Detroit Lions mock draft, Day 2: Following up Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell
On Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions decided to draft two foundation pieces in Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell they look to do the same on Day 2.
The Detroit Lions made their first-round picks on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and while they were solid, they were not necessarily great. With picks No. 6 and No. 18, the Lions had the opportunity to draft some highly touted players, but they decided to trade their No. 6 pick to the Arizona Cardinals and acquire picks No. 12, 34, and 168. The Lions used their No. 12 pick to draft running back Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama, and with their No. 18 pick, they chose linebacker Jack Campbell from Iowa.
Gibbs is an impressive athletic back with excellent speed and the ability to be a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He also has great hands and is a good complement back to David Montgomery and D’Andre Swift. Meanwhile, Campbell is a traditional MIKE linebacker with elite athleticism and instincts for the position. He brings a base level of coverage to the center of the defense and should compete for snaps immediately.
While these picks are solid, they are not necessarily the top players available at their respective positions. For example, Texas Bjorn Robinson, a rare talent was available at No. 6. Instead, they traded two spots to take Gibbs with the backfield they invested in this off-season. There’s also the issue that running backs taken that high haven’t panned out in terms of longevity and impact. On Day 2, they can continue to build a foundation for the future and the now.
Detroit Lions mock draft for Day 2: Following up a shocking round 1
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
On Day 2 the Lions need to add another weapon on offense. Specifically at the tight end position. With their current group of tight ends not providing a significant upgrade, the Lions need to find a suitable replacement. One potential target for the Lions is Luke Musgrave, the tight end from Oregon State.
Musgrave was a three-star recruit and top-rated player in Oregon. He is a multi-sport athlete with impressive athleticism, participating in lacrosse, ski racing, and track in addition to football. NFL football runs in his family, as his uncle is the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and played quarterback in the NFL for eight seasons.
Musgrave offers versatility as a tight end, capable of aligning both in-line as a traditional Y-tight end or splitting into the slot. As a pass-catcher, he possesses reliable hands and tracks the ball well. He excels vertically up the seams or across the field on benders and can threaten linebackers with his speed if unimpeded.
In the run game, Musgrave is a competitive blocker who gives maximum effort, although he is not an uber-physical blocker. He is more effective as a wall-off and seal blocker, limiting his overall effectiveness as a man or gap scheme run blocker.
Musgrave’s strengths lie in his athleticism and potential. Although he is not overly explosive, he can develop into a starter and is a valuable asset in the red zone, operating out of 12-personnel packages. However, he needs to improve his play strength and defeat physical coverage quicker.
At 6’6″ and 253 pounds, Musgrave has the size to be a formidable tight end in the NFL. However, his limited production and starts, play strength, and separation are areas of concern that need improvement. If the Lions target Musgrave in the NFL Draft, they could potentially find a long-term solution to their tight end position.