Are These the Most Important Detroit Lions Players for 2023?
I recently put together a list of seven Detroit Lions players that will “crush the competition.” It’s because I truly believe that we have the talent and skill to make…
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions greets fans after defeating the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
I recently put together a list of seven Detroit Lions players that will "crush the competition." It's because I truly believe that we have the talent and skill to make it this season. By make it, I meant that I see us getting to the playoffs, at least. So, who do you think are the most important Detroit Lions players for 2023?
My picks for No. 1 is Jared Goff. It's funny, because he doesn't make it onto these lists too often, falling behind guys like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell. I totally get that, but I feel Goff is underappreciated. As I explained in my article, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a stellar season in 2022 with the Detroit Lions and was at the heart of why the team won most of the second half of the season’s games. He came from the Los Angeles Rams, and while in L.A., he scored two Pro Bowl berths, helped the Rams win two NFC West division titles and three playoff appearances. He also appeared with the team at Super Bowl LIII. Is another Super Bowl in his future? I hope so. I really think Goff has what it takes to take the Detroit Lions to the next level, and other NFL outlets agree.
Now, my friend Jeremy Reisman from PrideofDetroit.com has released his list of the most important players for 2023. Tied at No. 1 are OT Penei Sewell and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Both are solid picks. "Our top spot is co-occupied by what are currently considered general manager Brad Holmes’ best draft picks," Reisman writes. "Sewell was the easy choice for Holmes, as he fell into their laps at seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. St. Brown required much more patience that weekend, with Holmes trusting his gut that the fierce competitor would be there in the fourth round." Find his full list here.
7 Detroit Lions Players That Will Crush the Competition
Is it September yet? I don't want to wish away the summer, but I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Detroit Lions season. We have some incredibly solid Detroit lions players on the roster.
There's so much positive buzz out there about the Detroit Lions. Some even think this is the year we'll make it to the Super Bowl. Whether Detroit is at the big game or not, expectations are high. No matter what, it's going to be an exciting season to watch. There are several NFL teams that I'll be following this year, but the Lions are, of course, at the top of my list.
Read on for seven Detroit Lions players that will be crucial to the team's success this year. These are my personal picks. Send your picks to Anne Erickson on social media here.
Listen to "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below and wherever you listen to podcasts! On this episode, Brad Berreman of SideLion Report joins me, Anne Erickson, to talk about the Lions' picks and how the team is shaping up going into the new season. The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone. As always, the Draft brought some surprises, and that includes the Lions' picks.
7. Defensive lineman Josh Paschal
This might seem like an odd pick, as Josh Paschal had a lot of injuries last year, so he's not on the radar as much. But, the few times he did play, he was impressive. Having Pashchal (hopefully) healthy will help the Lions' defense immensely. And, that's one area that the Lions need to shine in 2022.
6. Cornerback Cam Sutton
The Detroit Lions have veteran cornerback Cam Sutton in the fold. "From the defensive side we have a lot of physical guys," Sutton said via DetroitLions.com. "A lot of hungry guys. Guys who want to get after the ball and make plays on the ball from all different levels. It's a very communicative group, very high energy and you need that tenacity that vicious mindset every time you attack the field."
5. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is a rookie, but the Detroit Lions have high expectations for him. He comes from Alabama, where he led in rushing and receiving in 2022. He also is going to be working closely with David Montgomery. as having both running backs will help keep each other rested and fresh.
4. Running back David Montgomery
Running back David Montgomery is bringing some versatility to the offensive side of the Detroit Lions. He was a solid signing, coming from the Chicago Bears, and has the potential to help improve an already solid Lions offense. I personally think he'll be one of the best in the league this year.
3. Defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson was the Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up last season, so there are a lot of expectations for the NFL player. He recorded 9.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits and three picks over the season. Very impressive!
2. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
Pro Bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown is a huge part of the Detroit Lions' team. He had 196 receptions in his first two seasons in the league and is actually tied for the most in NFL history. Last season, he had a 106-catch, 1,161-yard season with six touchdowns.
1. Quarterback Jared Goff
Jared Goff had a stellar season in 2022 with the Detroit Lions and was at the heart of why the team won most of the second half of the season's games. He came from the Los Angeles Rams, and while in L.A., he scored two Pro Bowl berths, helped the Rams win two NFC West division titles and three playoff appearances. He also appeared with the team at Super Bowl LIII. Is another Super Bowl in his future? I hope so. I really think Goff has what it takes to take this team to the next level.
