Detroit Lions draft pick reactions rounds 1-3

“With the 12th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Jahmyr Gibbs.”

Well, that was… unexpected to say the least. The Detroit Lions took star running back from Alabama Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick in this year’s draft after trading down from six with the Cardinals. This was a big shock considering we already had 2 pro bowl caliber running backs on their roster already. It’s also extremely rare for a running back to be drafted in the first round, especially if it’s a top-12 pick that will start his career as a rotational running back. I give this pick a C-.

“With the 18th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Jack Campbell .”

This is not what a lot of people expected. Campbell while at Iowa was a good player but was not a top prospect at his position. However, it is still a decent move considering how badly the Lions need a starting middle linebacker to anchor Detroit’s defense. This pick gets a B+ 

“With the 34th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Sam LaPorta”

Sam Laporta is an amazing tight-end prospect out of Iowa, but there were other better tight ends. Personally, I would’ve rather seen Micheal Mayer in a Lions Jersey but LaPorta is still a good prospect. He’s not the first Iowa tight end that the Lions have drafted in the past few years. In the 2019 NFL draft, the Lions picked tight end TJ Hockenson out of Iowa and he turned into a pro bowler. I give this a B+.

“With the 45th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Brian Branch ”

Detroit desperately needed a cornerback which was without a doubt the weakest part of their roster in 2022. Branch was viewed by some to be the best corner in the draft and for Detroit to pick him up in the second round is a steal in a lot of people’s minds including me. That gets an A. 

“With the 68th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Hendon Hooker” 

Hooker had an amazing season as the starting QB of Tennessee last year. The Lions need a backup QB and eventually need someone to replace Goff as he ages. I love the pick, but there is one big concern with Hooker, that being his age. He is 25 years old right now and at the end of his rookie contract, he will be 30. I give this a B+.

7th grader Sam McMann gave his opinions on this topic. “I think that the Lions reached on a lot of their picks. I would have liked to see us pick Christian Gonzalez at 12 then let Jahmyr Gibbs fall to us at 18. I would’ve liked us to take Micheal Mayer instead of Sam Laporta. I like the Brian Branch pick, and I think the Hendon Hooker pick is meh.

Let us know what you think about the Lions draft.