There was unfortunate news on Friday afternoon about the Detroit Lions and some of their players. It was reported that last season there were four Lions players that were sports betting.
Those four players have been suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. C.J. Moore and Quintez Cephus are both suspended indefinitely and will be sidelined at least one year. Hours later, both Moore and Cephus were released by the Lions.
It was also announced that receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill have both been suspended for six games. That news is unfortunate due to the projection for Jameson Williams to take a huge step forward this season. We’ll now have to wait but also hope that this doesn’t impact any further development on the young receivers career.
The question that we’ll need to have now is if the Detroit Lions are altering their draft board or game plan for the 2023 NFL Draft. As we know, the Lions have the 6th and 18th pick. In addition to those first round picks, five picks in the top-100 selections.
While I believe that the Lions were already targeting a handful of receivers in this draft, they might have to consider one much sooner than expected. If the Lions do consider drafting a receiver, here are three players worth keeping tabs on for the 2023 NFL Draft!
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
There might not be a better true ‘X’ receiver in this year’s draft than Cedric Tillman from Tennessee. He’s listed at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at the Scouting Combine. Playing with good body control, he’s got the size and ability to consistent win on 50/50 balls. Had Tillman not played through a high ankle sprain last season, we’d be talking about him more somewhere in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Even though Jameson Williams wasn’t projected to strictly align at the X’ in the Lions offense, they should still consider Tillman. I think that he could come in and help the Lions offense right away with the potential to start down the road. With how much the Lions have been connected to some of the prospects out of Tennessee this year, it wouldn’t surprise me if they focus on Tillman during the the draft.
Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
This one is all about Ben Johnson getting a chess piece for his offense. Checking into the Scouting Combine at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, there’s much to be desired when watching Mingo from Ole Miss. Most of that is due to the overall frame that he carries.
With a muscular frame, Mingo is able to withstand contact on a consistent basis. More impressively to note is that he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and posted a 39.5″ vertical jump. Outside of the size and athleticism, you’ll notice quickly that he moves all around the offense.
According to PFF, Mingo played 256 snaps in the slot, 456 snaps out wide and he played 130 snaps inline. He even took snaps out of the backfield last season. On tape, it’s evident with how Mingo moves all over the offense and you’d have to imagine that Ben Johnson could get pretty creative with a player like that. If they wanted to draft him, it would have to be somewhere on day two as his stock has consistently been on the rise all year.
Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
If you connect the dots to who the Lions met with during the pre-draft process, Jayden Reed is one of the more well-known names. Much of that is due to him playing three seasons at Michigan State. During Reed’s career with the Spartans, he recorded 147 receptions for 2069 yards and 18 touchdowns.
When watching the tape, you’ll see Reed run routes with plenty of snap and fluidity but there are times that he runs with high pad level. In addition to how he runs his routes, he’s got terrific tracking ability on the football. Whether it’s a vertical route or a corner route, he’s always able to turn his head around and find the football.
Michigan State WR Jayden Reed did this once from the right side and followed it up on the left side. A+ tracking ability from him. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/Yf4D49akxK
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 1, 2023
After a strong week at the Senior Bowl and a strong performance, there’s belief that Reed could be selected somewhere in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Lions have the 81st pick and if he’s available, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ended up being the pick. Putting him in the Lions offense, I’d project that he’d provide inside and outside versatility while being able to run deep down the field and after the catch in the short areas of the field.
