The Detroit Lions are in a great spot heading into the 2023 offseason. The plan that general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell put into place began blossoming during the 2022 season as the Lions went 9-8, just missing out on the playoffs.
In the coming weeks, they will look to bolster their roster in free agency. With a good amount of cap space, Detroit can be aggressive in pursuing veterans to fill the gaps on their roster. Given how successful the offense was last season, a lot of their focus this offseason will be on the defensive side of the ball.
The Lions showed improvements as the season went on, but overall, that unit struggled. Ranking 28th in points allowed and last in yardage allowed, the defense is in need of an infusion of talent, especially the passing defense. The secondary was torched on a weekly basis, facing only the 15th most passing attempts but giving up the 30th most yards.
Looking to upgrade the cornerback position, the Lions have been mentioned as one of the potential landing spots for Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams. With cap space and flush with draft capital, the Lions could certainly pull off a trade for the multi-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro.
If no trade materializes, the 2023 NFL Draft presents another opportunity for the Lions to add talent to the cornerback position. Armed with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft, an NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network believes that is what they will use to address their need.
“The Lions are looking at a long list of players, but it appears there is one that has caught their eye in particular. Don’t be shocked if they end up taking Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon. They love him.”
Devon Witherspoon is one of the most highly-rated prospects in the 2023 draft class. He is the No. 2 ranked cornerback, behind Christian Gonzalez of Oregon, and coming off of an incredible season with Illinois.
According to PFF, Witherspoon put together one of the best seasons that they have ever graded for a cornerback. Standing 6 feet tall, he possesses the skill and size to compete with the most talented wide receivers in the NFL and will make them earn every yard.
Also via PFF, Witherspoon allowed only 3.3 yards per target. He allowed only 22 receptions for 206 yards and was targeted 63 times overall. Three interceptions and 14 pass breakups were recorded as Witherspoon was a true shutdown corner for the Fighting Illini.
