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.
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Kayshon Boutte’s versatility and ability to line up in multiple positions could be a great fit for Ben Johnson’s offense as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Johnson emphasizes the importance of giving the quarterback and offense as much information as possible before the snap to help them make better decisions.
The Lions are one of the teams that run a lot of pre-snap shifts. Boutte’s ability to line up both on the outside and in the slot, as well as his experience receiving jet sweeps, makes him a perfect fit for this type of offensive strategy.
Boutte’s run-after-catch ability also fits well into Johnson’s offensive philosophy. Johnson likes to use quick passes and screens to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers, and then let them use their athleticism and elusiveness to create big gains. Boutte’s natural lower-body strength allows him to break through arm tackles and his speed makes him a dangerous open-field runner.
Furthermore, Boutte’s speed is a valuable asset in Johnson’s offense. He has the ability to run past defensive backs and become an instant vertical threat, which stretches the defense and opens up opportunities for other receivers and the running game.
Overall, Kayshon Boutte’s ability to play in multiple positions, his run-after-catch ability, and his speed makes him a perfect fit for Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes pre-snap shifts, quick passes, and athleticism. With Johnson’s coaching, Boutte could become a valuable asset to the Lions’ passing game and help them improve their offensive performance.
JL Skinner, S, Boise State
The Detroit Lions are in the midst of a rebuild and have multiple holes on their roster. One area of need that could be addressed on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft is safety. JL Skinner, the starting safety for the Boise State Broncos, could be a great fit for the Lions. While Skinner may not be ready to start immediately, he has the potential to develop into a starter over time.
One of the biggest reasons to consider Skinner is his physicality. He is a physically-imposing defender with a rare frame and build at the safety position. As a run defender, he is a physical striker that can deliver jarring hits to ball carriers. He is willing to stick his face in the fire and run the alley to take running backs head-on. This type of aggressive play is exactly what the Lions need to improve their defense.
Additionally, Skinner has the potential to be a valuable contributor on special teams. He has a rare combination of height, weight, and athleticism, which could translate well to coverage units. As a tone-setter and leader for the Broncos’ defense, Skinner could also bring a positive attitude and work ethic to the Lions’ special teams.
While Skinner does have some areas of concern, such as his change of direction and man coverage skills, these weaknesses can be mitigated with the right coaching and scheme fit. It is important for the Lions to put Skinner in advantageous situations to impact both the run and pass games.
Ultimately, Skinner’s physicality, potential on special teams, and ability to develop into a starter over time make him a great Day 3 pick for the Detroit Lions. With the right coaching and scheme fit, Skinner could become a valuable contributor for the Lions for years to come.
Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
The Detroit Lions are in need of a run-stuffing tackle to bolster their defense, and Siaki Ika could be the perfect fit. While Ika’s 2022 season was less productive than his debut year at Baylor, his raw size, strength, and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect for Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ika’s versatility as a nose tackle is a key attribute that should appeal to the Lions. He’s a space-eater in the heart of the defense, capable of plugging gaps and keeping linebackers clean. He also has a nose for splash play production, illustrated by his four tackles in his first game with the Baylor Bears in 2021. Ika’s ability to penetrate and disrupt the backfield is another asset, particularly if he’s given opportunities to go head-to-head with opposing centers.
However, Ika’s lack of consistency in anchoring against double teams and his limited length could pose challenges at the next level. He may need to cut weight to become even more dynamic and find better consistency in true anchor situations at the point of attack to unlock his full potential. His positional value and role may yield a limited snap role, which could limit his impact on the field. Still the Lions need guys that can stuff the run, so why not?
Ika’s raw mass, mobility, and prototypical size make him a potential steal for the Lions on Day 3 of the draft. While he may not have the suddenness and agility of some interior defenders, his ability to stuff the run and occupy blockers should provide a boost to the Lions’ defense. With some development and coaching, Ika could become a valuable asset on the Lions’ defensive front.