Lions 2023 Draft : Grades, Analysis, and Info

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Almost nobody liked Detroit Lions NFL draft first-round haul: 'I just don't get these two choices'


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This new thread relates to the following threads and the thread links in those discussions:

Round 1a: RB Jahmyr Gibbs ( Alabama ) : Pick # 12 ( 2023 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1774/round-jahmyr-gibbs-alabama-pick

Round 1b: LB Jack Campbell ( Iowa ) : Pick # 18 ( 2023 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1775/round-jack-campbell-iowa-pick

At least Pete Prisco liked (loved) the Jack Campbell selection at # 18.

Jack Campbell had more interception (5) than many, even most LBs had in college. Campbell also had 3 forced fumbles and 3 sacks with Iowa, in his 4 seasons with the Hawkeyes.

One thing in particular that I believe most critics of the Lions selecting Jahmyr Gibbs with Pick # 12 are either overlooking or not putting enough weight on is that Gibbs will be used as a Outside and Slot WR often.

Brad Holmes earned my benefit of the doubt after drafting Amon-Ra St. Brown in Round 4 of the 2021 Draft and Malcolm Rodriguez & James Houston in Round 6 of the 2022 Draft. While I plan on continuing to mention which options I prefer, I'm reluctant to criticize Holmes for decisions on players until seeing them in action over a sizable period of time.

[D6]

NFL draft 2023 grades: Eagles lead top team classes as Cowboys, Lions flop

25. Detroit Lions (C-)
Really mixed bag. Hard not to view LB Jack Campbell as anything but a reach, even if GM Brad Holmes might have been right to scoop up fellow first-round RB Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 given the general lack of depth in this draft. At No. 34, worth wondering if Sam LaPorta was the optimal tight end to take, though DB Brian Branch was a slam dunk 11 spots later. And can't argue with a third-round payout on QB Hendon Hooker, who's at least a year away from competing for Jared Goff's job. Fifth-round OL Colby Sorsdal out of William & Mary could provide a sweet ROI.

MOST QUESTIONABLE PICKS

www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2023/04/29/nfl-draft-2023-grades-cowboys-steelers-eagles-team/11764697002/

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This thread relates to the following thread:

Brad Holmes quotes/ info: 2023 season

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1734/brad-holmes-quotes-info-season

While at least one writer gave the Lions an excellent Post Draft Grade, Nate Davis' C- is much closer to the consensus grade I expect the Lions to receive.

[D6]

Longtime NFL GM Rick Spielman has harsh words for critics of Detroit's 2023 draft class

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Rick Spielman has a track record of draft impact players and players that developed into impact players sometime after their respective rookie seasons. While Rick Spielman did have some big misses as Vikings GM, his overall drafting performance was good. Spielman's high opinion of the Lions 2023 Draft, is a highly credible opinion.

[D6]

Jack Campbell and Brian Branch are top-10 candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year

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On the Top 10 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidate List that Lance Zierlein put together, the only player that wasn't drafted in Round 1, is Brian Branch.

[D6]

Lions front office honored with 'Best Draft Award' at NFL Scouting Combine

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Considering the positive impact of the Houston Texans and LA Rams drafts, that makes the award for the Brad Holmes led 2023 Lions Draft that much more meaningful.

In addition to Hendon Hooker, the Lions brass clearly has expectations for Brodric Martin, Colby Sorsdal, and Antoine Green to make major strides in their 2nd season with the Lions.