5 NFL teams that did the most to help their QB in 2023
2. Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions. player. 50. NFC North. Pick Analysis. . 2. Scouting Report
The Detroit Lions made some interesting choices during the 2023 NFL Draft. While some picks were reaches, one thing is certain, they helped their quarterback — both the present and the future. More on that later.
The Lions gave their offense a boost when they selected Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall). Some may view Gibbs as a reach, but his impact on the game could help dictate the Lions’ offense. Gibbs is a dynamic pass catcher who can make explosive plays. It doesn’t hurt that he’s gearing up to play behind a great offensive line. They’ll lean on the run game with David Montgomery being the thunder, and Gibbs the lightning.
Jared Goff has another weapon to throw to thanks to the addition of Iowa TE Sam LaPorta. He’s a run-after-the-catch weapon and a crisp route runner. He competes to stay leveraged and provides his quarterback with a consistent target. The former Hawkeye is a competitive blocker who does with tenacity. Ben Johnson will find ways to scheme him open, and Goff will find him.
Here’s where things get interesting. The Lions added a future signal caller to their team with Hendon Hooker. He’ll likely redshirt this year. And he isn’t likely to see the field until Goff gets injured or traded. By the time he starts, he’d have a set, well-established offense at his command.
Normally seventh-round picks don’t mean much. However, North Carolina WR Antoine Green specializes as a vertical threat. It doesn’t hurt that the 6’2”, 200-pound wideout ran a 4.47 at the Combine, and his long-strider explosiveness is valuable. However, at the Shrine Bowl, he also flashed an even more complete skill set, making him a valuable addition to the Lions’ receiving corps.