Denver acquired picks No. 63 and 183, selecting Marvin Mims…
Denver acquired picks No. 63 and 183, selecting Marvin Mims Jr. and JL Skinner, while Detroit received No. 68 and a fifth-round pick later moved to Arizona. Mims became a two-time All-Pro returner in his first two seasons and added more than 1,200 receiving yards through 2025. Detroit's Hendon Hooker barely played before leaving the organization, giving Denver a clear win.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2023 2nd round pick (63rd overall, Marvin Mims )
- pick 2023 6th round pick (183rd overall, JL Skinner)
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2023 3rd round pick (68th overall, Hendon Hooker)
- pick 2023 5th round pick (139th overall subsequently traded, Clayton Tune )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Denver acquired picks 63 and 183 from Detroit in the 2023 draft. The Broncos selected Marvin Mims Jr. and JL Skinner. Detroit received pick 68, used on quarterback Hendon Hooker, and pick 139, which the Lions later sent to Arizona in another draft-day move. The deal gave Detroit extra capital, but the value comparison has become increasingly clear as the players developed.
Why Denver Gets the Edge
Mims became a premium return specialist almost immediately. Denver's 2025 media guide noted that he was only the second player in franchise history to earn Associated Press All-Pro recognition in each of his first two seasons. He also contributed on offense, reaching 1,202 career receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns through 2025 while adding major punt- and kick-return production. Skinner provided additional depth, making the Broncos' two-player return broader than Mims alone.
How Detroit's Return Fared
Hooker spent most of his Detroit tenure as a developmental backup. His regular-season contribution for the Lions totaled three games, nine pass attempts and 62 passing yards in 2024, and he was no longer with the club by 2026. The fifth-round pick carried real trade value, but because it was moved again, it cannot by itself match the direct production Denver received from Mims. Detroit's decision was understandable, yet the realized football return stayed modest.
Final Verdict
Denver earns a B+ and the win; Detroit receives a C. Mims' All-Pro return value and offensive production are the decisive factors, while Hooker's limited Detroit career leaves the Lions without a comparable centerpiece.