2023 NFL Team Draft Page

After the Lions' lauded young Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson spurned head coaching opportunities and decided to spend another year in Detroit, it's all systems go on getting the defense tweaked up to match the surprisingly potent offense. And with five of the first 82 picks, the team is in position to overhaul the roster. While the Lions' top pick, #6 from the Rams, seems destined to fall just outside the impact-player zone, there will still be plenty of star talent available. And with needs on all three levels of the defense, the Lions can be flexible.

So with Jalen Carter and Will Anderson off the board, the Lions can shift back to the secondary to begin their shopping spree. After all, the Lions' coverage rating of 48.8 was the lowest in the entire NFL according to PFF.

Could Joey Porter Jr. be the first cornerback off the board?

???: @ryanwilsonCBS pic.twitter.com/55zLLYDyKn

— With the First Pick Podcast (@NFLDraftCBS) January 19, 2023

Enter Joey Porter Jr. An NFL legacy with longer arms than any NFL CB, Porter plays a physical style that suggests CB1 island in the near future. His impact on the Lions' roster would be immediate, getting the draft off to a great start.

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

--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst

The Lions' defense was atrocious in the early stages of the 2022 season, then it ticked up to slightly above average during the team's 8-2 run to a 9-8 finish. Nonetheless, Year 3 of the current rebuild is the perfect moment for defensive talent infusions at all three levels. The linebacking corps is a case in point. Led by veteran overachiever Alex Anzalone, the group has several try-hard guys and Malcolm Rodriguez, a great find in the sixth round last year. It has no stars.

#Clemson LB/S Trenton Simpson does it all for their defense. Assisting in the run game, short area zone coverages plus the ability to chase down the football.

All three are on display on consecutive plays.

pic.twitter.com/meOyBKjrk1

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) July 30, 2022

Clemson's Trenton Simpson would bring a new vibe. He exudes athletic talent at all times, from his outstanding zone coverage to his 4.4 40 speed at a lean 240 pounds to his knack for getting to the passer via the edge rush. He's likely the only first-round LB in this year's draft, so lots of teams will have their sights on him come Draft Day. He brings a versatility and speed upgrade that will have his new NFL bosses drawing up schemes long before training camp.

--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst