With the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft fully in our rearview mirror, Detroit Lions fans can take a deep breath and look at the team’s first two picks with fresh eyes. We all know that draft grades may be low and that analysts may not agree, but nothing will be proven true until the season actually begins, and a taste of these players on the field occurs. One thing is for sure; Brad Holmes does not care at all about what the mock drafts say.
2023 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions First-Round Picks
With a crazy string of events occurring in the top five, including a Texans trade to draft back-to-back at two and three, Brad Holmes was sitting at six with Jalen Carter, a fan favorite, on the board. Instead, he elected to trade back to 12, taking the Arizona Cardinals’ 12th, 34th, and 168th picks in exchange for the 6th and 81st.
- With the 12th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs, running back, Alabama.
Jahmyr Gibbs (1) takes off upfield for a large gain. (Butch Dill/USA Today Sports).
A player who I personally love, Gibbs is considered a stretch to many, including himself. Gibbs notably believed he would be drafted in the mid-20s based on positional value; instead, he found himself coming to Detroit within the top 15. A fantastic running back who is very similar to Alvin Kamara and Chris Johnson, Gibbs is going to be an interesting fit in this offense. His unique ability to do…well, everything will make him exciting to watch in the creative Ben Johnson offense. I see Gibbs in a role similar to Deebo Samuel of the 49ers. He can be used as a running back, but his ability as a pass catcher allows him to be dominant as a slot receiver.
Again, I love the player and mocked him numerous times to Detroit, but not at 12. This really goes to show Brad Holmes’s priority on draft night. Get “our” guys. He doesn’t care about positional value; he just wants his players that fit his team. It’s respectable, for sure. Holmes said in his post-draft interview that he was told by other organizations that they were going after Gibbs right after Holmes got him. Gibbs can do it all, so my belief is that we will look at this pick during the season and say it was a steal.
- With the 18th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Jack Campbell, Linebacker, Iowa
Former Iowa Hawkeyes LB and new Detroit Lion, Jack Campbell (31). (Matthew Holst/Getty Images).
Once more, Brad Holmes truly said he doesn’t care about positional value, taking a linebacker in the first round. Now, I will say Campbell is a perfect fit in Detroit, and most fans wanted him to hear. They just thought he would be a second-rounder. In reality, there is nothing wrong with taking Campbell. He is the best true linebacker in this class and fills a big need for Detroit. He has amazing size, great feel in coverage, and is one of the few linebackers in the class that can get pushback on the defensive line when blitzing. Holmes and Campbell said he nailed his interview, too, that it would have been hard to pass on the kid.
So, if Campbell is such a great player, why are people so mad? Linebacker is often a position that will fall into the second round, similar to running back. Taking him at 18 when players such as Calijah Kancey were available at the largest position of need, defensive tackle was available can be an issue. What people are forgetting to consider is the sheer depth of this draft class. The Detroit Lions have an insane three picks within the second round, all before pick 60. Truly important when considering how strong the board still is.
Day Two Goals For the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft:
Brad Holmes has picks 34, 48, and 55 in his back pocket right now and a loaded draft board in front of him. The Lions still need to address three key positions, and luckily, there are some amazing players on the board for each, all in the Lions’ range of picks. At the cornerback position, magically, both Joey Porter Jr. and Brian Branch fell. These are both amazing defensive backs who fit the team super well. They would have to be snagged as early as possible in the second round though. If they elect to wait for a corner, Julius Brents is also a great choice at around the 55 mark.
Next, the defensive line must be addressed during this round. I understand Holmes believes growth was shown towards the end of last season, but that isn’t enough to make the playoffs. They must add. With Keeanu Benton, B.J. Ojulari, and Keion White all available, they will have plenty of chances to do so around 48 and 55. Benton would be my go-to here, as he is the best interior lineman left.
Finally, the guard position is still a need, but luckily this position is still stacked in the second round. With the 55th pick, the Detroit Lions should be able to grab Joe Tippmann, Cody Mauch, or John Michael-Schmitz, who can all be developed into dominant starting linemen of the future.
Lions fans, don’t be worried because Brad Holmes didn’t follow your mock draft. This class is loaded, and the Lions still got some great players in the first round. If Holmes selects any of the previously listed players in the second round, the confidence should skyrocket in Detroit.
