5 Dream Scenarios for Detroit Lions in 2023 NFL Draft

Five dream scenarios for the Detroit Lions.

With the NFL Draft less than a month away, the Detroit Lions are keeping their cards close to their vest. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have been quiet about their desires when it comes to the draft's opening night. 

Currently holding two first-round picks, the team has multiple opportunities to improve its roster. The Lions have brought in many of the top prospects for visits, but a strong offseason has eliminated many of the team's biggest needs.

While it's currently hard to predict exactly what moves the Lions will make, one can prognosticate what the dream scenarios would look like for them. 

Here are five draft-night dream scenarios for the Lions. 

Scenario 1: Quarterbacks dominate the top five

Perhaps the best-case scenario for the Lions is for each of the draft's top four quarterbacks to be taken within the first five picks. Sitting at sixth overall, the Lions would then have all but one of the best defensive prospects available. 

In this case, at least two of Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson and Jalen Carter would be potential selections for the Lions at No. 6. That's not to mention all of the cornerback talent that would remain on the board. 

Detroit would have plenty to pick from in its pursuit to bring in more talent for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The team could choose from any of the EDGE rushing talent or opt to bolster an already revamped secondary. 

If the quartet of quarterbacks fill four of the first five selections, Holmes and company would be able to have their pick of the litter to add to their defense, with the exception of one prospect.  

Scenario 2: Tyree Wilson drafted before Will Anderson Jr.

Similar to last season, a late-rising prospect at the EDGE rusher position has worked his way into becoming a top pick. This time, its Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson who has emerged as one of the top prospects. 

His rise has called into question whether Alabama's Will Anderson will be the first rusher taken on April 27. 

There are multiple ways in which this scenario could come to life. If the first scenario listed occurs, then only one other defender would have to be chosen before the Lions' pick. 

However, a team ahead of Detroit could opt to take a chance on Georgia's Jalen Carter, while another makes a move on Wilson. If the other three teams choose a quarterback, then the Lions would have Alabama's top talent waiting for them at sixth overall. 

It'd be hard to imagine the duo of Holmes and Campbell not pounding the table in excitement if Anderson falls to their pick. 

Scenario 3: A quarterback-hungry team offers the Lions a haul for the sixth overall pick

Should Anderson and Wilson both go off the board, at least one of the draft's top four signal-callers would drop to sixth overall. 

Though the Lions have made the backup quarterback position a point of emphasis, it's not atop their list of needs. 

In the event that one of the top-tier signal-callers is available, perhaps the best-case scenario for the Lions is for a team in need of one to call Holmes and offer a ransom to take Detroit's place in the draft.

A team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently picking 19th, could be in the mix to make a move up. 

The Lions have been steadfast in their belief when it comes to building their team through the NFL Draft. Though picking six offers the chance to add a premium talent, stockpiling picks gives them a chance to have more opportunities at doing so later. 

Scenario 4: Running back Bijan Robinson is available at No. 18 overall

Moving past the Lions' first pick in the draft, the team also could make a big move with its second selection. 

Texas running back Bijan Robinson is considered to be among the best talents in the draft, but his positional value has called into question where he'll be picked when the event commences. 

Detroit has already made one addition at the position this offseason, inking David Montgomery to a three-year contract. With D'Andre Swift entering a contract year and showing a lack of durability, this position is still one that needs to be addressed. 

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson emerged as one of the most creative play-callers in all of the NFL last season, so giving him more young talent to work with is an exciting thought. 

The rookie would provide an instant impact, and lighten the workload of both Montgomery and Swift, should the Lions not move him. 

Scenario 5: Holmes trades up for third first-rounder

Holmes has not been shy about moving up in the draft to secure talent he likes. Most recently, he traded up from the team's 32nd overall pick in 2022 to land Alabama wideout Jameson Williams at No. 12. 

With this in mind, Holmes could find a desirable talent available at the end of the draft's first night. Though the team does not have a glaring positional need, there are still plenty of holes that would ideally be filled by first-round talent. 

The impact of drafting a player in the first round is real, as each selection comes with a fifth-year option. Moving up to pick a desired player, while getting the individual for an extra season, could prompt the organization to shed some of its future capital to land a talent. 

Detroit certainly has the capital to do so, with it currently holding a pair of second-round picks, along with the 81st overall pick. 

By packaging a pair of those picks, Holmes and company could slide into the opening round for a third selection.