Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes mentioned he has become more comfortable in this year’s draft, which showed with the movement he made throughout the 2023 NFL Draft. He targeted players who fit well into Detroit’s culture and scheme and was not afraid to pull the trigger to ensure those players are in Honolulu blue.
With the several trades the Lions made, many draft picks exchanged hands throughout various other trades by the teams the Lions traded with originally. Below is a breakdown of the trades made by the Lions and who was selected with the affected draft picks.
Lions: 12th (RB Jahmyr Gibbs) 34th (TE Sam LaPorta) 168th (Traded to Cardinals) |
Cardinals: 6th (T Paris Johnson) 81st (Traded to Titans selected RB Tyjae Spears) |
Lions: 45th (DB Brian Branch) |
Packers: 48th (Traded to Buccaneers selected T Cody Mauch) 159th (WR Dontayvion Wicks) |
Lions: 63rd (Traded to Broncos) 122nd (Traded to Cardinals) 249th (Traded to Eagles) |
Chiefs: 55th (WR Rashee Rice) 194th (DT Keondre Coburn) |
Lions: 68th (QB Hendon Hooker) 139th (Traded to Cardinals) |
Broncos: 63rd (WR Marvin Mims) 183rd (S JL Skinner) |
Lions: 96th (NT Brodric Martin) |
Cardinals: 122nd (G Jon Gaines) 139th (QB Clayton Tune) 168th (LB Owen Pappoe) |
Lions: 219th (WR Antoine Green) 2025 4th round pick |
Eagles: RB D’Andre Swift 249th (DT Moro Ojomo) |
It is way too early to announce winners of the trades, as each team values players differently for their team style and culture. The Lions, though, showed they are not afraid to make the necessary moves if they believe these players will make this team better. With the newfound confidence in their process, Holmes will ensure the Lions are well-equipped for now and the future.