How suspensions could affect Lions’ draft strategy

The Detroit Lions were perhaps the team best-positioned to work the 2023 NFL Draft in their favor before Friday’s news of the suspension of four players.

While Quintez Cephus and Stanley Berryhill aren’t household wide receivers, Detroit was banking on a healthy Jameson Williams to help stretch the field and take some pressure away from top wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Now, Detroit could be in the market for at least one wideout in next week’s draft in addition to a special teams contributor or two after Friday’s fallout that included six-game suspensions for Williams and Berryhill plus indefinite suspensions for Cephus and defensive back C.J. Moore, who were subsequently released.

Berryhill, Cephus and Moore combined for 294 special teams snaps in 2022.

Detroit is down to St. Brown, Marvin Jones, Kalif Raymond and Josh Reynolds as its top receiving threats. Oh, and the Lions also need to find a replacement for T.J. Hockenson at tight end as well.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jordan Addison, Quentin Johnston, Trey Flowers, Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer could all be in play if available and if the Lions hold onto the 18th pick.

It would not come as a surprise though if Detroit used the No. 6 pick to bolster its defense with either Jalen Carter or Tyree Wilson, then traded pick No. 18 for more draft capital given its sudden new need for more depth at key positions.

Adding another cornerback such as Deonte Banks, Cam Smith, Emmanuel Forbes or Kelee Ringo in the second round wouldn’t be a bad idea either after trading Jeff Okudah to the Falcons and with Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley both on one-year contracts.

Detroit has four picks in the top 55 and nine picks overall. Team needs include defensive line, edge rusher, cornerback, receiver, tight end and linebacker.