2023 NFL Team Draft Page

A 1-1 record with a win over the Commanders may not leap off the page, but Lions Nation is feeling the spark and daring to dream of outperforming expectations. The running game is clicking, Dan Campbell has people running through walls and Jared Goff looks more like the playoff winner of his early years than the battered shell who got dealt to Detroit. But even if Goff plays well and the Lions' perpetual rebuild moves in a positive direction, they still need options that don't involve paying Goff $30 million-plus a year.

Kentucky's Will Levis looks like a solid QB3 in this draft class, and he's a tough, quirky guy who figures to thrive under the tutelage of the Hulk Hogan of head coaches.

Just spoke with an NFL scout about #Kentucky QB Will Levis: "He showed me a lot tonight. His arm is big, even by NFL standards. Powerful athlete with a nasty streak I like. Florida has some dudes on their defensive line and his release is very fast."

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 11, 2022

He has a strong arm and enough running ability to create Roethlisberger-like headaches for defenses. A year of grooming would still leave the team in position to have an affordable starter for several years as their overall talent level rises.

Check out the Lions' full draft haul at the Lions Team Draft Page.

--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst

While the Lions' defense is clearly not as bad as it was last year, it still needs some work. As Year 2 of the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell era unfolds, the 35-PPG offense is clearly leading the team. A couple of highly drafted DTs are out with injuries that they should overcome, but there remains a shortage of top-level talent in the back seven. Linebacker is a need area that may be addressed via free agency, but CB Jeff Okudah needs a long-term running mate on the deep islands in Aaron Glenn's attacking defense.

Go up and get it @garrettismynam3 ??

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— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) September 4, 2022

Syracuse's Garrett Williams has strong press-coverage skills and is a solid tackler against the run. While his size and speed numbers do not overwhelm, he is a guy who just keeps making plays.

-- Jud Branam, Lions Analyst