Three biggest concerns for Detroit Lions before the draft

The Detroit Lions came out of free agency a big winner, upgrading their porous secondary and putting themselves in position to make the draft work for them. Detroit shored up its biggest area of need, the secondary, while adding a solid replacement for running back Jamaal Williams in David Montgomery. The Lions added some defensive line depth as well.

While they’re on track to be a 2023 contender, here are the Lions’ three biggest concerns:

1. Is Jalen Carter worth the gamble with the No. 6 overall pick?

Not that long ago, Carter was in consideration to be the No. 1 overall pick, and while some off-the-field issues have hurt his draft stock a bit, it doesn’t appear that the hulking lineman will fall too far.

Adding a player of Carter’s caliber instantly gives Detroit’s last-ranked defense a bit of credibility. He’s a big-bodied run-stuffer who can help put pressure on the quarterback and draw some double teams, which would free up Hutchinson to drive his sack numbers up.

Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing from a January incident during which a former teammate and recruiting staffer were killed. He also showed up to his pro day heavier than he was at the combine and was noticeably gassed during position drills. There’s no question the raw talent is there, but Detroit has to ask itself if drafting Carter is worth the potential headache he may bring.

2. What do they do with the No. 18 overall pick?

Detroit could address one of a few needs here or trade the pick to a team looking to move up from the back half of Round 1 for even more draft capital.

Should the Lions stay put, pass rusher, linebacker or tight end could all make sense. While Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston combined for 17.5 sacks as rookies, Detroit could always use more pass rush help. Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness, Clemson’s Myles Murphy and Georgia’s Nolan Smith could all be options later in the first round.

No disrespect to Derrick Deese, James Mitchell, Brock Wright or Shane Zylstra, but the Lions desperately need an upgrade at tight end. Michael Mayer or Dalton Kincaid would both make fine replacements for T.J. Hockenson, and at least one should be available.

Trenton Simpson and Drew Sanders are the No. 1- and 2-ranked linebackers in the 2023 draft class, but is 18th overall too high for them? Most mock drafts have them being taken in the 20-28 range, but with five picks in the top 81, the Lions have the luxury of being able to reach a little here.

3. When do they address their need at linebacker?

While they re-signed Alex Anzalone and 2022 sixth-round pick Malcolm Rodriguez had a solid rookie season, the Lions desperately need more help at linebacker, particularly up the middle.

Bobby Wagner, Zach Cunningham, Deion Jones and Myles Jack are all available in free agency, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn may prefer to match a veteran presence with a second- or third-round draft pick instead of taking a flier on a first-round linebacker like Simpson or Sanders in hopes he can start immediately.