2023 Detroit Lions Undrafted Free Agents

 

2023 Undrafted free agents

Adrian Martinez QB
College: Kansas State 10 games 118/184/1 1261 6td 111/627/10 rush

Nebraska 39 games 670/1055/30 8491 45 td 508/2301/35 rush
6/19/2928/45 Rush NFLPA/ HULA Bowl

Preseason: 9/18/0 76 10/4/0 rush
Pro Day: 6017 221 4.54 36"907 4.21

Contract: 3 years $753,333
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Age 23

Mohammad Ibrahim RB

Preseason: 4/9 rush

College: Minnesota 41 games 29 starts

867/4668/53 22/145/0 rec

Combine: 5076 203

Contract: 3 years $751,666

Hometown: Baltimore

Age 24

Chase Cota WR

Preseason: 9/111/0 Rec 1/28 pr

College: Oregon 12/9 36/497/3 rec 

UCLA 30 games 67/883/6 rec

Pro Day: 6030 201 4.51 10 37.5" 1006 6.86 4.14

Contract: 3 years $755,000

Hometown: Medford, OR

Age: 24

Keytaon Thompson WR

College: Virginia 29/22 138/1667/4 rec 

Mississippi State 20/2 1/8 rec 99/672/10 rush

Pro Day: 6040 218 4.66 34.5" 1000 7.12 4.35 Hula Bowl

Contract: $751,166

Hometown: New Orleans

Age: 25

Cut Prior to camp

Dylan Drummond WR

Preseason: 9/87 rec 1/19 kr

College: EMU  52/36/ 183/2028/14 rec

Pro Day: 6003 194 4.62 11 33 909 6.86 4.33

Contract; 3 years $750,000

Hometown: Cleveland

Age: 23

Ryan Swoboda OT

College: Central Florida East West Shrine game

Virginia 43 games 25 starts

Pro Day: 6094 309 5.28 30 29" 904 7.64 4.69 34 5/8" arms

Contract; 3 years $753,333

Hometown: Clermont, FL

Age: 25

Connor Galvin OG

College: Baylor 58 games 50 starts Captain East West Shrine game

Combine/Pro Day: 6065 293 5.48 29 30.5" 808 8 4.92 32 1/2 arms

Contract; 3 years $755,000

Hometown: Katy, TX

Age: 23

Brad Cecil OC

College: South Florida  53 games 50 starts

Pro Day: 6031 294 5.49 24 29" 901 7.8 4.69 Hula Bowl

Contract; 3 years $750,833

Hometown: Jacksonville

age: 24

Cory Durden DT

Preseason: 9 tackles

College: NC State 25 games 21 starts 58 tackles

Florida State: 32 games 16 starts 68 tackles 7 sacks

Pro Day: 6040 290 5.17 1631" 902 7.56 4.8 NFLPA Bowl

Contract; 3 years $755,000

Hometown: Newberry, FL

Age: 24

Chris Smith DT

Preseason" 2 tackles 0.5 sack

College: Notre Dame 13 games 5 starts 17 tackles

Harvard 29 games 71 tackles

Pro Day:6012 302 5.08 37 31" 901 7.25 4.26

Contract; 3 years $750,833

Hometown: Detroit

Age: 24

Zach Morton DE

College: Akron 21 games 61 tackles 5.5 sacks 1 int

Pro Day: 6047 261 4.88 23 35.5"  1001 7.07 4.47

Contract; 3 years $751,666

Hometown: Detroit

Age: 24

Cut during camp

Trevor Nowatzke LB

Preseason: 10 tackles 1 PD

College: Saginaw Valley State 44 games 232 tackles 5.5 sacks 5 int

Pro Day: 6024 237 4.5 25 34.5" 1002 6.75 4.2 Tropical Bowl

Contract; 3 years $750,000

Hometown: Canton

Age: 25

Starling Thomas CB 

Preseason: 5 tackles 2/66 KR

College: UAB 51 games 40 starts 108 tackles 3 int East West Shrine Game

Pro Day: 5101 190 4.38 14 37.5" 1005 7.29 4.36

Contract; 3 years $756,666

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Age 23

Steven Gilmore CB

Preseason: 10 tackles 6 PBU 2/24/1 Int

College: Marshall 61/41 games 200 tackles 2.5 sacks 9/124/1 int 

Pro Day: 5092 160 4.44 12 36.5 1004 Hula Bowl

Contract; 3 years $755,000

Hometown: Rock Hill, SC

Age: 24

Brandon Joseph S

Preseason: 8 tackles 1 int

College Notre Dame 10 games 30 tackles 1 int

Northwestern 22 games 129 tackles 6 int

Combine/Pro day 6003 202 4.62 4.69 17 34.5" 910 6.84 4.22

Contract; 3 years $755,000

Hometown: College Station TX

Age: 22

John Parker Romo K

2nd year in the NFL 1st in Detroit

FA 2023 (Brahamas) 

UDFA 2022 (Saints)

Preseason: 1/ FG 1/1 XP

XFL Stats: Brahamas 17/19 fg 

College Stats: Va Tech 37 games 18/22 FG 34/34 Xp

Tulsa 12 games 2/5 fg 17/18 xp

Central Arkansas 8 games 0/1 fg 

Contract; 1 years $750,000

Hometown: Peachtree City, Ga

Age: 26

Tryouts

Issac Darkangelo LB

College; Illinois 78 tackles 1 sack 1 fr

Northern Michigan 20 games 165 tackles

Pro day: 6003 227 4.6 23 31" 902 7.01 4.26

Contract; 3 years $750,000

Hometown: Brighton

Age 23

Darrius Shepherd WR

5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit

2023 FA (Battlehawks)

2018 UDFA (Packers)

NFL Stats: 14 games 6/47/0 rec 20/374 KR 

USFL: Generals 27/323/1 rec

XFL Battlehawks 10/10 games 48/519/6 rec 37/907 KR

College: North Dakota State 57/36 games 188/2841/20 rec 44/578/1 PR

Pro Day: 5104 186 4.61 14 35.5 1000 7.13 4.4

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO

Age: 28

Xavier Bell S

College: Portland State 22 starts 106 tackles 2 int 2 sack 12 pbu 1 ff

Arizona 22 games 1 start 21 tackles

Pro Day: 6012 194 4.59 20 38.5" 1010 7.69 4.69 

Hometown: Long Beach

Age: 24

Chris Bacon S

College: Bowling Green 13 starts 2/56/0 Int 84 tackles

Georgia State: 38/11 games 2/34/1 int 107 tackles 

Pro Day: 6000 189 4.81 18 34"1004 6.96 4.24

Hometown: Atlanta

Age 24

Da'Meak Brandon CB

College: Limestone  11 games 33 tackles 1 int 6 PBU

Rhode Island  9 games 3 tackles

Hometown: Cincinnati

Age 25

Jacorey Johns DE

College: Wake Forest 41/36 games 131 tackles 8.5 sacks

Pro Day: 6031 249 4.82 23 31.5" 908 7.07 4.56

Hometown: Cartersville, GA

Age: 23

Wyatt Ray DT

5th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit

2019 UDFA Browns

NFL Stats:23/2 games 20 tackles 2 sacks

Playoffs 2 games 

College: Boston College 49/16 games 114 tackles 17 sacks 1 int

Combine: 6032 257 4.83 25 34" 910 7.34 4.31

Hometown: Boca Raton, FL

Age: 27

Jullian Taylor DT

 6th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit 

2018 7th round pick (223) 49ers

NFL Stats: 12 games 16 tackles 1 FR 1PBU

College; Temple 17/8 games 49 tackles 1 sack

Pro day: 6044 294 4.94 29 31.5 906 7.32 4.77

Hometown: Glenside, Pa

Age: 28

David Vereen CB

2nd year in the NFL 1st in Detroit

2022 UDFA (Ravens) 

College; Newberry 38 games 110 tackles 5/64/1 int

Pro Day: 4092 188 4.5 12 36" 909 7.45 4.07

Hometown: Florence SC

Age: 26

2023 Detroit Lions Draft Picks

 

Round #1 Pick # 12

Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama

2023 1st round pick # 12

Preseason: 6/19/0 1/18 rec
College Stats: Alabama 12/11 games 151/926/7 rush 44/444/3 rec 12/254/0 KR

Georgia Tech 19/17 Games 232/1206/ 8 rush 59/768/5 rec 31/794/1 KR

Combine: 5091 199 4.36 33.5"

Hometown: Dalton. GA

Age: 21

Analysis:

Fast , smooth player. The best receiving back in college football.

Versatile player who split out 26% of the time. PFF graded at 92.6 in the pass game the highest for any back. 25 receptions of 15 + also led all backs. 

Round # 1 Pick 18

Jack Campbell LB Iowa

2023 1st Round Pick # 18

Preseason: 14 tackles 1 PBU

College Stats: Iowa 43 games 27 start 305 tackles 3 sacks 5 Int

Combine: 6045 249 4.65 37.5" 1008 6.74 4.24 10 1/4"  hand

Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA

Age: 23 

Analysis:

A great football player. A chess piece who can play all three downs. Good blitzer, great in coverage. 

PFF graded him 91.7 overall 2nd in college football with 92.9 pass grade ranking 1st. 2 year captain. Won the Campbell trophy as a the Academic Heisman. 

Round # 2 Pick #39

Sam LaPorta TE Iowa

2023 2nd Round Pick #39

Preseason: 1 game

College Stats: Iowa 46 games 32 starts 153/1786/5 rec

Combine: 6032 245 4.59 16 35" 1003 6.91 4.25 10 1/4 hand

Hometown: Highland, Ill

Age: 22

Analysis:

An explosive player as a move TE. Not a blocker, not a contested catch guy. He is excellent with the ball in his hand. 30 broken tackles on 111 catches. PFF had him 2nd in college football in YAC. Perfect weapon for the middle of the field.

Round # 2 Pick #45

Brian Branch

2023 2nd Round Pick (45)

Preseason: 3 tackles

College Stats: Alabama 40 games 23 starts 172 t 4 int

Combine: 5115 192 4.58 37.5" 1005 4.45

Hometown: Fayetteville, GA

Age 22

Analysis:

A great football player not a great athlete. The best tackling DB in college football according to PFF. Played 83% on his snaps in the slot. A really versatile player who was a steal in the 2nd round.

Round # 3 Pick #68

Hendon Hooker QB Tennessee

College Stats: 632/943/12 8974 80td 67%

518/2083/35 rush

Combine: 6032 221 10 1/2 Hand

Contract: 4 years $1,039,822

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Age: 25

Analysis:

Had a great 2022 at Tennessee. A tremendous deep ball thrower. A good athlete who can move and pick up first downs. PFF had him 93.5 Deep pass grade. Torn ACL in November it will be interesting how much he can be available this season.

Round # 3 Pick #96

Brodric Martin DT Western Kentucky

2023 3rd round pick # 96

Preseason: 3 tackles

College Stats: Western Kentucky 28/15 games 62 tackles 4 sacks

North Alabama 25/15 games 81 tackles 2 sacks

Pro Day: 6046 330 5.34 20 25" 804 8.16 4.91 35" arms East West Shrine Game

Contract: 4 years $964,739

Hometown: Tuscaloosa, AL

Age: 24

Analysis:

A surprising pick in the third round. An inconsistent player. Looks great and dominant some plays but long stretches of inactivity. Has good movement for a big guy but needs to be stronger. Role is a rotating interior NG. 10.1% pass rush win rate from PFF.  Played 532 snaps at NG. 

Round # 5 Pick #152

Colby Sorsdal 

2023 5th Round Pick #152

College Stats: William & Mary 46 starts

Pro Day: 6053 304    5.15 21 27.5" 904 7.76 4.7 10" hand 33" arms

Contract: 4 years $830,021

Hometown: Pittsburgh

Analysis:

Very experienced o-lineman. 46 starts mostly at right tackle. 1st team All-American. Part of the highly regarded group of lineman at the East/West Shrine Game. Likely will play guard in the NFL.

Round #7 Pick #219

Antoine Green WR North Carolina

Preseason: 7/151/1 rec 1/32 KR

College: North Carolina 48 games 24 Starts 90/1710/15 rec 

Combine: 6016 199 4.47 33.5" 1003 6.99 4.27

Contract: 4 years $ 779.190

Hometown: Rockledge, FL

Age: 24

Analysis:

5th year senior at UNC. Plays outside primarily. Good hands and tracking for the deep ball. Played at the East-West Shrine game. 

Detroit Lions 30 Visits scouting reports

 
Reported 30 visits to the Detroit Lions
QB

CJ Stroud Ohio State
6030 214 65.9% 41/6 td/int 22 years old
A player that is confusing to grade. He is a good athlete with ideal size and arm. Go touch on his passes. However, he never really looked to be a franchise QB. That changed in the Georgia game. He looked the ideal modern NFL QB. Do you believe his first two years or the Georgia game? 

Hendon Hooker Tennessee
6031 217 69.2% 27/2 td/int 25 years old
Good athlete with a great arm. Precision deep ball thrower. Will be a NFL QB in 3 years. The problem is Hooker  is coming off a torn ACL and will be 25 next season. Not ideal for developmental QB. I would not take him on the first two days of the draft.

Adrian Martinez Kansas State/Nebraska
6016 221 4.55 36" 907 4.21 23 years old
Excellent athlete with a lot ton of college experience. Has never been a accurate pocket passer in his time at college. Can move around and has the arm strength. I think he is undrafted free agent with a chance to stick as 3rd string developmental guy. 

Jake Haener Fresno State

5115 208 35" 906 7.01 24 years old

29 games starter and two time captain. MVP of the Senior Bowl. Lacks NFL size but is a pretty good athlete. Has toughness and leadership. Completed 72% of his passes in 2022. Could be a solid back up. 

Late day 3 pick

RB

Keaton Mitchell East Carolina
5077 179 4.37 38" 1006

Junior 463/3027/25 60/580/3 rec

Led the NCAA with runs over 15 yards and was 9th is forced tackles missed. PFF graded him at 89.1. Obviously not a fulltime back but as a 5-10 touch guy he has good value. Early day # 3 pick.

Kendre Miller TCU

5112 215 Junior

Pretty quick for a bigger back. Forced 70 missed tackles in 2022 according to PFF. Did not take part in the draft process because of injury. Averaged 6.2 yards per carry with 17 td in 2022. Doesn't turn 21 until June. Early day three pick. 

TE

Darnell Washington Georgia 

6065 264 4.64 21 31" 1002 4.08

A physical marvel who can be a upper echelon TE in the NFL. An excellent run blocker with upside as receiver. A good red zone piece. 2nd round.

OLINE

Steve Avila TCU

6031  332 5.21  28 29.5" 802 7.85 4.74

Senior Bowl

Road grader who can play Guard or Center. Started as rookie. Did not give a sack in 2022. 2nd round pick. Lions would be elated if the fell to him in the 2nd round. 

Jordan McFadden Clemson

6020 303 4.99 24 28.5" 7.7 4.81

East West Shrine Game

Good athlete. Needs time to develop. Mostly on his strength. Could start in two years at guard. 34"  arms. Day 3 pick

O'Cyrus Torrence Florida

6047 330 5.31 23 23.5" 805 8.09 4.81

Did not test that well at the combine but his tape was outstanding. He had a successful Senior Bowl game that showed his power. He is a Lions type of guy. 

Darnell Wright Tennessee

6051 333 5.01 29" 906 4.72

A great Senior Bowl as well as a good showing vs. Alabama vaulted this guy into a top 20 pick. I would not be mad if the Lions took him at # 18. He did not give a sack in 2022 in the SEC.

Atonio Mafi UCLA

6026 338 21 reps East West Shrine Game

Powerful player who impressed at the EAST/WEST game. Has the size to play that right guard. I see him as a n early day 3 guy. Probably needs a year to develop. 

Chandler Zavala NC State

6034 322 5.23 30 32" 807 7.58 4.7 East West Shrine Game

Another big dude at right guard. Tested well and his stock rose. Probably will have to use a 3rd round pick to get him.

DLine

Will Anderson DE Alabama
6036 253 4.6 Junior
Elite traits for a edge rusher. First step and bend are sensational. 31 sacks in three years.  Tough against the run as well. My # 2 overall player.

Jalen Carter DT Georgia
6030 314 Junior
The best player in the draft and its not even close. Will Holmes trust him to love football? It does not look like the Lions will take at #6.

Karl Brooks DT Bowling Green

6033 296 5.09 28 26.5" 809 7.63 5 Senior Bowl

Made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl. Won a number of the one on ones during the week. Not invited to the combine and had a average pro day. A plus pass rusher and little undersized at DT. Probably a need 3rd round pick to get him. 

Siaki Ika Baylor

6032 335 5.39 7.8 4.99

A true NG. An immovable object vs, the run. Would be a upgrade inside for the Lions. 3rd round pick

DesJuan Johnson Toledo

6020 285 5.04 24 29" 900 8.03 4.5 East West Shrine Game

Undersized productive MAC player. Good showing at the Shrine Game helped his stock. Could earn a spot as rotational 3 technique. Early day 3 grade.

BJ Thompson Stephen F. Austin
6053 243 4.61 13 37.5 1005 7.06 4.46  East West Shrine Game
Speed rusher with a lightening first step. Long arms to match. Needs to a get a ton stronger but in passing situations he can beat tackles. Gets on the field as pas rush specialist and special teams player. Early day 3 pick. 

LB 

Drew Sanders Arkansas
6041 235 4.66 37" 910 7.18 4.38
Junior
Former DE at Alabama, moved to LB at Arkansas. Great range and mobility. Can do anything in a scheme. A plus pass rusher. 11 sacks in 2022. Must improve as a tackler in the open field. 2nd round pick. 

CB

Emmanuel Forbes Mississippi State

6006 166 4.35 38" 1007 Junior

One of the best ball skill players in the recent history of college football. 6 pick 6's. Great speed and anticipation. However, small and slight. I would have trouble drafting him in the first 2 rounds. Corners get hurt at high rate. 

Garrett Williams Syracuse

5100 192 19 reps Junior

Good college player who suffered an ACL injury last season. Below average size but very strong. Probably needs a redshirt year. Early day 3. 

Clark Phillips Utah

5092 184 4.51 18 33" 4.21

A really good player. I noted him each time I watched Utah play. Great instincts and toughness. 5'9" CB who run 4.51 have to play inside. I think he is a third round pick. 

Brian Branch Alabama

5116 190 4.58 14 37.5" 1005 4.45

One of the best defensive players in college football. Plays exclusively in the slot and he is great at it. Playmaker who stands out every time Alabama plays. Not a great athlete but excels at his position. 1st round pick.

Quan Martin Illinois

5110 194 4.46 15 44" 1101 Senior Bowl

Versatile player who might be the athlete in the Draft. Illinois had the best secondary in football last season. 3rd round pick. 

Safety

Daniel Scott Cal

6004 208 4.45 22 39.5 1008 6.75 4.17

Senior Bowl

Caught my eye at the Senior Bowl. Hung in there on the one on ones. Moves well for a guy his size. Early day # 3

2023 Detroit Lions Draft Preview QB and WR

 

QB

Young is the best QB in the draft. Has elite pocket sense and the ability to make plays out of the pocket. One of the best processors of information in recent drafts. Richardson is an incredible athlete with more skill given credit for. He is a work in progress, probably two years away. Stroud impressed me in the Georgia game. My question is where was that all of his career? I'm out on Levis. Hooker is a good player but he is going to 26 and coming off an ACL. Does not make sense for a developmental QB. 

Players I think fit with the Lions:

Clayton Tune Houston
6024 220 6.64 37.5"1002 6.89 4.25 23 years old
Senior Bowl 956/1497/41 11994 104 td 412/1248/ 15 rush
Under the radar player with 42 starts under his belt. Excellent athlete. Could be molded into a solid back up.

Aiden O'Connell Purdue
6030    213    25 years old
East West Shrine Game 826/1239/30 9219 65 td

Clone of Jared Goff. Good arm, accurate in the medium to short game. Can move the chains.
28 starts. 1401 career dropbacks.

WR

Overall not a strong group especially at the top. One first round grade. Hyatt is speed guy. Downs, Addison and Flowers are shifty slot types.   Mims is a field stretcher the Lions could use. Tillman is tough and fits the Lions mold. Reed would help with the return game and replace Leaf down the road. 

Players I like for the Lions:

Marvin Mims Oklahoma

5113 183    4.38 39.5" 1006 6.9 Junior

Lions need an outside receiver to stretch the field, Mims is good one. Physical for his size and nasty blocker. Ranked 3rd in deep yards according to PFF. 2nd round

Jonathan Mingo Ole Miss

6013 220 4.46 22 39.5" 1009 7.04 4.25 Senior Bowl

Height, Weight Speed guy. Stock has risen since the Senior Bowl. 2nd round pick.

Rashee Rice SMU

6004  204 4.51 41"1008 7.02    4.23 Senior Bowl

Good threat outside. Can win the contested ball. Just enough speed to take the top off. Ranked first in 2022 with deep catches with 18 according to PFF.  3rd round

Charlie Jones Purdue
5112 183 4.43 13 36.5 1004 6.84 4.15 149/2079/18 rec 77/622/1 pr
My favorite player in the draft. Ate Michigan's lunch, Penn State could not cover him. Catches everything. Better athlete than you think. Love this guy. Led the Power 5 with 21 contested catches in 2022. 

Ryan Miller Furman
6012 209 4.52 32" 1002 6.84 4.27
Hula Bowl NFLPA Bowl
Good possession receiver. Makes contested catches. 

2023 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Running Backs and Tight Ends

 

Running Backs

Strong group of running backs. Robinson is my # 3 overall player. Gibbs is 10-12 touch guy. Tucker, Miller and McBride did not test because of injuries and that makes the eval a little tougher.

Players I like for the Lions:

Chase Brown Illinois
5094 209 4.43 25 40" 1007
Senior Bowl 676/3558/18 58/521/3 rec
Pop on the Michigan tape. He was hard to handle for the Wolves. Shifty and strong. 935 yards after contact was 7th in the NCAA. 83 missed tackles tied for 3rd. Must improve ball security. 

Eric Gray Oklahoma
5094    207 4.63 14 37.5 910 7.25 4.18 
Senior Bowl 549/3089/1 99/827/5 rec
My man Masta P put me on to this guy. Hard to bring down, good moves in the open field. Excellent receiver. 727 yards after contact. PFF gave him 90.6 overall grade. 

Evan Hull Northwestern
5101 209 4.47 21 37 1003 6.9 4.22
Senior Bowl 488/2417/18 94/851/4 rec
Popped on the Ohio State tape, this guy was the whole offense for the cats. Strong with surprising speed. 

Chris Rodriguez Kentucky
5110 217 4.52    19     33" 906 4.31
Senior Bowl 592/3643/33 20/116/3 rec
Bowling ball. Would replace Jamaal perfectly.

Tyjae Spears Tulane
5095 201 4.54 18 39" 1005 7.27 4.32 
Senior Bowl 477/2910/31 48/564/3 rec
Unfortunately the word is out on this guy following a great USC game and Senior Bowl week. Probably have to use a 3rd round pick to get him.

Keaton Mitchell ECU

5077 179 4.37 38" 1006

Junior 463/3027/25 60/580/3 rec

Led the NCAA with runs over 15 yards and was 9th is forced tackles missed. PFF graded him at 89.1. Obviously not a fulltime back but as a 5-10 touch guy he has good value. Met with the Lions. 

Xazavian Valladay ASU

5113    204     4.46 2240" 1003 7 4.32

East West Shrine Game

Rally burst on the scene with a great Shrine Game. Explosive, ran hard. Backed it up with excellent pro day.

Tight Ends

Strong Group. Would not be mad with about 10-12 of them. Washington in the second round would be a good pick. LaPorta is underrated. Kincaid was given a full go on the health. Musgrave is a big fast guy who has yet to stay healthy. 

Players I like for the Lions:

Tucker Kraft South Dakota State

6050    254 4.69 23 34" 1002 7.08 4.29

In-line guy with enough speed and agility to be a tough cover. Starting TE in his career. 

Zack Kuntz ODU

6065 255 4.55 23 40" 1008 6.87 4.12

Obscene athlete. Worth a look in the third round.

Will Mallory Miami

6044  239 4.54 20 36.5 1001

Senior Bowl 115/1544/14 rec

More of a a move guy. Really good hands and can run after the catch. Not a blocker at all. 

2023 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Offensive Line

 

Interior Line

Typically, I look for guys under 4.5 in the 20 yard shuttle. Mauch. Steen. Gaines fit that bill. Both Mauch and Steen have tackle potential. Gaines is a early day 3 guy. Avila is power guy with good feet. Really stood out at the Senior Bowl.  Zavala and Mafi both visited the Lions. 

Players I like for the Lions:

Steve Avila TCU

6031  332 5.21  28 29.5" 802 7.85 4.74

Senior Bowl

Road grader who can play Guard or Center. Started as rookie. Did not give a sack in 2022. 

  

Nick Broeker Ole Miss

6042 305 5.27 23 7.75 4.7

Senior Bowl

May need a year to develop. Good feet. Showed well in the one on ones at Senior Bowl.

Sidy Sow EMU

6047 323 5.07 32" 902 7.62 4.69

NFLPA game

Big man with surprising quickness. Even played some tackle at the PA game.

Tyler Steen Alabama

6060 321 31 29.5" 901 7.78 4.5

Senior Bowl

The more I see of this guy the more I like. Probably needs a couple of years development but is a starter in the league. He probably will move to guard. 

Ricky Stromberg Arkansas

6031 306 5.26 32.5" 903 7.41 4.47

East West Shrine Game

Quick center who can play guard. Will dress on game days. Starter potential. 

Luke Wypler Ohio State

6030 303 5.14 29 30.5 810 7.64 4.53

Center who can play guard. Starter next year. Gave only 1 sack in almost 1,000 dropbacks. 

Nash Jensen North Dakota State

6040 322 5.31 33 27" 804 8.01 4.68 

NFLPA Game

Big, strong earth mover. Has surprising feet. Good pick on the third day.

Jon Gaines UCLA

6037 304 5.01 19 32.5 906 7.31 4.45

NFLPA Game

Excellent athlete with a great short shuttle. Need s to get stronger but will start down the road.

Jordan McFadden Clemson

6020 303 4.99 24 28.5" 7.7 4.81

East West Shrine Game

Good athlete. Needs time to develop. Could start in two years.

Tackle

Analysis

Johnson could play guard before sliding out to tackle. Wright was the star of the Senior Bowl and visited the Lions.  It gets pretty dicey after the first 5-6 or guys. Fisher is the real sleeper. Reid showed out at his pro day. 

Players I like for the Lions:

Jaelyn Duncan Maryland

6056 306 5.1 31.5" 905

Senior Bowl

Good length and movement. Stood out to at the Senior Bowl.

Nick Saldiveri ODU

6060 318 5.21 24 31 903 4.69

Senior Bowl

Big man with good feet. Should be a solid swing tackle with upside to start.

2023 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Defensive Line

 

Edge

Analysis:

Anderson is my # 2 player in the draft. Murphy has a good first step and high motor. Wilson is more of interior guy than edge guy. Harrison is sleeper. Long and strong. Great run defender. Van Ness is a one trick pony, pure bull rush. McGuire could be a guy in third round. Good depth throughout the draft, Some undersized speed rushers Herbig, McDonald, Ramirez and Young should interest the 3-4 teams.

Guys I Like for the Lions

Zach Harrison Ohio State
6054 269 25 34.5" 1003 7.33 4.64
Tremendous size. Great against the run. Has all the tools to be a solid pass rusher.  36" arms. 6 sacks in 2022. PFF had him with 14.4% Pass-rush win rate.

BJ Thompson Stephen F. Austin
6053 243 4.61 13 37.5 1005 7.06 4.46
 East West Shrine Game
Speed rusher with a lightening first step. Long arms to match. Needs to a get a ton stronger but in passing situations he can beat tackles. 

Tackles

Analysis

Carter is my # 1 player in the draft. White is strong but a little undersized. Bresee is risky prospect. Benton is my favorite guy in this class. Dexter and Pickens have potential but not the production. Ika is massive NG who visited the Lions. 

Players I like for the Lions:

Keenu Benton Wisconsin
6036 309 5.08 25 29.5 903 7.34 4.65
Senior Bowl
Excellent quickness and a plus pass rusher. 6 sacks and 49 pressures in 2022. People love this guys character. Had a very strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Four year starter at Wisconsin.

Zacch Pickens South Carolina
6035 291 4.89 22 30.5 908 7.45 4.62
Senior Bowl
Very quick first step. Has power to rush the passer. Needs to get stronger to hold up vs. the run. I liked him best out of the SEC DT at the Senior Bowl.

2023 NFL Draft Preview Detroit Lions Linebackers

 

Analysis:

I have similar grades on the top3 but they are all different type of players. Sanders is speed guy and a plus rusher. Campbell is a freak athlete with the tape to back it up. A true off the ball backer. Simpson is a speed guy who converted from safety.  Pappoe is explosive but small. Abdullah is an all-pro special teams guy. Good depth guys throughout this crop. 

Players I like for the Lions:

Drew Sanders Arkansas
6041 235 4.66 37" 910 7.18 4.38
Junior
Former DE at Alabama, moved to LB at Arkansas. Great range and mobility. Can do anything in a scheme. A plus pass rusher. 11 sacks in 2022. Must improve as a tackler in the open field. 

Dorian Williams Tulane
6006 228 4.49 35 1000
Senior Bowl
A great coverage linebacker. Can be used on special teams and the dime package. 

Darian Henley Washington State

6007 225 4.54 35" 1005

Senior Bowl

A sideline to sideline backer. He can play all three downs. Excellent on coverage. 

2023 NFL Draft Detroit Lions Preview Defensive Backs

 

Cornerbacks

Strong CB class. You can a starters on the first two days.

Deonte Banks Maryland

6002 197 4.35 42" 1104 

Junior 83 t 2 int

Tough and speedy man CB. Has the size and recovery ability to be a really good CB in the NFL.

Christian Gonzalez Oregon

6013 197 4.38 14 41 1101

Junior 128 t 4 int

Smooth mover, good size and can play in any scheme. My # 1 CB.

Kaleb Hayes BYU

5115 196 4.33 17 40" 1008 6.88 4.27

NFLPA Bowl 113 t

Good size and speed. Could be a sleeper early on day 3

Riley Moss Iowa

6003 193 4.45 39" 1007 6.9 4.15

Senior Bowl 43 games 158 tackles 11 int 3 td

Good size and speed. Loads of experience. Better athlete than given credit for.

Darius Rush South Carolina

6015 198 4.36 35" 1001

Senior Bowl 75 tackles 3int

Big time performance at the Senior Bowl. Backed it up a the combine. Has starter written all over him.

Terrell Smith Minnesota

6004 204 4.41 14 34" 1001 7 4.3

East West Shrine game

Size and speed. Game fast. Underrated.

Cody Trice Purdue

6026 206 4.47 17 35.5" 1100 6.7 4.06

Tremendous size and good feet. Sleeper who can start in the NFL.

Carrington Valentine Kentucky

6001 192 4.44 9 39" 1008 4.15

Sticky and competitive in coverage. Good defending the 50/50 ball. Wrap up tackler not a hitter. Needs to get stronger.

Safety

Safety

Nico Bolden Kent State

6032 209 4.44 1141" 1007 7.04 4.33

NFLPA Bowl

Workout warrior he brings the lumber. Floor is a top flight special teams player.

Sydney Brown Illinois

5100 211 4.47 23 40.5" 1010

Senior Bowl

Nickel backer who can cover just enough to be on the field. Great against the run and on special teams. 

Chamarri Conner Va Tech

6000 202 4.51 20 40.5" 1005 6.91 4.3

Senior Bowl

Versatile player. Physical player. Fits the Lions scheme

Art Green Houston

6010 198 4.36 36" 1002 7.01 4.26

Hula Bowl East West Shrine Game

Versatile player. Showed range at the Shrine Game. Comp L'Jarius Sneed.

Daniel Scott Cal

6004 208 4.45 22 39.5 1008 6.75 4.17

Senior Bowl

Caught my eye at the Senior Bowl. Hung in there on the one on ones. Moves well for a guy his size. 

2023 NFL Draft Defensive Line Prospects

 
Will Anderson DE Alabama
6036 253 4.6 Junior
Elite traits for a edge rusher. First step and bend are sensational. 31 sacks in three years.  Tough against the run as well. My # 2 overall player.

Myles Murphy DE Clemson
6050 268 4.52 25 31" 7.22 4.28 Junior
A true 4-3 end. Good first step and bend. Not elite. Tough against the run and plays with a strong motor. Gets confused on assignment. When he can just go he is a game wrecker. 20 sacks in the three years he played at Clemson. PFF had him at 17.8% pass-rush win rate. Top 10 pick.

Tyree Wilson DE/DT Texas Tech
6061 271 23 reps
Not a speed edge rusher. Extremely strong and powerful. Long arms and a good motor. He would play the Josh Paschal/John Cominsky position for the Lions. He graded with astounding 22.6% pass-rush win rate from PFF. Coming off a foot injury. Top 10 pick

Keion White DE/DT Georgia Tech
6046 281 4.79 30 34" 909 Senior Bowl
He and Wilson play the same way. Strength and power not with quickness. Little bend while at DE. Very strong and powerful. Probably will end up at playing mostly inside. 3-4 teams might like him at DE. 19.6% pass-rush win rate. Top 40

Lukas Van Ness DE/DT Iowa
6046 272 4.58 17 31" 910 7.02 4.32
He has one of the best bull rushes you will every see. It's his only move. Limited experience but élite tools. 18.8 % pass-rush win rate. More of projection than a proven commodity. Top 20 pick.

Tackles

Jalen Carter DT Georgia
6030 314 Junior
The best player in the draft and its not even close.

Bryan Breese DT Clemson

6054 298 4.86 28 29" 7.41 4.45 Junior
As a freshman he was one of the best players in the country. Torn e his ACL in his sophomore year and had a nightmare junior season. You can see the potential in flashes. The great quickness, the strength. Hopefully, he can get back to his full health and dominate. 

Ade Adebawore DT?DE Northwestern

6015 282 4.49 27 37.5" 1005 7.13 4.26 Senior Bowl

Dominates the Senior Bowl practices. Really made a name for himself. Crushed the combine. The question is where do you play him? For the Lions, he would play the closed end and drop down to tackle for pass rush. 

Gervon Dexter DT Florida

6055 318 4.88 24 31" 902 7.5 4.7 Junior

This guy  has grown on me. True 3 technique. Has strong arms and still quick at 318. More of a projection than a guy who wows you on tape.