2023 NFL Offseason: Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions (Last Year: 9-8)

2023 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
RB David Montgomery, WR Marvin Jones, G/C Graham Glasgow, DT Christian Covington, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, CB Cameron Sutton, CB Emmanuel Moseley, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, K Riley Patterson.
Early Draft Picks:
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, TE Sam LaPorta, S Brian Branch, QB Hendon Hooker, DT Brodric Martin, OT Colby Sorsdal. Lions Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB Jamaal Williams, RB D’Andre Swift, RB Justin Jackson, WR D.J. Chark, C/G Evan Brown, DE Austin Bryant, DT Michael Brockers, CB Jeff Okudah, CB Will Harris, CB Mike Hughes, S DeShon Elliott.

2023 Detroit Lions Offense:
It’s almost hard to believe, but the Lions have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. They averaged 26.6 points per game last year, scoring 30-plus on eight occasions. Considering that they were missing lots of personnel during the first half of the season, that output was extremely impressive.

It’s doubtful that anyone would have expected this from an offense quarterbacked by Jared Goff, but the former No. 1 overall pick has really found a home in Detroit. Goff threw for 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions last season, completing 65.1 percent of his passes in the process. Goff has had some low valleys at some points in his career, but he has proven that he can be successful when everything around him, especially the offensive line, is perfect.

As it so happens, the Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. They possess an elite tackle duo with Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker reprising their roles as the starters. Sewell, the No. 7 overall selection from the 2021 NFL Draft, performed as one of the best players at his position in the entire league.

The only hole on the blocking unit, and really the entire offense, is at right guard, which is occupied by Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Known as “Big V,” Vaitai missed all of 2022 because he underwent back surgery. It’s not clear if he’ll be able to play in 2023, but his presence should help. He’ll return to join a strong interior comprised of Jonah Jackson and Frank Ragnow. The latter is a terrific center.

Detroit will have three new play-makers for Goff to target in 2023. The first saw very brief action last year, but played an average of about a dozen snaps per game upon his return from a torn ACL. That would be Jameson Williams, the No. 12 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Williams is an explosive talent who can be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He’ll be serving a six-game suspension for gambling, but the important thing is that he’ll be available when the team attempts to make a playoff run late in the year. He’ll join Amon-Ra St. Brown to form a very formidable duo, as St. Brown is a receptions machine. Meanwhile, the second addition is tight end Sam LaPorta, chosen in the second round of April’s draft. LaPorta has reportedly been impressive in summer practices thus far.

The third addition to the offense was selected prior to LaPorta. That would be Jahmyr Gibbs, the 12th-overall pick. Gibbs has Jamaal Charles- and Alvin Kamara-type ability. He’ll be the electric player D’Andre Swift was supposed to be before Swift suffered all of his injuries. Gibbs will get most of the touches, though David Montgomery will likely be the goal-line hammer that Jamaal Williams was last year.

2023 Detroit Lions Defense:
The Lions couldn’t stop anyone in the first half of the season. They surrendered 38 points to the Eagles to start the year, then allowed 48 to Seattle three weeks later. Even the offensively challenged Patriots scored 29 against them the following Sunday. At one point, it appeared as though the Lions would set a record for futility regarding points allowed.

Then, something changed. From Weeks 1-8, Detroit allowed 32.1 points per game. Beginning in Week 9 until the end of the season, that figure plummeted to 20.2. What changed was that many of Detroit’s young players stepped up and began performing on a higher level. This includes Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Hutchinson enjoyed a monstrous rookie campaign, logging 9.5 sacks. He and Charles Harris, who missed most of the 2022 season, should be able to put plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Hutchinson wasn’t the only defensive lineman who stepped up his game in the second half of the season. Alim McNeill, playing in the interior, was able to harass quarterbacks effectively as well. McNeill was a third-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, so his future is bright. That said, the Lions don’t have much else at defensive tackle, so this is one weak point outside of McNeill. It’s not even clear who will be starting next to him.

Some young Lions thrived in the secondary as well, but Detroit still made it a priority to address this area during the offseason. The front office signed a trio of cornerbacks to help, with Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley joining the team. Sutton is a solid outside corner, while Moseley can play outside or in the slot. Given the current configuration, it seems as though Moseley will be outside with Sutton, as the third new Lion defensive back, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, will be in the slot. Gardner-Johnson is very versatile and can play anywhere in the secondary, including safety.

Speaking of safety, Detroit obtained a fourth new defensive back via the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting Brian Branch in the second round. Branch easily could have been chosen in the opening frame without too many complaints, so the Lions secured a great value that Friday night. Branch figures to start next to either Tracy Walker, a talented safety who missed all but two games last year, or Kerby Joseph, a 2022 third-rounder who played well down the stretch of his rookie campaign.

The linebacking corps was the weak point of the entire team last year, with Alex Anzalone being the lone viable player at the position. That will not be the case this year, as Detroit used one of its two first-round picks on Jack Campbell, a plug-and-play defender with plenty of upside.

2023 Detroit Lions Schedule and Intangibles:
Michael Badgley kicked well for the Lions last year, going 20-of-24, including 2-of-3 from 50-plus. He didn’t miss a single extra point. He’ll be in competition with Riley Patterson, who was acquired for a seventh-round pick.

Punter Jack Fox was second in net punting average in 2020 and fifth in 2021, but fell to 18th last year.

The Lions battle two playoff teams to begin the year (Chiefs, Seahawks), but things get much easier after that. Some of Detroit’s easy opponents include the Panthers, Buccaneers, Raiders, and Saints. That said, they also have to take on the Cowboys, Chargers, and Ravens.

2023 Detroit Lions Rookies:
Go here for the Lions Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2023 Detroit Lions Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2023 Detroit Lions Analysis: The Lions were the dark-horse playoff team on this Web site last year. Thanks to plenty of injuries, they began the season with a 1-6 record, but rallied with an 8-2 finish, losing only to the Bills and Panthers. During that stretch, they beat a trio of playoff teams – Giants, Jaguars, Vikings – by double digits. The 8-2 finish was a sign of things to come for the Lions, who did a good job of improving their roster this offseason. They should now be considered one of the best teams in the NFC and a viable Super Bowl contender.

Projection: 12-5 (1st in NFC North)

2022 Projection: 11-6. 2022 Actual Result: 9-8.
2021 Projection: 1-16. 2021 Actual Result: 3-13-1.
2020 Projection: 5-11. 2020 Actual Result: 5-11.
2019 Projection: 5-11. 2019 Actual Result: 3-12-1.
2018 Projection: 8-8. 2018 Actual Result: 6-10.
2017 Projection: 7-9. 2017 Actual Result: 9-7.
2016 Projection: 4-12. 2016 Actual Result: 10-6.

NFL Draft Team Grade: A- Grade

Goals Entering the 2023 NFL Draft: The Lions have the tools to make a Super Bowl run this year, so they need to acquire players who can help them win this year. This includes an elite running back, a talented cornerback, and an upgrade at linebacker. Going with the best player available in early rounds makes the most sense.

2023 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Detroit’s draft class was panned by clueless members of the media, but I thought Brad Holmes did a terrific job of navigating through the 2023 NFL Draft. The Lions were set on Devon Witherspoon at No. 6, but after the Seahawks unexpectedly drafted him, Holmes did a good job of moving down to No. 12. The Lions then shocked everyone who doesn’t read WalterFootball.com by selecting Jahmyr Gibbs. While this was seen as a reach, Gibbs was projected as a top-five prospect in this class by several teams, as he possesses Jamaal Charles- and Alvin Kamara-type upside. The Jets would have drafted Gibbs if the top four tackles were off the board, which turned out to be the case.

I think the Lions went a bit early on Jack Campbell, but then again, the Iowa linebacker had suitors in the 20s, as Charlie Campbell reported that the Giants had interest in Campbell if the top four receivers were gone, which was also the case. It would have been ideal had the Lions traded down a few spots and then gotten Campbell, but Detroit traded plenty of times on Day 2, acquiring numerous extra resources in the process. As for the actual picks, they obtained a talented tight end (Sam LaPorta), a gifted, versatile defensive back (Brian Branch), and a quarterback of the future (Hendon Hooker). The three picks scored “B,” A+ and A+. Branch and Hooker were absolute steals.

I didn’t like a couple of picks the Lions made in the late rounds, but that won’t hurt their overall score very much. The draft didn’t quite fall Detroit’s way, but Holmes still acquired talented prospects and extra picks with some timely trades.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

12. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama – A- Grade
I think the Lions could have gotten Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 18, but you never know. Thus, I don’t hate this value, especially because Detroit moved down in the first place. Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, so Gibbs will help the Lions win the Super Bowl. Yes, the Super Bowl. Unlike the Falcons, the Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, so I really like this selection.

18. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa – B- Grade
I had Jack Campbell going to the Lions in the second round. However, this is not like the Will McDonald selection because I’ve had Campbell going in the 20s on occasion, as we knew there was some interest from teams in that range. Campbell will also fill a huge need for Detroit. Still, I wish the Lions would have traded down for Campbell.

34. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa – B Grade
Iowa tight ends have worked well for the Lions before, so why not draft another one? I think Michael Mayer would have been the better pick, but LaPorta is a dynamic receiving threat who will make the offensive even more explosive.

45. Brian Branch, S, Alabama – A+ Grade
Brian Branch’s fall finally ends. He should have been taken off the board 20 picks ago, so I can’t blame the Lions for leaping up 10 spots to select him. Branch is a very versatile defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary, so he’ll be a great fit for a secondary that needed one more piece. This is a great value selection, so I’m willing to give it an A+.

68. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee – A+ Grade
I absolutely love this pick. Hendon Hooker is a quarterback I had rated above Will Levis, who went way earlier than this. He’s an athletic player with great passing ability, but he fell because he’s a 26-year-old coming off a torn ACL. However, he doesn’t need to play right away. The Lions can develop him and have him as the starter down the road.

96. Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky – D Grade
I don’t get why the Lions surrendered resources to move up for Brodric Martin, whom I had in the middle of the third day. Detroit wanted a defensive tackle – Gervon Dexter was an option in the second round – but Martin is a reach. I love Detroit’s draft, but not this pick.

152. Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary – C+ Grade
This is a bit early for Colby Sorsdal, whom I never had in my mocks. However, Sorsdal was a solid right tackle and a team captain. He could provide good depth on the offensive line.

219. Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina – B- Grade
Antoine Green was an inconsistent player at North Carolina. He has some deep speed ability, but he’ll need to be a more consistent player to make it in the pros.

Season Summary:
The Lions had so much bad luck to begin the 2022 season, as fluky losses and injuries buried them in a 1-6 hole. To their credit, they fought to the very end to finish 9-8, falling just shy of the playoffs.

Offseason Moves:

Lions sign DT Christian Covington

Lions sign WR Marvin Jones

Lions sign LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Lions sign S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

Lions sign G/C Graham Glasgow

Lions sign RB David Montgomery

Lions sign CB Emmanuel Moseley

Lions sign CB Cameron Sutton

Team Needs:

Two Linebackers: The Lions had one of the worst linebacking corps in the NFL last year, and things will only get worse if free agent-to-be Alex Anzalone isn’t replaced. Re-signed Alex Anzalone
Cornerback: Detroit had weak cornerback play as well. This is a position that can easily be addressed with one of the two first-round picks. Signed Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley
Defensive Tackle: Upgrades to the defensive line are also needed. Someone better should be acquired to start next to the emerging Alim McNeill. Signed Christian Covington
Defensive End: Aidan Hutchinson was incredible during his rookie campaign, but the Lions need a much better bookend for him.
Tight End: T.J. Hockenson was traded, so Detroit will need to find a talented player to replace him.
Quarterback: The Lions may want to find a young quarterback to groom behind Jared Goff.
Safety: DeShon Elliott is an important free agent who must be re-signed or replaced. Signed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Running Back: Jamaal Williams is an impending free agent, so Detroit will have to find someone else to pair with D’Andre Swift if he leaves. Signed David Montgomery
Kicker: Michael Badgley kicked well for the Lions last year, but he’s set to hit free agency. Re-signed Michael Badgley

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2023 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S/CB, Eagles. Age: 25.
Signed with Lions

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is a talented and very versatile player, fully capable of playing anywhere in the secondary.
Cameron Sutton, CB, Steelers. Age: 28.
Signed with Lions (3 years, $33 million)

Cameron Sutton is coming off an excellent year despite not having T.J. Watt assisting him by rushing the passer for half the season.
Emmanuel Moseley, CB, 49ers. Age: 27.
Signed with Lions (1 year, $6 million)

Emmanuel Moseley is a quality slot cornerback, though he tore his ACL in early October.
Graham Glasgow, C/G, Broncos. Age: 31.
Signed with Lions (1 year)

Graham Glasgow is a mediocre blocker, but he’s a versatile player who can start at guard and center.
David Montgomery, RB, Bears. Age: 26.
Signed with Lions (3 years, $18 million)

David Montgomery is a known name, but he’s also an overrated plodder. He has been getting phased out of the offense in favor of Khalil Herbert.
Marvin Jones, WR, Jaguars. Age: 33. — Signed with Lions
Christian Covington, DT, Chargers. Age: 29. — Signed with Lions
Germain Ifedi, OT, Falcons. Age: 29. — Signed with Lions

Detroit Lions Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

DeShon Elliott, S, Lions. Age: 26.
Signed with Dolphins

DeShon Elliott is quality safety who was a nice addition for Detroit’s secondary. The downside is his dubious injury history.
Michael Badgley, K, Lions. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Lions

Michael “Money” Badgley did well last year, hitting 24-of-28, including 2-of-3 from 50-plus.
Jamaal Williams, RB, Lions. Age: 28.
Signed with Saints (3 years, $12 million)

Jamaal Williams led the NFL in touchdowns last year. He’s a great goal-line back, but he’s just above average as a runner overall.
D.J. Chark, WR, Lions. Age: 26.
Signed with Panthers

D.J. Chark caught only 30 passes last year, but played in only 11 games. Chark has proven in the past that he can be a viable No. 1, though he’s much better as a No. 2.
Evan Brown, G/C, Lions. Age: 26.
Signed with Seahawks

Evan Brown did very well last year while filling in for injured starting offensive linemen. He performed well at both center and guard.
Alex Anzalone, LB, Lions. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Lions (3 years)

Alex Anzalone is a well-rounded linebacker with no strengths, but no weaknesses either.
John Cominsky, DE, Lions. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Lions (2 years, $8.5 million)
Will Harris, CB, Lions. Age: 27.
Mike Hughes, CB, Lions. Age: 26. — Signed with Falcons
Justin Jackson, RB, Lions. Age: 27.
Austin Bryant, DE, Lions. Age: 26. — Signed with 49ers
Michael Brockers, DT, Lions. Age: 32.
Dan Skipper, OT, Lions. Age: 28.
C.J. Moore, S, Lions. Age: 27.
Amani Oruwariye, CB, Lions. Age: 27. — Signed with Giants
Chris Board, LB, Lions. Age: 28. — Signed with Patriots (2 years)
Benito Jones, DT, Lions. Age: 25.
Josh Woods, LB, Lions. Age: 27. — Signed with Cardinals
Nate Sudfeld, QB, Lions. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Lions