Detroit Lions NFL Draft picks 2023: Grades, fits and scouting reports (2024)

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The Detroit Lions finished the three-day NFL Draft with eight picks. They made two picks in each of the first, second and third rounds, plus one in Round 5 and Round 7.

The big news Saturday was the Lions’ trade of running back D’Andre Swift to the Eagles. Detroit moved up from No. 249 in the seventh round to 219 and also gained a 2025 fourth-round pick from Philadelphia in the trade.

Before that, though, the Lions started trading Thursday night by moving Nos. 6 and 81 to the Cardinals for Nos. 12, 34 and 168. They used pick No. 12 to select Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Later in the first round, they took Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18.

Round 2 kicked off with the Lions returning to the well at Iowa and drafting tight end Sam LaPorta at No. 34. Detroit then traded picks 48 and 159 to the Packers to move up to No. 45 and draft Alabama safety Brian Branch. Later, they traded Nos. 55 and 194 to the Chiefs for Nos. 63, 122 and 249. That didn’t hold for long, though: The Broncos then traded Nos. 68 and 139 to Detroit for Nos. 63 and 183.

With the 68th pick early in Round 3, the Lions selected Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. But they weren’t done for the night: Detroit also traded picks 122, 139 and 168 to the Cardinals to move up to No. 96 and select Western Kentucky defensive tackle Brodric Martin.

After trading Swift, the Lions used their first pick of Saturday (No. 152 in the fifth round) on offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal. Sorsdal was a five-year starter at William & Mary (46 total starts) and was named a consensus FCS All-American as a senior in 2022.

The Lions closed their 2023 draft by taking North Carolina wide receiver Antoine Green.

Read below for analysis of every Lions pick.

Round 1

No. 12 (via Cardinals): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

How he fits

In a first round already full of trades and a reshuffling the draft order, Gibbs going this early feels like the real shock of the night thus far. Still, Gibbs is a dynamic runner and receiver out of the backfield, with elite speed and shiftiness in the open field. Gibbs is an ideal candidate for outside zone runs and punishing linebackers and safeties with option routes — he’s a mismatch in empty sets, and we may see him align all across the field. His fit in Detroit’s offense will be interesting, though, with D’Andre Swift and David Montgomery already in the fold. Until we hear more from the Lions brass, it’s hard to know exactly what the long-term play is quite yet. With this pick, though, we can assume that Gibbs is projected to be the lead back, and the Lions are adding more instant speed. — Diante Lee

Dane Brugler’s analysis

A one-year starter at Alabama, Gibbs was the lead back in the Tide’s committee backfield in offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s balanced offense (responsible for only 33 percent of Alabama’s 2022 team carries). He led the team in rushing, receptions (his 44 catches were the second-most in a season by a running back in Alabama history) and kick-return yards in 2022, ranking top 15 in the FBS in all-purpose yards per game (135.7). Quick to press, sort and burst, Gibbs has sudden start/stop footwork to nimbly get in and out of his cuts and destroy pursuit angles with instantaneous acceleration. Not only does he have twitchy athletic gifts, but his understanding of football geometry and feel for blocking designs are very advanced, making him an offensive line’s best friend as a runner.

Colton Pouncy’s analysis

The Lions pulled off a major shocker in the first round, trading back from No. 6 and selecting Gibbs with the 12th pick. Gibbs, a productive player at both Georgia Tech and Alabama, is a dynamic talent with the ball in space and upgrades the RB room — but you certainly have to question the value of the pick. Gibbs ranked No. 22 on Dane Brugler’s top 300 list — and that was as a RB. Other players, like Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez and Iowa edge Lukas Van Ness, were on the board.

More from Pouncy: Lions draft Jahmyr Gibbs: RB pick was unexpected, but he’ll make immediate impact

Scott Dochterman’s grade: F

No. 18: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

How he fits

The shocks don’t stop, with Campbell landing at No. 18 despite little first-round heat on any linebacker coming into the night. There’s some logic in Detroit targeting him, as this defense struggled to keep offenses from running the ball between the tackles, and Campbell is the best linebacker prospect between the tackles. He has legitimate pop when he strikes blockers and tackles, diagnoses runs well and knows when to stay clean as opposed to taking blocks head-on. At 250 pounds, he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash and broad-jumped more than 10 feet, reflecting his burst and pursuit.

If Detroit stays as committed to playing man coverage as it did last year, Campbell will need to adjust his game. In zone, though, he’s adequate at playing throwing windows and breaking on the ball. The questions here will have more to do with where he was drafted than who he is as a player. He’ll likely be a net positive for the Lions defense. — Diante Lee

Dane Brugler’s analysis

A two-year starter at Iowa, Campbell was the Mike linebacker in defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s 4-3 base scheme. Head coach Kirk Ferentz wanted to move him to defensive end or center as a freshman because of his frame, but Campbell pushed to stay at linebacker and averaged 10 tackles in his 27 starts, and became the first Hawkeyes player to win the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker) and William V. Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman).

Fueled by his preparation and smarts, Campbell plays with impressive play speed and awareness vs. both the run and the pass, working relentlessly to maximize everything in his tool box. Though he has a keen eye for tendencies and a nose for the ball, he tends to wait instead of attacking downhill and struggles to quickly redirect/react when ball carriers or route runners put a move on him.

Colton Pouncy’s analysis

Another surprise pick. Campbell, the 2022 Dick Butkus Award winner, was the top defensive player on an Iowa defense that led the nation in yards per play allowed. Detroit was in need of another linebacker after running it back with veteran Alex Anzalone in free agency. Campbell is one of the better LBs in the class. However, again, positional value comes into play. Most identified Campbell as a second-round talent, especially as an off-ball linebacker. Detroit clearly thought otherwise.

More from Pouncy: Lions draft Jack Campbell: Athletic, passionate linebacker fits in and fills a void

Scott Dochterman’s grade: B

Round 2

No. 34 (via Cardinals): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

How he fits

LaPorta is the second tight end to come off the board, after Dalton Kincaid went to the Bills at No. 25, and Detroit adds another piece to an interesting 2023 draft. LaPorta took up a large target share in his college career, and he’s probably going to be used as the “move” TE in Ben Johnson’s offense. LaPorta has burst, sure hands and the speed to create separation and yards after the catch. Rare for an Iowa TE, there’s still some work to be done in the blocking game, but giving this offense another threat underneath and in the seams will help Detroit’s play-action game. — Diante Lee

Dane Brugler’s analysis

A four-year starter at Iowa, LaPorta was the featured target in offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s offense, evenly splitting his snaps between inline/backfield (49.4 percent) and slot/wide (50.6 percent). At a program known for producing NFL tight ends, he became just the second Hawkeye to be named the Big Ten’s Tight End of the Year and finished as the program’s all-time receptions leader (153) at the position. Although he is more quick than fast as a route runner, LaPorta makes himself available mid-route because of his lower-body quickness and athletic fluidity. As a blocker, his functional strength and consistency must improve, but Iowa asks its tight ends to do everything (LaPorta even took three snaps out of the wildcat) and scouts rave about his competitive demeanor.

Colton Pouncy’s analysis

When the Lions traded T.J. Hockenson, a former Iowa great at tight end, you had to figure they’d be in the market for a replacement this offseason. Turns out, they replaced him with LaPorta, another Iowa tight end. A jack-of-all-trades prospect, LaPorta has few weaknesses in his game. He has good short-area quickness, he’s tough and he isn’t afraid of contact. He was also a senior captain at Iowa, alongside new Lions teammate Jack Campbell. LaPorta might end up being a good player in this league, but it’s worth wondering if he would’ve been available later. And when you consider Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer was selected one spot after LaPorta, there’s a chance those two will continue to be linked.

More from Pouncy: Lions draft Sam LaPorta: Need proof the team values tight ends? Now you have it

Scott Dochterman’s grade: B-plus

No. 45 (via Packers): Brian Branch, S, Alabama

How he fits

This has been a very interesting draft for Brad Holmes and the Lions. After shocking everyone with Gibbs and Campbell in Round 1, Holmes surprised a few more by selecting LaPorta before trading up in the second for the top safety in this class and one of the best overall defenders. Branch, like Campbell, is good enough to start right now. Detroit signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason and already has Kerby Joseph, so Branch can rotate in nicely for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. He can also play CB. This feels like terrific value and a great fit. Weird path, but that’s four potential starters so far for Detroit. — Nick Baumgardner

Dane Brugler’s analysis

A three-year starter at Alabama, Branch played the “star” nickel position in head coach Nick Saban’s multiple scheme, lining up against the slot and playing in the box (the same role Minkah Fitzpatrick popularized). An extension of Saban on the field, the coaches gradually added to his plate, and he was always up to the task, finishing the 2022 season as the only FBS player with 90-plus tackles, 14-plus tackles for loss and at least two interceptions (only Alabama defender with multiple interceptions in 2022).

Equally athletic and physical, Branch has terrific short area quickness with the pattern recognition and run/pass anticipation to match up in a variety of ways. Though you wish he was bigger, his lack of size wasn’t a deterrent on tape, and he posted a high batting average as a tackler in college (an elite 2.3 percent missed tackle rate at Alabama).

Colton Pouncy’s analysis

Branch has always felt like a fit for the Lions. The question was where. When he wasn’t selected in the first, the Lions would’ve been a viable option for him at No. 34. Turns out, they were able to get him 11 picks later after a trade. The Alabama product is a smart, instinctive defensive back capable of playing safety or nickel at the next level. When you look at Detroit’s defense, Branch could be the long-term answer at nickel if the Lions don’t bring back Gardner-Johnson, who’s on a one-year deal. This is tremendous value for Detroit.

More from Pouncy: Lions draft Brian Branch: DB with ‘dog mentality’ finds his perfect team match

Scott Dochterman’s grade: A-plus

Round 3

No. 68 (via Broncos): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

How he fits

The top five QBs in this class are all finally off the board in the first 75 picks. Hooker was the likely Heisman Trophy winner in 2022, lighting up defenses with deep passes against one-on-one coverage, before suffering a torn ACL late in the year. Hooker stands tall in the pocket and keeps his eyes downfield, but he’s athletic enough to find hidden yardage when he pulls the ball down.

Hooker needs to take time in his development to learn how to work through an NFL progression and handle more unstable pockets. He doesn’t have elite arm talent, but he is accurate and avoids making reckless throws, so there’s enough of a baseline to build Hooker into something viable, even if there are doubts about his ceiling. — Diante Lee

Dane Brugler’s analysis

A two-year starter at Tennessee, Hooker thrived in head coach Josh Heupel’s offense, which is an offspring of Art Briles’ system (spacing and fast tempo to put defenses in conflict). After an inconsistent tenure at Virginia Tech, he reinvented himself in Knoxville (was the Heisman Trophy favorite at the time of his ACL injury late in the 2022 season) and finished his college career with 105 total touchdowns and 11,057 yards of total offense.

Hooker gets the ball out on time with a smooth delivery and does a great job moving the pocket (play-action, rollouts, boots) to change his launch point. With basic half-field and high-to-low reads, his college production and efficiency were aided by the Vols’ quarterback-friendly offense, so there is a learning curve awaiting him in the NFL.

"I think his upside is as a solid starter.”

“Toughness? Love it. Competitiveness? Love it. Smarts? I love it.”@Nate_Tice and @dpbrugler both feel good about Hendon Hooker's pro prospects, but they have some reservations as well. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/U6y6bE5bBY

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) April 29, 2023

Colton Pouncy’s analysis

The Lions have been open about targeting the quarterback position. It’s something Brad Holmes said as recently as his pre-draft meeting with local reporters. And when the dust settled, they came away with their guy. At Tennessee last season, Hooker was one of the best quarterbacks in college football before a torn ACL ended his season early. That has limited his offseason, but in this range, Hooker is a solid bet. Yes, he’s older at 25 and is coming off a knee injury. Yes, he played in an offense that was designed for QB success. But Hooker in the third round is the sort of pick that gives the Lions a high-level backup with starting upside — something they haven’t had in some time.

More from Pouncy: Lions draft Hendon Hooker: QB help for now, and perhaps a starter for the future

Scott Dochterman’s grade: A-plus

No. 96 (via Cardinals): Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky

How he fits

Martin fires out of his stance well for his size, and he’s a hard man to move when he has all his cleats in the ground. Martin can be even better when he gets into NFL shape and improves his hands and leverage on blocks. — Diante Lee

Dane Brugler’s analysis

Martin played his high school football a few miles away from the Alabama campus, going both ways as a tight end and defensive end. A no-star recruit, he landed at FCS-level North Alabama where he spent four years as a nose tackle. Prior to the 2021 season, he entered the transfer portal and was part of an impressive group of transfers to sign with WKU, including quarterback Bailey Zappe.

Martin showed improved confidence with each game and turned himself into a legitimate NFL prospect as a senior. Martin is a light-footed big man with a decent first step to attack the outside leverage of blockers and the lateral quickness to stack and defend multiple gaps. He generates easy power from his legs and his upper half, including violent hands, but his technique fades quickly.

Colton Pouncy’s analysis

The Lions were in need of a defensive tackle, and they got one in Martin. But this is another head-scratcher. Per Brugler, Martin was the 23rd-ranked defensive tackle, given a seventh-round grade. He projects as a developmental rotational nose tackle. Detroit took him the third round — trading three picks to select him. This one might require an explanation.

Scott Dochterman’s grade: D

Round 4

No picks

Round 5

No. 152: Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary

How he fits: Colton Pouncy’s analysis

A surprise move, as Sorsdal was No. 53 on The Athletic’s offensive tackle rankings. A 6-5, 305-pound lineman who moves well in space and plays with toughness, Sorsdal was getting some love as a potential Day 3 pick. That’s where the Lions ultimately selected him. They were in need of a young interior prospect, so maybe they view Sorsdal as a piece they can develop.

Round 6

No picks

Round 7

No. 219 (via Eagles): Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina

How he fits: Colton Pouncy’s analysis

In need of wide receiver depth, the Lions used their final pick of the draft on Green. At nearly 6-2, Green was clocked at a 4.47 40 and projects as an outside receiver who wins downfield, averaging 19.1 yards per reception his final two seasons. A solid bet for a potential vertical threat this late in the draft.

Dane Brugler’s analysis

A four-star recruit, Green had several high-profile offers and flipped from Florida State to North Carolina (over Georgia and Ohio State). He was lost on the depth chart until his final two years, when he emerged as a dangerous deep threat (averaged a touchdown every 6.6 catches and 19.1 yards per catch over junior and senior seasons).

Green is at his best on outside, vertical-based patterns, where he can get on top of corners and win down the field. He shows timing and strength as a catch-point finisher. Creating his own separation isn’t currently a strength to his game, though, especially as an underneath option. Overall, Green has the acceleration and tracking skills to adjust well vertically but will need to expand his route tree to bolster his chances of sticking on an NFL roster.

(Top photo of Jahmyr Gibbs: Todd Rosenberg / Getty Images)