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The Detroit Lions certainly took some major steps forward in 2022, but they still ended up falling one win short of earning a berth in the 2022 NFL Playoffs. With that being said, if Detroit is going to take another step forward in 2023, they are going to have to place a focus on improving on the defensive side of the ball. When looking at the defense, the boys in Honolulu blue and silver need help on all three levels of the defense, but, in my opinion, their main focus should be the secondary. Look for the Lions to select at least one cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Why it Matters
When it comes to secondary, the Lions left a lot to be desired in 2022, and you can bet GM Brad Holmes will be doing whatever he can to add some chess pieces before the 2023 season. Holmes will have a few opportunities to add to the secondary during the upcoming offseason, including the following:
- Trade
- Free Agency
- 2023 NFL Draft
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5 CBs the Detroit Lions should consider in 2023 NFL Draft
I do expect Detroit to add a cornerback during free agency, but it may not be the “splash” type of player that many fans are hoping for. But, I do believe that Holmes will take a defensive back when they are on the clock with the No. 18 overall pick. Here are 5 CBs I think will be considered at No. 18.
- Christian Gonzalez – CB (Oregon)
- Joey Porter Jr. – CB (Penn State)
- Cam Smith – CB (South Carolina)
- Devon Witherspoon – CB (Illinois)
- Kelee Ringo – CB (Georgia)
Christian Gonzalez – CB (Oregon)
As I said, these are cornerbacks that I would like the Lions to select with the No. 18 overall pick. That being said, there are some who have mocked Gonzalez to Detroit at No. 6. Gonzalez has the size, length, and athletic ability that would fit perfectly in the Motor City. I would be pleasantly surprised if he drops to 18 but it is very possible.
Joey Porter Jr. – CB (Penn State)
Like Gonzalez, Porter Jr. has the size, length, and athletic ability that the Lions will covet, and, he is EXTREMELY aggressive. As we speak, I see Porter Jr. falling to No. 18, and if he does, Brad Holmes should not overthink it. He would be a Day 1 starter opposite Jeff Okudah.
Cam Smith – CB (South Carolina)
Cam Smith is not as big as Gonzalez or Porter Jr., but he does have good length, and he certainly brings an aggressive approach to the game. He has experience playing both on the inside and the outside at South Carolina, and the Lions would likely use him in the same way. When it comes to playing man or zone, I think Smith is better in a zone defense.
Devon Witherspoon – CB (Illinois)
A month ago, there were not too many people who were talking about Devon Witherspoon. But now, it seems like no matter where you look, he is being mentioned as a great fit for what Detroit is trying to do. In fact, I have seen Witherspoon mocked to the Lions at No. 6. Though I think that is a stretch, as he does not have great size, I would not be opposed to taking him at No. 18, as he is EXTREMELY physical.
Kelee Ringo – CB (Georgia)
Not too long ago, there were a lot of people that had Kelee Ringo out of Georgia as their No. 1 CB for the 2023 NFL Draft. Personally, I never really saw Ringo as the No. 1 guy, and he has recently started falling a bit on the experts’ draft boards. Ringo has great size for the NFL, and he is a physical player, but when I watch him on film, I just don’t know if he is a good enough athlete to be a “great” cornerback in the league.
