Detroit Lions Players That Need To Step Up in Second Half

On many levels, Detroit has enjoyed a solid start to the 2023 season. It's won six of its first eight games, and has a stranglehold on first place in the NFC North division. 

Yet, as Dan Campbell's squad enters the bye, it still has plenty of players that are in need of a boost in performance in the second half of the season. 

Without further ado, here are the three members of the Lions' roster that most need to step up their play the remainder of the '23 campaign.

EDGE Charles Harris 

Harris hasn't been the same caliber of EDGE defender since his 7.5-sack, breakout campaign in 2021. He's recorded a total of just 2.5 sacks since then, including 1.5 this year in seven games.

As a result of his subpar efforts in 2023, the seventh-year pro has earned a dismal Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 53.1, as well as an overall mark of just 55.7. 

After eight weeks, Detroit is still in need of a defender capable of complementing the production of Aidan Hutchinson. If Harris can become that player, it would go a long way toward the Lions improving their pass-rushing efforts. 

WR Jameson Williams

Now in his second year and with 10 career games under his belt, the Lions would like to start seeing results from Williams. Yet, the Alabama product – and No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 draft – has still yet to emerge as a dependable member of Detroit's offense.

Through four games this season, he's hauled in just 40 percent of his targets, recording six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. 

The second-year pro is still raw as a route-runner, and drops far too many balls on a regular basis. Subsequently, his only reliable trait at this point is his speed.

Until he improves his all-around game and becomes a better pass-catcher, he'll continue to fail to live up to the billing of a top-12 draft pick.

LB Jack Campbell

For as good as Detroit's rookie class has been through eight games, it still would benefit from increased production from Campbell. Campbell, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has taken the most lumps of the Lions' first four picks this past April.

He's struggled both in coverage (42.7 PFF grade) and in getting after the quarterback (48.3 grade), and has earned a PFF overall mark of just 46.3 for his efforts.

In order to take the next step as a defense, Detroit will need a lot more production from the rookie in the second half of the season.