This Is Who The Detroit Lions Got In The 2023 NFL Draft
After last year's season, Detroit Lions fans are excited about the future
A big part of that is who you get in the NFL Draft.
How Does The NFL Draft Work?
Here is a general overview of how the NFL Draft works:
- Eligibility: Players who have been out of high school for at least three years and have not yet played in the NFL are eligible for the draft.
- Draft Order: The draft order is determined by the previous season's results, with the worst-performing teams picking first and the Super Bowl champion picking last.
- Rounds: Each team has one pick in each of the seven rounds of the draft, with the order rotating in each round.
- Trading Picks: Teams can trade draft picks with other teams to move up or down in the draft order.
- Time Limit: Each team has a set amount of time to make their pick in each round. The time limit varies based on the round.
- Undrafted Free Agents: After the draft, teams can sign undrafted players as free agents.
This Is Who The Detroit Lions Got In The 2023 NFL Draft
Round 1 (12, from Browns through Texans and Cardinals) Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Jahmyr Gibbs is a running back who played for the University of Alabama. He was one of two Football Bowl Subdivision players with 900-plus rushing yards and 400-plus receiving yards in 2022, leading Alabama in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and receptions. Gibbs is known for his athleticism and explosiveness and is often compared to Saints running back Alvin Kamara.
Round 1 (18) Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Jack Campbell is a linebacker who played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a highly decorated college player, winning awards such as the Butkus Award for the nation's best linebacker and being named a consensus All-American. Campbell was rated as a 3-star recruit in high school and joined Iowa after being lightly recruited. He has impressive speed when coming downhill, which helps him plug gaps against the run and close on pass-catchers in zone coverage.
Round 2 (34, from Cardinals) Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Sam LaPorta is a tight end who played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. LaPorta is known for his ability to catch passes and convert first downs.
Round 2 (45, from Packers) Brian Branch, CB, Alabama
Brian Branch played safety at Alabama. He was a top prospect and a former four-star recruit out of Sandy Creek High School in Georgia. Branch played in all 15 games in his sophomore year, starting seven times and leading the team with nine pass breakups. He was a second-team Associated Press All-American as a junior, starting all 13 games. Branch is a versatile, intelligent player who has been asked to do a lot for Nick Saban's team. He is effective as a spot pass-rusher and playing down hill to fit the run.
Round 3 (68, from Broncos) Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Hendon Hooker was a quarterback who played for the University of Tennessee. He is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee but expects to be fully cleared for action by September 1st. Hooker transferred to Tennessee from Virginia Tech and threw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 24 games, including 22 starts over two seasons with the Vols.
Round 3 (96, compensatory; from Cardinals) Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
Brodric Martin is a defensive tackle who played for Western Kentucky University. He is 6-foot-5 and weighs 337 pounds. Martin previously played for North Alabama before transferring to Western Kentucky for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Round 5 (152) Coby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary
Coby Sorsdal is an offensive tackle who played for William & Mary. He started 46 games at right tackle and was team captain in 2022. He earned All-America First Team honors last season and helped William & Mary allow the fourth-fewest sacks in the league.
Round 7 (219, from Texans through Vikings and Eagles) Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina
Antoine Green is a wide receiver who played college football at the University of North Carolina. He is known for his impressive catches and has caught 90 passes for 1,710 yards and 15 touchdowns during his college career.