Which Draft Pick Do The Detroit Lions Have In The 2023 NFL Draft?

January 17, 2023

Where are the Detroit Lions picking in the 2023 Draft? How many first-round picks do the Detroit Lions have? Read the 2023 NFL Draft outlook.

The Detroit Lions had a season of two halves in 2021. They started the year losing six of their first seven games, including two by 18 or more points. However, things changed in Week 9.

Detroit had an impressive win over the Green Bay Packers, forcing three Aaron Rodgers interceptions. The win kick-started the team’s winning streak, as the Lions won six of their next seven games. The lone loss during that span was to the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving, 28-25.

Unfortunately, a Week 16 loss to the Carolina Panthers cost the Lions a playoff berth. Had they won that game, Detroit would have made the playoffs following their Week 18 win over the Packers.

What Draft Picks Do The Detroit Lions Own?

For the first time since 2018, Detroit’s first-round pick is outside the top-10 selections. They have the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the Lions also have the sixth overall pick from the Los Angeles Rams as part of the Matthew Stafford trade from a few years ago.

Overall, the Lions have eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. In addition to their two first-round selections, Detroit has a pair of second-round picks. They also have a third-round pick, giving the team five picks in the top 82 selections.

Who Could The Detroit Lions Draft In The First Round?

With the sixth overall pick, the Lions could take a quarterback. Alabama’s Bryce Young won’t be available, but Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Kentucky’s Will Levis could be an option. However, Jared Goff is coming off one the best years of his career, throwing for 4,438 yards and 29 touchdowns compared to only seven interceptions.

Furthermore, three teams are picking ahead of Detroit could draft a quarterback: the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks. If the Lions don’t take a quarterback with the sixth pick, expect them to explore trade back options. They could also select an edge rusher like Tyree Wilson or Myles Murphy to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.

With the 18th overall pick, Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer would be an excellent addition. Detroit traded away T.J. Hockenson at the trade deadline, and they don't have a suitable replacement on the roster. The star tight end prospect was a force at Notre Dame.

Pairing Mayer with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams would give Goff three talented pass catchers for the next several years.

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