The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is over. It featured trades galore, excitement, and some shocking prospects who have fallen to Round 2, most notably Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.
How did the NFC North do with their first-rounders? Let’s give some instant grades.
Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (12th overall)
Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa (18th overall)
The Lions had a puzzling night. First, they traded back from No. 6 overall when Christian Gonzalez, a top-tier player at a position of need, was still available. Then they drafted a running back many believed would be a second-round pick. Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs joins a running back room led by D’Andre Swift and recent free-agent acquisition David Montgomery.
Gibbs is a good player, but this feels like a wasted pick.
Their second pick was much better, and while it is once again a non-premium position, the fact remains that Detroit needed a linebacker, and they got the clear LB1 of this draft class. Iowa’s Jack Campbell does everything well and can be a captain on that defense for the next ten years.
Still, the Lions’ bizarre decision with their first first-rounder gives them a barely passable grade.
Grade: D
