Detroit moved down from No. 6 to No. 12 in 2023 and came away…
Detroit moved down from No. 6 to No. 12 in 2023 and came away with Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and additional draft capital, while Arizona moved up for tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Gibbs has made three Pro Bowls, scored an NFL-record 49 touchdowns through three seasons and surpassed 5,000 scrimmage yards; LaPorta has 2,104 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Johnson has been a quality starting tackle, but Detroit’s two-star return is exceptional.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 2023 1st round pick (6th overall, Paris Johnson )
- pick 2023 3rd round pick (81st overall subsequently traded, Tyjae Spears )
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2023 1st round pick (12th overall, Jahmyr Gibbs ), 2023 2nd round pick (34th overall, Sam LaPorta) and 2023 5th round pick (168th overall subsequently traded, Owen Pappoe )
Trade Analysis
Detroit’s decision to trade down from No. 6 in the 2023 draft looked unconventional because the Lions passed on several highly regarded prospects and later used No. 12 on a running back. Arizona sent picks 12, 34 and 168 for Nos. 6 and 81, then selected Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Detroit used the acquired capital on Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, while the fifth-round piece continued through another transaction.
The Lions’ return has become one of the strongest early draft-day hauls of the decade. Gibbs has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons. He rushed for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024, followed with 1,223 rushing yards, 616 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns in 2025, and owns 49 touchdowns through three seasons. LaPorta was a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler as a rookie, when he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Through three seasons he has 186 receptions, 2,104 yards and 20 scores.
Arizona did not fail. Johnson has started all 43 games he has played, spending his rookie year at right tackle before moving to the left side. He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2024 and remained a dependable blind-side protector in 2025 until a knee injury ended his season. Landing a young starting left tackle at No. 6 is valuable and should keep the Cardinals out of a poor grade.
The difference is that Detroit found two high-level offensive starters with the move down. Gibbs has become one of the NFL’s most productive dual-threat backs, and LaPorta has already earned top-tier recognition at tight end. Arizona received one good premium-position player; Detroit received two cornerstone-level contributors.
The original B+/C split actually undersold both sides in different ways. Detroit deserves an A+, while Arizona’s successful Johnson selection merits a B. The Lions still win decisively because of the extraordinary combined production of Gibbs and LaPorta.