Biggest 2023 draft question for Detroit Lions is the very obvious one

The biggest question for the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft is almost too obvious to even mention.

The Detroit Lions will be on the clock twice in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night, at No. 6 and No. 18. Barring a move up or down from those spots, of course.

The Lions can go several directions with both of those picks, though many would like to see two additions to the defense. This side of the Houston Texans, who have the No. 2 and No. 12 overall picks, there is not a team in a better position for Thursday night.

With the sixth overall pick in particular, the Lions have plenty of options. A cornerback? A defensive lineman? A quarterback who falls?

But there is a big question that looms over the pick, should said player be available.

Biggest draft question for the Detroit Lions is very obvious

Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus has outlined the biggest question for each of the 32 teams in the draft.

"DETROIT LIONS: DO THEY TAKE JALEN CARTER AT NO. 6?Detroit’s biggest need heading into the draft is arguably on the interior defensive line, and the best interior defensive line prospect since Quinnen Williams in 2019 could be available at No. 6. The problem is, it’s unknown whether Carter’s off-field issues will have him off the Lions’ board altogether.If so, Detroit could continue to boost the secondary with someone such as Devon Witherspoon or even take a swing on a sliding quarterback."

Carter’s story is well-known at this point, so there’s no need to rehash all of it in fine detail. But there are concerns about his character, and his effort level in practice and/or games. It’s also clear the Lions did their full due diligence on him, and Albert Breer of SI indicated they may be giving Carter real consideration at No. 6.

"I’ve heard, like Seattle, the Lions had a good meeting with Carter. A mess of rival teams believe he’s going to be a real consideration in this spot."

If the Lions are comfortable with Carter, and general manager Brad Holmes did say he “felt better” about him after a pre-draft visit, he may be the pick at sixth overall if he’s there.

But the biggest question that has loomed for weeks over the pick for the Lions is still there, and will remain until their time on the clock expires (or sooner, if this regime’s history continues) Thursday night.

Carter, or a field of other good options who will be there?