PFN Fragoza (4. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Although I’ve soured a bit on C.J. Stroud after diving into his tape a bit more, he still presents a long-term upgrade over Jared Goff. Perhaps he’s the Patrick Mahomes to Goff’s Alex Smith, where Goff goes out in 2024 recording the best season of his career. Stroud’s inability to make something out of nothing outside the pocket or within it propels Young over him, but there’s no discounting his passing prowess in rhythm. 18. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Outside of Jeff Okudah, the Lions don’t have much in their cornerback room. Devon Witherspoon can come in and provide plus play from his side of the field from Day 1. He may not be the fastest or strongest, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better cover corner in the 2023 NFL Draft. 48. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State: Felix Anudike-Uzomah can bend with the best EDGEs in the draft, but he can play a bit too out of control. If he can hone his abilities, he could be a force off the edge in the Motor City. 60. (From MIN): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: After shipping off T.J. Hockenson this year, the Lions need a difference-making tight end. That’s exactly what they can expect from Dalton Kincaid, who is arguably the top receiving TE in the entire class. 79. Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State: Malcolm Rodriguez was a good story for Hard Knocks, and he is a useful defender, but the Lions need more help at linebacker. Enter Tommy Eichenberg. He is a high-powered CPU at middle linebacker, sniffing out both pass and run plays. 148. Detroit Lions
Steve Avila, G, TCU. 167. Detroit Lions
Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas. 179. Detroit Lions
Walter football Charlie (4. RB Bijan Robinson: Under Brad Holmes, the Lions have taken elite talents and not reached for need. Hence, I could see them passing on Will Levis and taking one of the best players in the 2023 NFL Draft, like Robinson. D'Andre Swift is a talented back, but he is utterly incapable of staying healthy and handling a big work load. Swift is not worthy of a big extension. Jamaal Williams is also a free agent after this season. Here's a running back who has the potential to become a Lions legend who reminds their fanbase of the Barry Sanders days. In 2022, Robinson has averaged 6.1 yards per carry for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also has 19 receptions for 314 yards and two scores. The junior had a painful overtime fumble against Texas Tech. Robinson was one of the best players in college football in 2021, producing a superb season for Texas. The sophomore averaged 5.8 yards per carry that season for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also took 26 receptions for 295 yards and four scores. In 2020, Robinson flashed his big-time skill set with 703 yards on only 86 carries - 8.2 average - and four touchdowns. He notched 15 catches for 196 yards and two scores that season. The 6-foot, 214-pound Robinson has power, speed, cutting ability, and natural instincts as a runner. Team sources also say he possesses outstanding character. 18. LB Henry To'oTo'o: The Lions need more talent at linebacker. Here's an upgrade to go next to 2022 NFL Draft steal Malcolm Rodriguez.
Team sources say To'oTo'o (6-0, 230) is a good athlete and very instinctive. They were have been impressed with the senior in 2022, noting he has looked stronger, more physical, and better at taking on blocks. They feel while there's always going to be physical concerns with To'oTo'o, he is fast, athletic, instinctive and tough. In the passing-driven, modern-day NFL, he is a great fit for Will linebacker. To'oTo'o has 89 tackles and 2.5 sacks thus far in 2022. He was a solid run defender for Alabama overall in 2021, totaling 111 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended on the year. To'oto'o recorded 76 stops, an interception and two passes broken up in 2020. 48. CB Cam Smith: The Lions could use a free agent pickup and a draft choice to help improve their corners around Jeff Okudah.
Smith (6-0, 188) will keep South Carolina's stream of cornerbacks for the next level alive in the 2023 NFL Draft after emerging as a potential No. 1 cover corner. Team sources say Smith is fast and moves well to run the route and prevent separation. While Smith's size is adequate, scouts say he has very long arms for a corner who is around 6-foot. In 2022, Smith has 27 tackles, an interception and five passes defended. He was one of the SEC's best corners in 2021, recording 41 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defended. 60. TE Dalton Kincaid: The Lions were wise to dump the overrated T.J. Hockenson. He's above average, but not an elite tight end like Travis Kelce, George Kittle or Darren Waller. Yet Hockenson wants to be paid like a top tight end and is coming up for a new contract. Here, Detroit gets younger, cheaper, and better in the long run at tight end. The Utes entered the 2022 season with two quality tight end prospects in Kincaid and Brant Kuithe. After a strong start to the year, Kuithe went out for the season with an injury and Kincaid picked up the slack with an excellent senior year. In 2022, Kincaid enters the bowl game with 66 catches for 850 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Kincaid is a dangerous receiver with quickness, route-running, good hands, and athleticism. Team sources say they think Kincaid could be a second-round pick next April in the 2023 NFL Draft.) (12-23-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023charlie.php
SI NFL Draft Bible (4. Detroit Lions (via LAR): QB Will Levis, Kentucky: "You will notice everything is ultra-quick. An up-tempo offense based on quick reads and fast decision-making. Levis gets rid of the ball in a hurry and it's the high-octane scheme that you see many NFL teams attempting to mimic."
18. CB Cam Smith: "Stellar length for the position, long arms, and rangy frame. Logged snaps as a boundary corner, nickel defender, and post safety. Incredibly active player, instituting energy on every play. Infectious competitiveness radiates throughout his teammates."
) (12-22-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-friday-special
Draft wire (4. QB Anthony Richardson: If you stopped watching Richardson after his rocky start to the 2022 season, you missed out on some strong development over the second half of the season. He’s got a similar skill set (and boom/bust potential) that Josh Allen had coming into the draft, and the Lions could afford to be patient with him with Jared Goff playing well. 18. CB Brian Branch: Detroit’s corner play on the outside has been a pleasant surprise so far this season, but they could still use a hybrid defender with the versatility to line up in the slot or at either safety spot. Branch is the perfect fit, having handled a similar role in Nick Saban’s defense with great success. 48. OG Andrew Vorhees. 60. RB Sean Tucker) (12-22-22): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-cj-stroud-will-levis-anthony-richardson-will-anderson-jalen-carter/
CBS Edwards (4. DE Will Anderson: With Jared Goff manning a surging Lions offense, Detroit punts on the idea of taking a quarterback and sticks with the 28-year-old. In doing so, the Lions are gifted the chance to take a very gifted edge rusher. Anderson lined up opposite Aidan Hutchinson is going to be problematic for the NFC North. 18. TE Michael Mayer: Speed and reliability are what Detroit has already added to its receiver room with Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions add Mayer to their list of pass catchers. It is easy to see the Notre Dame tight end as a player head coach Dan Campbell would covet.) (12-22-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-buccaneers-draft-heir-apparent-to-tom-brady-eagles-ravens-add-more-firepower-on-offense/
Walter Football (4. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State Ohio State: The Lions must improve their defense, but they won't be able to resist adding a franchise quarterback to replace Jared Goff. They would've had interest in Baker Mayfield had he hit the open market, so they're definitely looking to find a quarterback upgrade. C.J. Stroud completed 71 percent of his passes this past season. He's a lethal passer and can run if he needs to with his 4.65 speed. 18. S Antonio Johnson: The Lions must address their secondary if they ever want to stop the pass. Antonio Johnson is a huge 6-3 cornerback who performed at a high level this past season 48. Quan Martin, CB/S: The Lions could stand to double up on cornerbacks, given how bad they are against the pass. Quan Martin is a smooth athlete who can play anywhere in the secondary. 60. DT Maxi Smith: The Lions desperately need to improve their ability to stop the run. Mazi Smith is a monstrous nose tackle who can generate a pass rush.) (12-21-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023.php
Draft Network Weissman (4. Will Levis QB, Kentucky: The Lions have been very competitive this year and their offense has been clicking on all cylinders primarily due to their strong run game. Jared Goff has played well this year but I do think this offense could be better with a more explosive quarterback. Will Levis has a cannon for an arm, is athletic, and is just scratching the surface to the player he could eventually become. I like the idea of adding Levis to the Lions as they do have a strong nucleus of young talent on offense. 18. Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia: Jeff Okudah has played very well this season and so has the other corner opposite him in Jerry Jacobs. Adding Kelee Ringo in this NFL mock draft might seem like overkill, but you can never have too many corners. Ringo is too talented to pass up. 49. Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa: The Lions are building a strong front seven led by Aidan Hutchinson and look to add a running mate with Lukas Van Ness. 61. Cedric Tillman WR, Tennessee: Cedric Tillman is a physical chain-mover who will give the Lions yet another talented pass-catching option.) (12-21-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-young-levis-stroud-richardson/
PFN Cummings (5. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida:
With Carter and Anderson both off the board, this decision becomes easy for the Lions: Take the QB with the most upside and stash him behind Jared Goff. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, it’s Florida’s Anthony Richardson. Richardson can be a game-breaker in the mold of Justin Fields on the ground, and he’s a growing passer with a rocket launcher arm as well. 18. CB Brian Branch: The Lions have a need for more talent in the secondary — but specifically, they need a DB who can man the slot at a high level. No defender in the 2023 NFL Draft qualifies for this role more than Alabama’s Brian Branch. Branch is extremely natural in coverage with his fluidity and burst, and he’s shown to convert at the catch point.) (12-20-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-lions-roar-grows-louder-with-anthony-richardson/
SI NFL Draft Borowsky (5. QB Bryce Young, Alabama: This season Jared Goff has been impressive, but it will be hard to pass up on Bryce Young. He'd be paired with Jameson Williams again, which was one of the best connections in college football in 2021. The Lions could be a perennial contender with Young in Detroit's offense. 18. Detroit Lions (Via LAR): LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas: By the end of the pre-draft process, Sanders could be even higher on the list. He has everything teams want in a modern NFL linebacker. Sanders can cover, comes downhill with incredible explosion, and is a consistent playmaker. For a first-year inside linebacker in 2022, Sanders has shown the instincts of a four-year starter. It wouldn't be shocking to see Sanders end up as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.) (12-19-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bowl-season-mock
PFN Broback (4. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Detroit’s playing much better as of late, but the quarterback position remains a need that must be addressed. C.J. Stroud gets a chance to remind everyone why he can be the top pick in the draft, but until then, he “falls” to the Lions in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Stroud’s arm strength and accuracy give the Buckeyes a fighting chance of carving up the Georgia secondary in the College Football Playoff, and a strong performance could sway teams in his direction. 15. CB Cam Smith: After watching the Lions beat the Vikings this past weekend, one thing stood out: the defense plays with a ton of juice. So Cam Smith would be a natural fit on that side of the ball. Jeff Okudah needs some help too, so why not add a player with great physicality in defending the run and at the catch point? 46. CB Brian Branch: Brian Branch gives the Lions another defensive back, but one that could move around and give them talent and depth at multiple positions. Whether that’s at safety or in the slot, Branch has shown promise wherever Alabama put him. 60. Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State: Pairing an Ohio State Buckeye with a Michigan Wolverine wouldn’t normally go well, but it doesn’t matter in the NFL. Aidan Hutchinson is already thriving with the Lions, and Zach Harrison gives Detroit another freak on the edge that will be tough to block. 78. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa: Jack Campbell is a tackling machine, who will make his future coaching staff happy. The Butkus Award winner is a great fit for the Lions. 151. Keondre Coburn, DT. 178. Benjamin Yurosek, TE. 190. Detroit Lions
PFN Hasan (4. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Jared Goff has been nothing but impressive over the last few weeks, but he’s still an extraordinarily limited quarterback. The Detroit Lions are on the verge of having a truly good team and just need a quarterback to get it going. C.J. Stroud is a great quarterback for the Ben Johnson offense, given his strengths as a pocket passer working in rhythm, and he has a phenomenal combination of arm strength and accuracy to go with his ability to read the field. 15. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: The Detroit Lions seem to be satisfied with Jerry Jacobs opposite Jeff Okudah, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding talent in the secondary. The defensive line is good, and the linebackers are improving, so the real issue with this leaky defense must be on the back end. And it is. Adding someone like Christian Gonzalez should shore up some of these issues, especially once they return Tracy Walker back from injury next year at safety.) (12-16-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-c-j-stroud-will-levis-and-anthony-richardson-all-go-in-first-round/
Touchdown wire Farrar (4. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: The Lions are cooking with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Jared Goff now benefits from receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and D.J. Chark. But if you have the opportunity to get another transcendent receiver to add to that aerial attack, why not? TCU quarterback Max Duggan’s Heisman finalist season had a lot to do with Johnston’s ability to get downfield and separate with size (6-foot-4, 215), straight-line speed, and route awareness. Whether Goff is the Lions’ quarterback in 2023 or not (and right now, there’s a pretty good argument for him to be just that), Johnston might take that offense to an entirely new level. 15. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon: If one Sewell is a good idea for the Lions, how about two? Now that right tackle and 2021 seventh-overall pick Penei Sewell is a prominent receiver in Ben Johnson’s offense, perhaps it’s about time to add Noah Sewell to Aaron Glenn’s defense. Detroit has two good linebackers in rookie Malcolm Rodriguez and veteran Alex Anzalone, but Sewell brings a different level of athleticism, versatility, and productivity to the table.) (12-15-22): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-jalen-carter-will-anderson/
Draft Tek (4. DE Myles Murphy: This Lions season has really taken a turn for the better, and the team's future quarterbacking prospects are shifting accordingly. Detroit is on a rare hot streak, winning five of six to get into the playoff chase, and its offense is certifiably good. We're talking fourth in the NFL in yards per game, fifth in the league in points scored. What's more, QB Jared Goff has won over the team's fan base and sports a passer rating just off his peak years with the Rams.
The team's defense is much improved from the historically bad football it was playing early this season, but it's still 31st in yards and points allowed and it still needs talent at all three levels.. Between its own picks and the proceeds of a couple of trades, the Lions figure to be picking five times in the first 80, so we could be looking at a very trendy bet by the time camp rolls around next summer. Clearly, if the Rams can just get back to losing enough to get the Lions into the top 3, the pick figures to be Will Anderson or Jalen Carter. If they fall just outside, a premium Edge like Clemson's Myles Murphy will kick off the talent harvest quite nicely. His speed, bend and spin move will complement the try-hard versatility of Aiden Hutchinson and the Freeney-like explosiveness of James Houston to give the Lions a D-line to rival their rock solid offensive front. --Jud Branam, Lions Analyst 15. LB Noah Sewell: The idea of adding Noah Sewell to the rolling ball of butcher knives Dan Campbell is building in Detroit is a delicious notion. A heady, hard-hitting linebacker with abundant athleticism, Sewell would be a great fit for the family atmosphere in the up-and-coming Lions' locker room. His brother is there for starters. In addition, the 40-touchdown high school running back could be put to good use on the Lions, where gadget plays and fake punts are de rigueur. A couple of potential downsides to this scenario: Sewell doesn't project as an elite coverage 'backer without substantial development, and the Lions already have a budding star at the Mike in Malcolm Rodriguez, a/k/a Rodrigo.
What he is is a pure football player who can run and hit and force turnovers. Depending on how the board shakes out, this pick could go to a Trenton Simpson or a top corner. But you have to believe the retooled Lions defense could make room for a baller like Sewell. --Jud Branam, Lions Analyst 46. CB Emmanuel Forbes. 61. LB Owen Pappoe. 78. QB Tanner McKee. 142. TE Tucker Kraft. 161. OG Steve Avila. 174. WR Trey Palmer) (12-14-22): https://www.drafttek.com/2023-NFL-Draft-Team-Pages/Lions-Draft-Page.asp
Draft Network Sanchez (4. DE Will Anderson: Will Anderson Jr. is arguably the best player in this year’s draft and for the Lions to be able to get him here is an absolute steal. Aidan Hutchinson has flashed some high-level plays this year, but it is evident he still needs someone on the other side to balance things out. Anderson and Hutchinson combined will give the Lions a special 1-2 punch on the edge and help turn this defense around. 15. CB DJ Turner: This Lions’ offense has proven to be the strong point of this team and is one of the main reasons why they are competitive in games. However, the Lions’ defense has been bad for most of the year, causing the team to lose very winnable games. With their second pick in this NFL mock draft, the Lions add another corner to the mix and select DJ Turner. Turner is an athletic player that can play man-to-man or zone and should step right in and become a starter to help upgrade this Lions secondary.) (12-12-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-levis-stroud-richardson/
PFN Hodgkinson (4. Detroit Lions: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia: As Mariah Carey famously sang, “Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is a 6’3″, 310-pound defensive tackle with elite athleticism weaponized by high-level technical ability and incredible physical tools.”
15. QB CJ Stroud: Given the recent comparisons to Jared Goff, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud gets a particularly apt landing spot in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. There have been some tough games this season for the young Buckeye, but there’s no denying that Stroud’s arm talent, accuracy, and NFL size are all alluring.
Stroud is the toy that you want, while Goff is the alternative that your parent assures you that you already have at home. The Ohio State QB can take this Lions team somewhere that Goff simply cannot — a Super Bowl. 45. LB Henry To’oTo’o, LB: The Lions found a late-round LB gem in Malcolm “Rodrigo” Rodriguez last year, but don’t leave it so long to find him a partner in crime in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Alabama’s Henry To’oTo’o offers Detroit an instinctual player with a high football IQ, physicality, and the attributes to be a high-level run defender at a significant position of need. 61. Detroit Lions (From MIN): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama: 61. CB Garrett Williams: Cornerback promises to be one of the Lions’ top needs in the 2023 NFL Draft, and in this mock, they land a top talent at the position. Garrett Williams has been the standout player of Syracuse’s defense for the past two seasons, with his blend of coverage capability and run-game physicality. He’s fast, fluid, and flows to the football with ferocity.
76. WR A.T. Perry: At 6’5″, Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry adds a tall, jump-ball receiver for Stroud to aim at from this 2023 NFL Draft. Don’t be fooled into thinking that is all Perry offers, however, as the Demon Deacon dynamo has a twitchiness that leads to effortless separation. 146. Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State. 167. Kenny Logan Jr., S, Kansas. 177. Mark Evans II, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff) (12-10-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-youngs-poise-and-professionalism-puts-him-in-pole-position-for-the-first-overall-pick/
FTW D'Andrea (3. QB CJ Stroud. Ohio State (Team needs: QB, CB, S, LB, DT): Stroud is a blue chip talent whose improvisational skills can’t match up to Young’s. He’s been buoyed by elite wideouts at Ohio State, but in this situation he’d get to play with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, among others, who are capable of keeping him in butter brickle. If nothing else he can be a big-armed pocket passer capable of creating a clear upgrade over Jared Goff and becoming a Matthew Stafford-esque presence for the Lions’ offense. 15. CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon (Team needs: QB, CB, S, LB, DT): In my last mock draft, the Lions had the top overall pick. Now they clock in at 15th. Hats off to Dan Campbell for wringing the most out of this team, even if his defense is a sad slurry of busted coverages. Gonzalez is here to help with that, even if Detroit’s newfound success likely takes it out of the running for a top-two cornerback prospect. The Colorado transfer was a breakout star in his lone season in Oregon, recording four interceptions and 50 tackles to show off a well-rounded game. He’s 6-foot-2 and fast as hell, too. When he runs a 4.3-second 40 at next year’s Draft Combine he’s going to invite plenty of comparisons to one of 2022’s rookie studs, Seattle cornerback Tariq Woolen.) (12-8-22): https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-mock-draft-2023-bryce-young-jalen-carter-quentin-johnston
Fox sports Rang (4. DE Tyree Wilson: Yes, the Lions could select a quarterback here. But with the team playing better recently with veteran Jared Goff and an effective running game, adding even more firepower to a good young defensive lines just feels like the route head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes want to take. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Wilson doesn't yet get the national acclaim of some of his peers in this defensive line class but his length, power and upside are exciting and could remind longtime Lions fans of another surprise top-five pick years ago: Ziggy Ansah. 15. TE Michael Mayer: T.J. Hockenson was dealt to Minnesota just before the trade deadline, and the Lions could use a bigger, stronger replacement, especially as the team adopts a run-heavy attack.) (12-8-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-goes-first-but-strong-dl-class-stands-out
Draft Network Parson (4. DT Jalen Carter: The Rams are far worse than anyone could have imagined. As a result, the Lions are the beneficiaries with a top-five pick in this NFL mock draft. Aidan Hutchinson has been impactful as a rookie on this defense. Now imagine him rushing off the edges with Jalen Carter generating interior pressure on passing downs. Carter has an unreal blend of size, athleticism, arm length, and physical strength. He is a monster in the middle and will help bring the ROAR back to the Lions’ defense! 15. DE Jared Verse: What a defensive facelift the Lions have undergone with this NFL mock draft. Carter was added to dominate on the interior and now adding Jared Verse should excite Lions’ fans. Verse plays with good leverage and understands how to win the edge. He is a tough and gritty player. A defensive front with Carter, Hutchinson, and Verse sounds like a heavenly trio for Detroit. 46. CB Emmanuel Forbes: Jeff Okudah returned to health this season and has looked the part. Problem is, there is not a consistent cornerback to pair him with on the roster. Emmanuel Forbes has tremendous ball skills and instincts to generate turnovers for points. This is a nice pairing of two young corners in this NFL mock draft. 62. TE Tucker Kraft: The Lions traded T.J. Hockenson to their divisional foe in Minnesota. Tucker Kraft could step into this offense and bring a talented pass-catcher that does not mind blocking in the run game.) (12-6-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-will-levis-qb1/
SN (3. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia (6-3, 310 pounds): After landing Aidan Hutchinson for the edge of their front four in the 2022 draft, the Lions should keep beefing things up with the most impact defender available to create a devastating young upfield trio along with Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. Carter can do everything as an absolute disruptor. 13. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame (6-4, 257 pounds): The Lions can be content tabling QB and going with Jared Goff one more season if it means assembling a dominant front. Foskey, the Fighting Irish's all-time sack leader, is another high-energy producer to put opposite Hutchinson.) (12-2-22): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2023-texans-lions-seahawks-eagles/bnsiasvmrdv4iv1rnzywbvw7
Draft Network Marino (3. DT Jalen Carter: The Lions have some exciting young defensive talent and adding a talent like Jalen Carter to go with the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill would give the Lions one of most exciting young defensive lines in the league. Carter is a dynamic penetration-style player that has all the tools to be highly disruptive in the NFL 12. Cam Smith CB, South Carolina: The Lions’ defense has displayed some growth of late but the cornerback position is one that needs an upgrade. Cam Smith is a versatile defender that can play zone and man coverage with impressive ball skills and a strong appetite to be physical and tackle. He would continue to add to the identity of players the Lions have been attracted to under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.) (11-29-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-anderson-wilson-carter/
PFN Mellor (3. DE Will Anderson: The best player in the 2023 NFL Draft happens to fall to the Detroit Lions — Will Anderson Jr. is too good to pass up here. Grabbing an edge defender isn’t necessarily the top priority. Nonetheless, with two first-round picks, you can grab the best player available here when it’s Anderson. He’s a dominant pass rusher with an array of elite pass-rushing moves. Anderson wins with speed and the proverbial bend, while possessing more than enough strength and versatility to justify being the first overall pick in this draft, let alone the third. 20. Detroit Lions (from LAR): BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU: 13. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: There is a lot to love about Anthony Richardson as a professional quarterback. But there is a lot to grow and develop. The Detroit Lions can afford to take the chance with their second of two first-round picks on the 6’4″, 238-pound speedster with a rocket for an arm. Richardson has shown struggles with ball placement on second- and third-read throws. He’s also been slow to find his progressive-read throws. However, there is no denying that he has elite arm talent and may be the fastest player on the field, no matter what level he’s in. Richardson has severe boom-or-bust potential, but if he does boom, he’s a perennial All-Pro-type player.) (11-29-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-carolina-trades-up-for-cj-stroud/
SI Ric Serritella (6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: The secondary hasn’t been the most dependable unit and Detroit needs to find themselves a shutdown corner to combat the likes of Justin Jefferson within their division, especially since 2020 first-round pick (third overall) Jeff Okudah has struggled mightily to stay healthy. Ringo has shown the ability to match up with anyone and everyone who lines up across from him. 13. Detroit Lions: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida: Despite a revolving door at the guard position this season, the Lions have had one of the best offensive line units in the NFL. Adding Torrence to the mix would provide an immediate plug-and-play starter who would help this franchise continue to build in the trenches. Torrence has yet to allow a sack during his collegiate career, making nearly 50 starts with the Gators and would make an area of strength even stronger.) (11-28-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-post-thanksgiving-extravaganza
Draft Network Crabbs (6. DT Jalen Carter: The Lions hit with their 2022 addition to the defensive front in Aidan Hutchinson, but he’s going to need some more help for this Lions’ defense to turn things around. How about a freakish hybrid player that could play all over the front to pair with Hutchinson and help carve out a clear identity for the Lions up front, much like they already have on offense? 13. Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State: The Lions already snagged an interior defender earlier in this NFL mock draft with Carter, but now they get a chance to grab an elite athlete on the perimeter to help this defense out. Joey Porter Jr. has the length, physicality, and man cover skills to pair with Jeff Okudah to give the Lions a duo on the back end to go with their new duo on the front end.) (11-23-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-anderson-bresee-carter-wilson/
PFF Renner and Sikkema (8. DT Bryan Bresee, CLEMSON (Big board rank: 6. Stats to know through Week 11 - 67.1 PFF grade, 76.0 pass-rush grade, 14 total pressures): “This dude's a former No. 1 overall recruit for a reason — it's because his athleticism is off the charts. He's 6-foot-5, 305 to 310 pounds, and he can explode from a three-tech position.” — Trevor Sikkema. 11. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE MYLES MURPHY, CLEMSON (Big board rank: 8. Stats to know through Week 11 - 78.9 PFF grade, 79.4 pass-rush grade, 21 total pressures): “Murphy is very much this year's Travon Walker in that every box, physically, he is ticking. … He is that level of explosion where it doesn't take too much in the way of technique, and the way of pass-rush moves to then become a massive impact player at the next level.” — Mike Renner) (11-18-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-mock-draft-top-20-bryce-young-houston-texans-cj-stroud-las-vegas-raiders
Foxsports McIntyre (1. Detroit Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Stroud checks all the boxes, but there's one that's out of his control: Ohio State QBs who dominate in the Big Ten haven't done the same in the NFL. A lot of people did say the same about Big 12 QBs before Patrick Mahomes hit the NFL like a comet. 14. Detroit Lions (via LA Rams): Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State: Verse is a transfer from Albany, where he was the CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has made a big impact for the Seminoles with 8.5 TFL and 4 sacks, including a monster effort against LSU (two sacks, 2.5 TFL). The Colts might be in for a massive overhaul this offseason — front office, coaches and players.): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-mock-draft-c-j-stroud-bryce-young-in-top-two-whos-next
SI NFL Draft Eli Nachmany (1. Detroit Lions — QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio StateC.J. Stroud, Ohio State: QB1 goes No. 1. If the Lions pick first, as it increasingly looks like they will, they probably have to take a quarterback. Jared Goff has not gotten the job done, and Detroit is not a winning team—let alone a playoff team—with him under center. (Moreover, Detroit can save a boatload of salary cap cash by moving on from Goff this offseason.) Stroud is the presumptive first-overall pick. He is a complete prospect who can make throws at all levels of the field. Stroud does not have to travel far from Columbus to Detroit; he could be the answer for the long-suffering Lions. 20. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams) — WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU: With C.J. Stroud in tow, the Lions use their extra first-round pick to add a top weapon for their new franchise quarterback. Many considered Boutte an early first-round talent before the season got underway, but this year, the LSU standout got off to a slow start. Nevertheless, Boutte has serious talent and demonstrated that he could be a No. 1 wide receiver at the next level. A fearless pass catcher who is not afraid to go over the middle, Boutte runs great routes and wins matchups at the point of attack. He has also grown into a leader at LSU. He could still end up somewhere in the first round, despite a dip in production this year. In this mock draft, the Lions take a chance on Boutte. 33. Detroit Lions — CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Yahoo Charles McDonald (3. Detroit Lions - Alabama QB Bryce Young. Jared Goff has had some nice moments for the Lions, but it’s time for them to get more dynamic at the position. Bryce Young has the tools to be that guy. Young already has experience throwing to former Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams, so hopefully it would be a quick start for Young and the Lions. 22. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
Round 1 Pick 1 (16 QB, 6 DT, 5 DE, 2 CB, 1 RB, 1 WR):
9 QB CJ Stroud
5 DT Jalen Carter
3 DE Will Anderson
3 QB Will Levis
2 QB Bryce Young
2 CB Kelee Ringo
2 QB Anthony Richardson
1 DE Myles Murphy
1 DT Bryan Bresee
1 DE Tyree Wilson
1 RB Bijan Robinson
1 WR Quentin Johnston
Round 1 Pick 2 (14 CB, 5 DE, 4 LB, 2 TE, 2 QB, 1 WR, 1 OG, 1 S, 1 CB):
5 CB Cam Smith
3 DE Jared Verse
2 CB Brian Branch
2 CB Joey Porter
2 CB Christian Gonzalez
2 LB Noah Sewell
2 TE Michael Mayer
2 CB Kelee Ringo
1 CB Devon Witherspoon
1 DE Myles Murphy
1 DE Isaiah Foskey
1 LB Drew Sanders
1 LB Henry To'oTo'o
1 CB DJ Turner
1 QB CJ Stroud
1 QB Anthony Richardson
1 WR Kayshon Boutte
1 OG O’Cyrus Torrence
1 S Antonio Johnson
Round 2 Pick 1 (6 CB, 2 DE, 1 LB, 1 TE, 1 OG):
2 CB Emmanuel Forbes
1 CB Cam Smith
1 DE Lukas Van Ness
1 CB Kelee Ringo
1 LB Henry To'oTo'o
1 TE Darnell Washington
1 OG Andrew Vorhees
1 CB Quan Martin
1 CB Brian Branch
1 DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Round 2 Pick 2 (3 TE, 2 DE, 1 DT, 1 CB, 1 LB, 1 RB, 1 WR):
2 DE Zach Harrison
2 TE Dalton Kincaid
1 TE Tucker Kraft
1 RB Sean Tucker
1 DT Maxi Smith
1 LB Owen Pappoe
1 CB Garrett Williams
1 WR Cedric Tillman
Round 3 (2 LB, 1 WR, 1 QB, 1 S):
1 QB Tanner McKee
1 WR A.T. Perry
1 S JL Skinner
1 LB Jack Campbell
1 LB Tommy Eichenberg
Round 5 (1 DE, 1 TE, 1 DT, 1 OG):
1 TE Tucker Kraft
1 DE Will McDonald
1 DT Keondre Coburn
1 OG Steve Avila
Round 6 Pick 1 (1 OG, 1 S, 1 TE, 1 DT):
1 OG Steve Avila
1 S Kenny Logan
1 TE Benjamin Yurosek
1 DT Moro Ojomo
Round 6 Pick 2 (2 WR, 1 OT, 1 RB):
1 WR Trey Palmer
1 WR Nathaniel (Tank) Dell
1 OT Mark Evans
1 RB Miyan Williams
