5 biggest winners for the Detroit Lions after the 2023 NFL Draft

1. WR Jameson Williams

Williams put a big fly in the ointment of an otherwise pretty nice Detroit Lions’ offseason with his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. It’s worth remembering, even with all the “should haves” of the situation, this is a 22-year old kid.

For what it’s worth, and surely as expected, Holmes said the team has no concerns about Williams moving forward.

"Look, he made a mistake,” Holmes said. “He made a mistake… but we have confidence that he’s going to take the approach, he’s going to have the right response, in terms of what he needs to do.”… So, no real concerns going forward. He made a mistake, he takes accountability for it.”"

Williams will not suit up until Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens, as the Lions will have their bye in Week 9. With any idea rookie seventh-round pick Antoine Green might seize an opportunity to make an immediate impact over that first six games, the Lions are certainly going to give Williams every chance to succeed when he’s able to play.

The high expectations for Williams entering his second season have been automatically dampened by the suspension. But the path to on-field redemption after it, and ultimate success, remains paved by the team.

A lot of mock drafts had the Lions using as early as a Day 2 pick on a wide receiver of some note. With a long-term need there, it would have been well-warranted. But alas, the Lions took a wide receiver in the seventh round and thus unveiled a plan to essentially make do without Williams until he can play.

The Lions did not draft someone who’s expected to really threaten Williams’ place in the target pecking order once he’s ready for action this season. So he’s a big post-draft winner, edging Goff for the top spot here.

Honorable Mention Detroit Lions post-draft winner: K Michael Badgley