The Detroit Lions were one of the best stories of the 2022 season. After starting the season 1-6, the Lions went on a tear the rest of the season, winning eight out of their last 10 games. While a 9-8 record wasn’t enough for a playoff spot, things are certainly looking up in Detroit.
General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have done a wonderful job resetting the culture for the Lions. That is a franchise that players now want to be a part of after being in the cellar for so long.
This offseason has already been a strong one for the franchise. The Lions’ defense needed a lot of help in the secondary after an abysmal performance in 2022. They were aggressive in free agency, signing cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in addition to safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
All three players will vastly improve the team’s pass defense, which could get a boost in the 2023 NFL Draft as well. Courtesy of the Matthew Stafford trade two years ago, the Lions have two first-round picks this year; No. 6 from the Los Angeles Rams and theirs at No. 18.
Using one of those selections, likely the sixth pick, on a defender would make a lot of sense. The team has shored up the secondary, but adding another impact pass rusher to go along with Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston would be a good plan.
At No. 18, the Lions reportedly have their sights set on an offensive weapon. According to an NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network, Detroit will select Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer should he still be on the board.
“Honestly, if Michael Mayer is there, the Lions are likely going to take him. Things can change, but they’re absolutely in love with how he would fit in their offense.”
Mayer is the top-rated tight end in what is a deep, talented 2023 class. He was a big-time playmaker for the Fighting Irish during his time there, as he led the team in receptions, yardage and touchdowns in 2022. No one else was particularly close to the 67, 809 ad nine that Mayer recorded last season, as the next closest in each category was 30, 361 and three.
After trading T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2022 deadline, there is certainly a void at the tight end spot in Detroit. Mayer could step right into that spot in the starting lineup as he possesses good technique and size as a run blocker and is a proven pass catcher.
All of the tools needed to be a successful tight end in the NFL, Mayer possesses. He will be a good pro but with a little bit of polish and development, he could become an above-average player across the board.
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