The Detroit Lions were one of the pleasant surprises during the 2022 season. They didn’t make the playoffs but made some major strides, going 9-8. The plan that general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell put in is beginning to come to fruition.
Heading into the 2023 offseason, Detroit is in a great spot. They have some cap space to fill holes in free agency with veterans but can continue adding young, impactful pieces in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Lions have two selections in each of the first two rounds, which gives them a ton of maneuverability. If there is a player they want projected to go ahead of them, they have the ammunition to make a trade-up. If they sit tight, they will be adding four potential immediate contributors to the roster.
Who could the Lions look into selecting? Here are three second-round targets for the team to consider drafting.
3. QB Tanner McKee, Stanford
The Lions have been very pleased with the performance of Jared Goff since he came to the team in the Matthew Stafford trade with the Los Angeles Rams. But, with so many selections, they could opt to bring in a potential long-term replacement for him down the road.
One player that the Lions could have their sights set on, in that case, is Tanner McKee out of Stanford. McKee showed well during the NFL Combine, as he went toe-to-toe with C.J. Stroud for the most accurate passer taking part in the drills.
While McKee doesn’t possess game-changing athleticism or arm strength, he is a smart player that knows where to put the ball. He has great size for a pocket passer and if he can improve his awareness there he can be more than serviceable at the next level.
You can win with a quarterback of McKee’s caliber leading the offense. He won’t turn the ball over at an alarming rate and will regularly keep the offense on schedule.
2. TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
The Lions traded away tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of last year’s trade deadline. It didn’t end up hurting the team’s offense too much but certainly left a void in the lineup. Hockenson was a key contributor to the team and they could look to fill his spot with one of their second-round picks.
Given their affinity for smash-mouth football and the running game, Darnell Washington is a great fit for the Lions. He is a mismatch nightmare as an in-line tight end standing 6’7” and weighing 270 pounds. As a sixth offensive lineman, he can be a true weapon, and good luck stopping him as a post-up option in the passing game in the red zone.
His sheer size, length and athleticism will give him a good chance of succeeding at the next level. At the very least, he will carve out a long career as a devastating run blocker with the upside to grow into a difference-maker in the passing game as well.
1. CB Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (FL)
The Lions have to address their defense this offseason. The offense was among the most prolific units in the NFL, but their defense was on the opposite end of the spectrum. Detroit ranked 28th in points allowed and 32nd in yardage.
Teams threw the ball against the Lions with ease, making cornerback a pressing need this offseason. Detroit has been linked to Jalen Ramsey of the Rams and a deal to acquire him would likely require one of their second-round picks.
If they don’t go the trade route, targeting someone such as Tyrique Stevenson in the second round would make a lot of sense. A perimeter cornerback that only allowed 17 receptions last season is exactly the kind of player that the Lions need.
Stevenson could combine with Jeff Okudah to give the Lions a long-term pairing to anchor their secondary for years to come.
