The Detroit Lions have two first-round picks again in 2023, so where do those picks sit as they enter their bye week?
The Detroit Lions acknowledged a rebuild, and granted their long-time quarterback’s wish to not be part of another retooling as they let him pick his destination, when they traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff, two first-round picks (2022 and 2023) and a 2021 third-round pick.
Stafford and the Rams of course won the Super Bowl last year, landing the Lions with the No. 32 overall pick in April’s draft. A trade up to No. 12 came on draft night, to get wide receiver Jameson Williams, in a deal the Lions seemed to win off the bat but time will tell for sure.
That 2021 third-round pick became defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu. So who the Lions get with that 2023 first-round pick is the only remaining unknown return from the Stafford deal, in terms of a name on the roster.
Where do the Detroit Lions 2023 first-round picks sit at the bye week?
Heading into the season, the idea the Lions would have a top-five overall pick again felt unlikely, and there’s still a long way to go. But, as seen via Tankathon, they have the No. 4 overall pick if the next draft were today.
1. Carolina Panthers
2. Las Vegas Raiders
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Detroit Lions
5. Washington Commanders
The Rams are struggling at 2-3. They’d have to go deep in the playoffs for the 2023 pick the Lions get to land as late as did this year, and that doesn’t seem likely right now. Still, top-half of the first round has not been considered anywhere in the range of outcomes, but at this early point here we are.
11. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)
12. Arizona Cardinals
13. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
Ultimately, the Lions’ two first-round picks should both settle lower at the end of the season than they are through Week 5. Their own pick might still be top-10, but more like 6-10 range. The Rams are still a playoff contender, so that pick is lined up to ultimately land in the 17-25 range.
The Lions will be in a very good position in the first round of next April’s draft. Just not two top-15 overall picks good, as long as things start to go more as expected on the Rams’ end.