Jerry Jacobs Wants Lions to Draft Defense in First Round

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs comments on the 2023 draft.

The Detroit Lions are likely going to emphasize the defensive side of the football in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

One member of the roster is certainly hoping reinforcements are coming to aid a unit that still ended up ranking in the lower third of the National Football League in 2022. 

Cornerback Jerry Jacobs was able to successfully return from a torn ACL suffered in 2021. 

His physical style of play suits what defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn wants from his defensive backs. 

The talented defensive back is likely going to be among the two starting cornerbacks next season, along with Jeff Okudah. 

Appearing on the "Bleav Network," Jacobs expressed on radio row he wants Detroit general manager Brad Holmes to select two defensive players in the first round of this year's draft. 

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"I am not trying to be a GM. Our GM hat is on, but I think we should go defense with the first two picks," said Jacobs. "Not saying the offense is solidified, they are pretty good. We can go ahead and start on the defense, and then we can get back on the offense."

Holmes is keenly aware of the vast needs on defense, based on his team's play over the course of 17 games this past season. 

At his season-ending media session, Holmes indicated improving the defense would be a point of emphasis this offseason. 

Holmes explained, "Obviously, our defense was ranked 32nd, so I mean it’s pretty obviously that we’re going to have to utilize some resources to try and improve that defense. I do believe that there’s some young guys on our defense right now that are only going to get better."

Jerry Jacobs on Radio Row pic.twitter.com/omNKsjlqHx

— Detroit Lions On SI (@AllLionsFN) February 10, 2023