The Detroit Lions left a lot of people in shock with the selections that they made on Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft. They traded back from the No. 6 spot with the Arizona Cardinals, landing at No. 12. With that selection, they made the most questioned pick of the first round, nabbing Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

With the No. 18 overall pick, Detroit picked Iowa inside linebacker Jack Campbell. The Lions used their first two picks on players who play devalued positions, regardless of how talented they are, which is certainly head-scratching.

The head-scratching selections continued in the second round as the Lions selected Campbell’s college teammate, Sam LaPorta. Tight end was a need for Detroit, but they passed on Michael Mayer, who went the next pick to the Las Vegas Raiders and Luke Musgrave, who was selected by the Green Bay Packers eight picks later.

The Lions have shown that they have a plan and are sticking to it regardless of the reactions it may garner. In LaPorta, they are getting a versatile tight end that can step right into the lineup in place of T.J. Hockenson, who was traded ahead of the deadline to the Minnesota Vikings.

LaPorta has some exciting strengths that will fit right into the culture that general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell is building. He is a yards-after-catch specialist, possessing excellent balance to work through contact with cutting skills leading to some elusiveness.

While not the most athletically gifted player in the draft, he makes the most of what he does have. He brings with him plenty of experience from playing with the Hawkeyes who can hold his own as a blocker in addition to his skills as a pass catcher.

Iowa has become a tight end factory in recent years, as Sam LaPorta gives some George Kittle vibes according to Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, who was a former Hawkeye himself. While some fans were perplexed by the pick, the Lions got themselves a great football player that can contribute right away.