Lions pick Western Kentucky defensive tackle to cap busy Day 2 of NFL draft
FOX 2 (WJBK) - The Detroit Lions stayed busy in the third round Friday ending a busy night of trades by picking Western Kentucky defensive tackle Broderic Martin with pick 33 of the third round, or 96th overall.
Martin adds size to the defensive line, at 6 feet, 5 inches and 337 pounds and had 31 tackles and 2,5 sacks last season.
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to pass during a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Earlier in the third round the Lions drafted quarterback Hendon Hooker from Tennessee. Hooker passed for 3,100 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions before suffering an ACL injury that cut his season short.
The Lions traded up to the 45th pick in round two to select Alabama defensive back Brian Branch, after trading with the Packers in the 2023 NFL Draft Friday.
The Lions traded down from pick 55 in the second round and gave pick 194 in the sixth round to the Chiefs for pick 63, 122 (4th round), and 249 (7th round).
Then Detroit flipped picks 63 and 183 to the Broncos for picks 68 and 139.
Branch, listed at 5 feet 11 inches tall, 193 pounds, had 58 solo tackles last year, two interceptions, and three sacks. A first-team All-American, he can play slot corner or at safety.
In exchange for moving up four spots, the Lions sent pick 159 in the fifth round as well as pick 48 to Green Bay.
With the team's earlier pick, the Lions selected Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta with pick 34.
LaPorta, listed at 6 feet, 4 inches, and 249 pounds, was first-team all-Big Ten last season with 58 catches, 657 yards and one touchdown.
The last high tight end pick the Lions drafted was TJ Hockenson in 2019 in the first round. He was traded to the Vikings last season for a second-round pick this season.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Sam LaPorta (84) runs with the ball after the catch during the second quarter of a college football game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Iowa Hawkeyes on November 19, 2022 at Huntington
Last night the Lions selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell.
Stay with FOX 2 for more picks as they come in tonight.