Here is a 2023 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Detroit Lions:
Round 1 (12, from Browns through Texans and Cardinals) — Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama: Often compared to Alvin Kamara, he brings an additional element to a crowded Detroit backfield that already includes D’Andre Swift and recently signed David Montgomery. Gibbs, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2022, averaged nearly 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 40 receptions over the past two seasons. Draft tracker
Round 1 (18) — Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa: Maybe the biggest surprise of the first round, but Detroit opts for the 6-5, 249-pound All-Big Ten performer to punch up a defense that surrendered the most yards in the league in 2022. Despite his size, Campbell should be a three-down backer, better in coverage than as a blitzer. Draft tracker
Round 2 (34, from Cardinals) — Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: The Lions effectively replaced TJ Hockenson, whom they traded last season, with another from the Hawkeyes’ tight end factory. All-Big Ten last year, the 6-3, 245-pound LaPorta doesn’t score much but had at least 50 receptions for at least 600 yards each of the past two seasons. Decent enough blocker. Draft tracker
Round 2 (45, from Packers) — Brian Branch, CB, Alabama: A 6-foot, 190-pound All-American who spends most of his time in the slot … and could be biting the kneecaps of quarterbacks with blitzes from that post. Branch’s 4.58 40 time at the combine may have cost him first-round status … but he may also be Detroit’s best pick of this draft. Could eventually settle in at safety. Draft tracker
Round 3 (68, from Broncos) — Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee: Juicy pick for Detroit, which as QB Jared Goff under contract for two more years. Hooker was on a Heisman track last season (69.6% completion rate, 3,135 yards, 27 TDs, 2 INTs in 2022) before suffering an ACL tear late in the season. His age (25) isn’t ideal, but it does help explain his renowned maturity and leadership. And a redshirt year might be good for his knee and transition from the Vols offense to a pro style. Draft tracker
Round 3 (96, compensatory; from Cardinals) — Brodrick Martin, DT, Western Kentucky Draft tracker
Round 5 (152)
Round 7 (249, from Chiefs)
Detroit Lions’ last five top draft picks:
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2022 (No. 2 overall): Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
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2021 (No. 7 overall): Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
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2020 (No. 3 overall): Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
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2019 (No. 8 overall): TJ Hockenson, TE, Iowa
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2018 (No. 20 overall): Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
2023 NFL draft: Team-by-team picks
AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lions picks in 2023 NFL draft: Round-by-round selections for Detroit