4. CB Jeff Okudah
Okudah recently posted another video showing how much progress he’s making in his recovery from a torn Achilles’ in Week 1 last season. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft has had his career set off course by injuries. His third season is lined up as a make-or-break one for him, as the Lions will have to consider his fifth-year option by next May.
The Lions didn’t draft a cornerback until the seventh round (Chase Lucas), and only Mike Hughes (a former first-round pick who was set off-course by injuries himself) was added to the group in free agency. So Okudah just has to get and stay healthy, and there should be a good opportunity in front of him.
3. QB Jared Goff
If not for a vague notion the Lions could trade for Baker Mayfield, since former Browns’ general manager John Dorsey (who drafted Mayfield) now has a role in their front office, Goff might be No. 1 on this list. But he is a clear post-draft winner, league-wide really.
The Lions didn’t force a quarterback in the 2022 draft by taking one they didn’t love. That means it’s status quo on the depth chart, barring a surprise move, with Tim Boyle and David Blough behind Goff. That’s obviously great news for his job security, as he enters a make-or-break season.
The Lions haven’t shut the door on Goff being their starting quarterback beyond 2022. If they win enough games, getting one of the current top-end signal callers in the 2023 draft will become more difficult. Goff can only ask for a chance, and he’s getting one. He also won’t have a rookie or a far more interesting veteran than Boyle or Blough lurking behind him on the depth.