Detroit Lions draft picks 2023: Round-by-round selections

nate davis and jim reineking, usa today

Sat, Apr 29, 2023, 11:25 PM·3 min read

Here is a 2023 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Detroit Lions:

Round 1 (12, from Browns through Texans and Cardinals) — Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama: Often compared to Alvin Kamara, he brings an additional element to a crowded Detroit backfield that already includes D'Andre Swift and recently signed David Montgomery. Gibbs, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2022, averaged nearly 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 40 receptions over the past two seasons. Draft tracker

Round 1 (18) — Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa: Maybe the biggest surprise of the first round, but Detroit opts for the 6-5, 249-pound All-Big Ten performer to punch up a defense that surrendered the most yards in the league in 2022. Despite his size, Campbell should be a three-down backer, better in coverage than as a blitzer. Draft tracker

Round 2 (34, from Cardinals) — Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: The Lions effectively replace T.J. Hockenson, whom they traded last season, with another from the Hawkeyes' tight end factory. All-Big Ten last year, the 6-3, 245-pound LaPorta doesn't score much but had at least 50 receptions for at least 600 yards each of the past two seasons. Decent enough blocker. Draft tracker

Round 2 (45, from Packers) — Brian Branch, CB, Alabama: A 6-foot, 190-pound All-American who spends most of his time in the slot ... and could be biting the kneecaps of quarterbacks with blitzes from that post. Branch's 4.58 40 time at the combine might have cost him first-round status ... but he might also be Detroit's best pick of this draft. Could eventually settle in at safety. Draft tracker

Round 3 (68, from Broncos) — Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee: Juicy pick for Detroit, which as QB Jared Goff under contract for two more years. Hooker was on a Heisman track last season (69.6% completion rate, 3,135 yards, 27 TDs, 2 INTs in 2022) before suffering an ACL tear late in the season. His age (25) isn't ideal, but it does help explain his renowned maturity and leadership. And a redshirt year might be good for his knee and transition from the Vols offense to a pro style. Draft tracker

Round 3 (96, compensatory; from Cardinals) — Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky: A 6-5, 337-pounder who adds some serious power and gap control to a defense that ranked last in the NFL a year ago. Draft tracker

Round 5 (152) — Coby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary Draft tracker

Round 7 (219, from Texans through Vikings and Eagles) — Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina Draft tracker

Detroit Lions' last five top draft picks: