique and production standpoint.
6.) Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina
Green, the Lions' final pick, was a productive player at North Carolina. He lacks top-end speed, but was able to contribute as a prototypical "X" receiver for the Tar Heels.
The Lions lost DJ Chark, and will be without Jameson Williams for six games due to a suspension. So, they'll need production at the position moving forward.
Time will tell if Green is able to fill the void, but the Lions seem to like what they've got. He showed some versatility in college, and could provide a reliable option for quarterback Jared Goff.
5.) Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Needing to replace T.J. Hockenson, the Lions turned to a fellow Iowa product in LaPorta. Though his numbers weren't eye-popping, he was the number one option on a struggling offense.
LaPorta will likely be the top receiving option at his position from the start of his career. He excelled in the screen game at Iowa, which Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has shown an affinity for.
LaPorta needs work as a run-blocker, but the Lions are getting a polished receiving threat in the Iowa alum.
4.) Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The Lions took a chance on a talented passer Friday night during the draft's third round. Hooker will have a minimal impact in his rookie year backing up Goff, but holds future potential.
Holmes admitted to appreciating Hooker's management of Tennessee's up-tempo style. Hooker also took great care of the ball, throwing just 12 interceptions over parts of five seasons.
His leadership qualities and exceptional passing talent made him appealing. Though he'll spend most of the 2023 season sidelined as a backup while rehabbing a torn ACL, there's promise for his future.
Saul Young, USA TODAY NETWORK
3.) Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Campbell profiles as an instant contributor on a Lions defense that needs more production at his position.
His athleticism is rare for a linebacker, as he's able to disrupt both the passing and run game. His length makes him dangerous against passers, while he's physical enough to stuff the run.
He will compete to start right away as an off-ball linebacker. The Lions re-signed Alex Anzalone to a three-year deal, but Campbell will be an important piece in Detroit's defense moving forward.
2.) Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
By drafting Gibbs, the Lions signaled their commitment to him. After trading D'Andre Swift, Gibbs' role is no longer in question. He will be an immediate impact player.
Johnson is as creative as any offensive coordinator, so expect the Lions to deploy the back in unique ways. He could be used as a slot receiver, in addition to his normal duties.
With Swift no longer in the fold, the Lions clearly have high expectations for Gibbs in his rookie year. He has the potential to be a dynamic player for the offense.
1.) Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Serving as the team's best pick in the draft, Branch has unique defensive versatility. He can play both corner and safety well.
He succeeded as a tackler with the Crimson Tide, recording a missed tackle percentage of just below two percent. The Lions badly need this consistency against the run.
Though C.J. Gardner-Johnson will start in a similar hybrid role, Branch offers valuable insurance. He makes the secondary much better, and will be a contributor right away in some capacity.
