Roundtable: Expectations for James Houston in 2023
1.) If the Lions draft a tight end, who should they select?
Christian Booher: I'm a big fan of Darnell Washington. I think he brings a solid impact as both a receiver and a blocker.
He is a superb athlete, as evidenced by his performance at Georgia. Additionally, he showed extreme strength as a blocker during drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Vito Chirco: I'm going to go with Georgia's Darnell Washington. The big-bodied tight end is a highly proficient run-blocker, and is also more than adept as a pass-catcher. He'd be a great fit in the Lions' offense, which has placed a heavy emphasis on the run game since the beginning of Dan Campbell's tenure.
2.) What are your expectations for James Houston in 2023?
Booher: I have tempered expectations for him. Opponents have plenty of film on him now, and tackles will be ready for his finesse moves.
He's talented, though, and capable of making solid adjustments. I would expect growth from him as a player, but his production will likely be similar to what he brought last season. I'm expecting between seven and 10 sacks for him in his second year.
Chirco: Well, I don't think Houston will record eight sacks in his first seven games of the season, like he did a year ago. However, I still expect a productive campaign out of the second-year pro. I'm willing to predict that he produces seven sacks, to go along with double-digit tackles for loss and double-digit QB hits.
Detroit Lions EDGE James Houston
© Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
3.) What did you think of the Lions logo created by a fan on TikTok?
Booher: I think it looks great. It's awesome to see the creativity among Detroit's fanbase. The Lions seem due for an updated logo, so I'm excited to see whether it gets a look (should the organization decide to rebrand).
Chirco: I'm a fan of it. With the little success that the Lions have experienced in their first 89 years as a franchise, it might not hurt for the organization to look into modifying its logo. It could accompany the change in culture that the franchise has already undergone, which will hopefully lead to a winning product on the field in 2023.
It's time to write a new chapter in Lions history, and in my mind, the organization could do just that by not only being more competitive, but also by undergoing a branding makeover (which also incorporates a brand new, more modern-looking logo).
4.) If both are still on the board at No. 6, who should the Lions draft: Devon Witherspoon or Jalen Carter?
Booher: I think Devon Witherspoon is a perfect fit for Detroit's defensive system. He's a hard-hitting corner who has good coverage skills.
Carter is a talented interior defender, but I wouldn't advise the Lions to make the move. Witherspoon's skill and effort are evident on his tape, and I think he could be a difference-maker for Detroit's defense.
Chirco: At this present juncture, I have a strong feeling that the Lions are going to take Witherspoon at No. 6. I don't think that would be a horrible pick. However, if I were Brad Holmes and Detroit, I'd be hard-pressed not to select Carter, the best defender in this year's draft class not named Will Anderson.
Carter would be just what the doctor ordered for a Lions team that direly needs help along the interior of the defensive line. The Bulldogs product, standing in at 6-foot-3, 310 pounds, is an athletic specimen, and possesses a ton of raw, physical strength.
For Detroit, he'd be a starter from day one, and he'd make an immediate impact on the team's D-line.
If I were running the Lions, Carter would be my pick at No. 6 overall.
5.) What caught your attention the most from the assistant coaches who spoke this week?
Booher: I was impressed by Dre Bly's time at the podium. He appeared to be confident and well-thought, as he shared plenty of valuable insights.
I'm intrigued by what he brings to the secondary. As a former player and a former Lions defender, too, he has unique experiences to share with the players.
He'll be an excellent addition to the coaching staff, and I'm looking forward to seeing his impact with the Lions on the field.
Chirco: I did find it interesting how new Detroit cornerbacks coach Dre Bly, a former player for the Lions, came out and admitted that he's "a little jealous" of the new-look Lions.
However, I found even more intriguing what new Detroit tight ends coach Steve Heiden had to say. He placed a strong emphasis on the continued growth of tight ends Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra, all of whom stepped up in 2022 after the midseason trade of T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings. Those comments could serve as a smokescreen, or could truly indicate how little the organization is prioritizing the position going into this April's NFL Draft.
