The Detroit Lions missed the playoffs last year, but they finished the season on a positive note. The team is looking to build on that momentum in 2023.
Detroit entered Thursday night’s draft with a pair of first-round picks. The Lions opted to trade their No. 6 overall pick and a third-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Arizona’s No. 12 selection, a second-rounder and a fifth-rounder.
The Lions acquired the No. 6 pick from the Rams from the Matthew Stafford trade.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reacts during the first half of a game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 11, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Lions used the No. 18 pick on Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. It’s customary for draftees to receive a phone call from the general manager, head coach and team owner prior to their names being announced at the podium.
LIONS RECEIVING CALLS ON VETERAN RUNNING BACK AFTER SURPRISING PICK OF JAHMYR GIBBS: REPORT
Since Campbell has taken over as Lions head coach, he has become one of the most quote-worthy coaches in the NFL.
So, when the coach got his chance to speak with Jack Campbell, he decided to point out the similiarity he shared with the linebacker.
Linebacker Jack Campbell of Iowa participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium March 2, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“Hey, man. I love your last name,” the Lions coach said on the phone as everyone in the room broke out in laughter.
Shortly after the Atlanta Falcons made a surprise pick at No. 8 by drafting running back Bijan Robinson, the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 out of Alabama.
Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine March 1, 2023, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. (Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The move even shocked Gibbs.
“I feel great,” Gibbs said, according to ESPN. “I didn’t know I would get picked as high as I did because running backs don’t get picked as high in this new age and new era of the NFL draft. But it was pretty shocking to me.
“But I’m grateful for the city of Detroit.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The second and third round of the 2023 NFL Draft begin at 7 p.m. EST from Kansas City.
