If Jack Campbell's recent 4-year, $80 million extension is any indication, the Detroit Lions obviously killed it with their 2023 draft.
After two arduous seasons under new head coach Dan Campbell and new quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit finally got a shot at several top picks in the 2023 class.
They utilized their firsts on Jahmyr Gibbs and Campbell, and also snagged Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch in the process. Now, they're beginning to shell out big money to keep players like Campbell on board, and are likely to do the same for Gibbs in short order.
So, it makes total sense that CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has given a shining re-grade to the Lions for their 2023 class: a well-deserved A.
"The Lions killed this draft. It started by taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first and he has proven to be a star in this league. They followed that up by taking linebacker Jack Campbell in the first, tight end Sam LaPorta in the second and safety Brian Branch in the second. All four have been outstanding when on the field, but injuries have limited Branch and LaPorta some."
Lions' 2023 draft class earns a soaring re-grade
Detroit is suffering from their own success as it pertains to talent evaluation and their picks. Gibbs wasn't seen as an ideal pick for the Lions back when they made it, with critics questioning why they'd take him so high when running backs typically last until later in the 1st round. Of course, Gibbs has proven why that immediate post-draft reaction couldn't have been more wrong.
Campbell's payday is going to preempt Detroit's offer to Gibbs. Both are expected to become some of the top-paid players in their respective positions, with Campbell's deal already making him the second highest paid off-ball linebacker in the league.
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Gibbs, and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, are set to earn huge deals this offseason, and the Lions would be smart to quickly get something done with Gibbs before Robinson completely resets the market.
As noted by NBC Sports' Patrick Daugherty, Detroit and Brad Holmes have to continue to build off of what they've built up through the draft. Holmes has to learn how to not just build a winner, but to maintain one. That means paying your top talent, and known what talent to let go.
The Lions 2023 draft class offers an anomaly for Holmes to navigate - what do you do when the portions of your roster you'd do anything to keep on board are all due for an extension at once?
Once again: suffering from success.
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