Analysis

4/29/23

4 min read

Detroit Lions NFL Draft Grades 2023: Jahmyr Gibbs Adds Explosion

Jahmyr Gibbs

The 2023 NFL Draft is complete and the Detroit Lions made a total of eight picks, including six in the first three rounds.

The Lions, who narrowly missed earning a wild-card berth in 2022 and are primed to make noise in the NFC North in 2023, drafted players at eight different positions.

The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year's draft, and here's how the Lions fared:

Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft Grades

12. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

*From Houston

Wow. So much for the Lions not taking a running back in the first round. Jahmyr Gibbs (scouting report) is an explosive player with the ball in his hands, and the Lions must have a specific plan for him. However, they signed David Montgomery in free agency. At the time of this pick, they also had the since-traded D'Andre Swift. What this team needs is help on defense.

Grade: C+


18. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

The Lions continue to surprise everyone. They had premium draft capital, and they squander it on two non-premium positions. With that being said, Jack Campbell (scouting report) may be a solid starter with surprising athleticism for his size. He can be an imposing figure in passing lanes, stack in the hole against the run and track sideline to sideline. With his height, he can struggle to break down in space vs smaller quicker skill players.

Grade: D


34. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

*From Arizona

Detroit grabbed another offensive weapon in Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta (scouting report) after nabbing Jahmyr Gibbs in Round 1. LaPorta has good size and is a top-level route runner who will be solid in both the pass and run game. He still could add some strength, but he has toughness and works to finish plays. He should play and contribute early for the Lions.

Grade: B


45. Brian Branch, S, Alabama

*From Green Bay

Brian Branch (scouting report) is a talented player who can do a variety of different things on the field for the Lions. He is instinctive and versatile, showing the ability to line up at safety as well as over the slot. He did not have great testing numbers, he is a good football player.

Grade: A


68. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

*From Denver

This is a good spot for Hendon Hooker (scouting report) and a value pick for Detroit. They now have insurance behind Jared Goff and Hooker has time to fully recover from his injury before being pressed into action. Hooker has maturity, toughness and arm strength.

Grade: A


96. Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky

Brodric Martin (scouting report) is a big-bodied defensive tackle. He's a space eater who has length and can get his hands on people up front. The Lions made another move to solidify their run defense.

Grade: C


152. Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary

*From Arizona

Sorsdal was a two-year starter at William & Mary. He boasts 33-inch arms and ran 5.17 at his pro day. He lacks ideal length to play outside, but he graded out very well last season. He'll compete for a backup spot.

Grade: C-


219. Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina

*From Philadelphia via Minnesota

He’s got more build-up speed than explosion, and he is not a dynamic after-the-catch type, but he has many of the tools necessary to make it as an outside receiver. He's a good value on Day 3.

Grade: B


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