NFL Power Rankings: Lions in Top 10 Following NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions are viewed among the league's top teams following the NFL Draft.

With the NFL Draft over, the league is inching closer to the start of the season. 

Anticipation for the 2023 campaign is reaching a fever pitch in Detroit. The Lions have an unprecedented amount of optimism, as general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell enter their third season together. 

Fueled by a strong finish to last year, the Lions have compiled a group of talented additions to the roster. 

Here's a look at where the organization ranks in the eyes of the media, in the most recent edition of Lions power rankings.  

Sports Illustrated

Power ranking: 8th

"Did I hate the Lions' draft overall? Yes. Can I say with a straight face that none of these players will contribute to a season that could possibly result in an NFC North crown? No. I didn’t love taking any tight end over Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, as the Lions did with Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, but who am I to tell Dan Campbell what to do at the position he played in the NFL? LaPorta has some wiggle after the catch and some George Kittle in him, too. Brian Branch, the safety out of Alabama, should not have been there at pick No. 45, but the Lions wisely pounced." 

Bleacher Report

Power Ranking: 17th

"The Detroit Lions came into the first round of the 2023 draft with more positive momentum and optimism than the franchise has had in quite a few years.

By the end of Round 1, Detroit squandered a big chunk of it.

Taking Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18 makes at least some sense—even if you believe there wasn't an off-ball linebacker in the class worthy of a top-20 selection, the Lions needed to do something about a unit that ranked dead last in total defense and 29th against the run.

But drafting Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall was the most puzzling selection of the first round. It's not just a matter of the dubious wisdom of taking a running back (even one as explosive as Gibbs) in Round 1. It's a matter of using two top-20 picks on non-premium positions while failing to address the middle of the defensive line or the defensive backfield.

Never mind that the Lions just signed David Montgomery to a three-year contract and had D'Andre Swift on the roster.

To be fair, the Lions did get good value in Round 2 on Alabama's Brian Branch, a versatile defensive back capable of playing numerous roles.

But there are still some considerable concerns about the Detroit defense in 2023." 

All Lions

Power Ranking: 4th

The Lions surprised some with their first round selections. Though their positions don't hold major value, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell will be instant contributors. 

Brad Holmes didn't win over many with those picks, but he made his team better moving into 2023. 

With a strong free agency class and a solid draft, Detroit is the top team in the NFC North and should be a contender in the NFC. 

USA Today

Power Ranking: 10th

"Love their draft or hate it, you probably have to like them as divisional favorites coming off a season when they had the best record (5-1) in NFC North games." 

The Athletic

Power Ranking: 13th 

"The Lions seem to think there’s a path to winning with big-boy football while the rest of the league pivots to basketball on grass. Drafting a running back, linebacker and tight end all in the top 34 picks is a risky bet. Let’s just hope they left the team facility before making it."

CBS Sports

Power Ranking: 11th 

"This is a team on the rise with a lot of good, young players in a division that isn't great right now. That's usually a formula for success. Watch out for the Lions."