(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions entered the 2023 NFL Draft with two first-rounders in hand.
After a mid-draft trade with the Arizona Cardinals, the Lions ended up selecting 12th and 18th overall.
With their picks, the Lions chose RB Jahmyr Gibbs and LB Jack Campbell, which were not received well by the majority of their fanbase.
As Lions columnist Bob Wojnowski put it, the Lions reaching for both of these players: “Makes fans (and me) uneasy.”
According to many draft boards, did the Lions reach for Gibbs (No. 12) and Jack Campbell (18)? Sure. That makes fans (and me) uneasy. But we know Holmes looks for a certain type of player, and he’s been successful doing it. Good players, but good value?
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) April 28, 2023
As a whole, other Lions fans agreed with Wojnowski, at least initially.
These fans took to Twitter to express their feelings on the situation.
The Lions’ draft room, this afternoon before the event. pic.twitter.com/WDzhEZiC4c
— Archemoros (@Archemoros1701) April 28, 2023
I totally agree. Have to wait and see how it plays out. The other 2 drafts by Holmes were considered solid
— Zach Lucas (@LukeDuke190) April 28, 2023
As both of these fans indicate, the Lions’ front office made draft decisions that surprised them.
While they agree that the team may have reached for Gibbs and Campbell, they are ready to see what the team can do in 2023.
The Lions finished the 2022 campaign with a 9-8 record, and are heading into 2023 with plenty of momentum to compete for an NFC North title.
Despite some hesitation with these picks, other Lions fans were excited about the new players on the roster.
I trust Holmes. He knows more than us here on Twitter no matter who says different
— Evad (@Big_Evad) April 28, 2023
Campbell is the next Spielman. Perfect, perfect fit.
— Brad (@BMonastiere) April 28, 2023
As both of these fans point out, the front office has done well in the last two drafts.
Despite initial confusion, they have learned to trust the process, and believe that the team will make the right decisions about prospects.
Now that Aaron Rodgers has left the Green Bay Packers, the Lions have a clearer path to winning the division.
Will their newest additions be the pieces they need to put them over the top?
The post Fans React To Lions’ Questionable First-Round Draft Picks appeared first on The Cold Wire.