Grading the Detroit Lions' 2023 draft class: A pick-by-pick evaluation, including alternative options at each slot
Allen Park — Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft — general manager Brad Holmes’ third at the helm — the Detroit Lions were on a good track.
The franchise was coming off its first winning season in five years, having closed the previous campaign with five victories in the final six games. And a strong foundation had been laid through the past two drafts, with Holmes landing some key cogs in Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and Kerby Joseph his first two spins through the event.
Holding two first-round picks, including the No. 6 choice inherited from the Rams as the final piece from the Matthew Stafford trade two years earlier, Holmes was in position to take Detroit to new heights.
Here’s how the GM capitalized on that prime opportunity.
Round 1, Pick 12 — Running back Jahmyr Gibbs
Had cornerback Devon Witherspoon made it to the Lions at the team’s original No. 6 draft slot, this might have been a far different event. Instead, Seattle scooped up the versatile defensive back the pick ahead of them, spurring the Lions to trade down six spots, acquiring an early-second rounder and an additional fifth-round choice in the swap.
After passing up the opportunity to select Bijan Robinson at six, the Lions happily took Gibbs, the speedy dual-threat out of Alabama, at 12.
There likely would have been no regrets with Witherspoon or Robinson in Honolulu blue, but Gibbs has had a better start to his Pro career than both, racking up more than 5,000 yards from scrimmage and nearly 50 touchdowns through his first three seasons.
Only 24 years old, the three-time Pro Bowler is tracking toward a lucrative long-term extension that will keep him a featured piece in Detroit’s offense for years to come.
Alternative option: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez (No. 17)
Despite signing Cam Sutton to a multi-year contract in free agency a month earlier, the Lions still needed better talent at cornerback. Gonzalez has been awesome during his three seasons with the Patriots, holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating under 80.0 when targeted.
Grade: A+