Latest ESPN Lions Power Ranking Drops following NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions drop four spots in ESPN's latest NFL power ranking.

John Maakaron | May 16, 2023

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Detroit Lions

Following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft, many NFL power rankings had the Detroit Lions included in the top 10.

Confidence has been high regarding the decisions made by the front office in free agency, including revamping the secondary.

Prior to the draft, the Lions were ninth in ESPN's NFL power rankings.

Following the draft, the Lions came in 13th, a drop of four positions.

"The front office was intentional in its offseason additions through free agency and the draft, particularly with the signings of cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, former Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and second-round draft pick Brian Branch from Alabama," reporter Eric Woodyard explained. "Detroit's secondary was a glaring weakness last year, allowing 82 plays of 20-plus yards -- which was the most in the NFL. Also, 23% of opponent plays went for 10-or-more yards, which was the second-highest rate in the NFL, so they needed a major upgrade in that department, and they seem to have the guys in place to take the next step."

Detroit has signed four of its eight draft picks. Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta have yet to sign their first NFL contracts.

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Published May 16, 2023

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!