Updated Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft Picks
The Detroit Lions were able to secure one additional fifth-round pick in this year's draft as a result of the trade that sent cornerback Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons.
Signs started to emerge the team may not have been happy with the former No. 3 overall pick's play in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears.
The ex-Buckeyes cornerback only played 17 of the Lions 51 total defensive snaps and was also relegated to playing three special teams snaps.
Detroit's coaching staff decided to play Will Harris, Jerry Jacobs and Mike Hughes as the top three defensive backs with Amani Oruwariye securing 14 reps, after only recording one defensive snap the two weeks prior.
Head coach Dan Campbell explained, when asked about Okudah's diminished role, "It was always about getting Mike Hughes more plays. I mean, Mike earned his right to play now too. And Okudah took some gunner reps for us because Mike was going to play more on the outside than probably Jeff was, and so they both played. No, listen, Jeff’s good. He’s helping us, man. He’s contributing.”
While many will question if general manager Brad Holmes secured enough for Okudah's services, the market likely indicated he could only garner a later-round pick.
Detroit has five picks in the top 95 of this year's draft, including two first-round selections.
Currently, the Lions do not have any selections in rounds 4 or 7.
Update Lions draft picks:
- Round 1: Pick No. 6 and No. 18
- Round 2: Pick No. 48 and No. 55
- Round 3: Pick No. 81
- Round 5: Pick No. 152 and Non. 159
- Round 6: Pick No. 183 and No. 194
