Walter football Charlie (6. RB Bijan Robinson: Under Brad Holmes, the Lions have taken elite talents and have 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. Jamaal Williams is also a free agent after this season. Here's a back who has the potential to be a Lions legend who reminds their fans of the Barry Sanders days. Robinson has averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2022 for 1,129 yards and 12 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 in 2021 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. 13. CB Cam Smith: The Lions need a lot of help in the secondary. Smith could give them a nice tandem of outside corners with 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 19 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. 35. DE Will McDonald: The Lions grab an edge rusher to go with Aidan Hutchinson. McDonald has 30 tackles, four sacks and a pass batted thus far this season. He totaled 36 tackles, 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2021. McDonald recorded 10.5 sacks and 33 tackles in 2020 after recording six sacks in 2019. Team sources rave about McDonald's pass-rush ability, and his natural skills at getting after the quarterback. He is fast and athletic, allowing him to shoot past blockers and put steady heat on the signal-caller. NFL teams, however, say McDonald (6-4, 245) is terrible versus the run and even bad opponents can destroy him in the ground game. Hence, he might be more of a designated pass rusher as a pro. 61. QB Jayden Daniels: If the Lions miss out on the first-round quarterbacks, they could draw on the second-day group to land a potential starter. Daniels has completed 70 percent of his passes this year for 1,994 yards, 14 touchdowns and an interception. He also has run for 619 yards and 10 touchdowns. Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who has shown improvement as a passer throughout the season. The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder has a quality arm, flashes some accuracy, protects the football, and can make big plays with his feet. For Arizona State in 2021, Daniels completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,380 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. he was impressive in 2019, showing playmaking ability as a passer and runner while producing points for the Sun Devils. Daniels didn't play as well in the shortened 2020 Pac-12 season) (11-25-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023charlie.php
PFN Cummings (6. Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: In the latter months of the 2023 NFL Draft process, the eye test sometimes takes on added weight. We’ve seen it before. That might push Bryce Young down past other more prototypical QBs, but he should still earn an early selection for his franchise upside. The Lions would benefit from his toughness and elite creative capacity. 13. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Cornerback is another position that will likely need an added influx of talent for the Lions this coming offseason. Christian Gonzalez came into the 2022 season relatively raw, but he’s since built on his natural foundation. He has the smooth athleticism, length, and high-end playmaking ability to be the first CB off the board in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.) (11-25-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-c-j-stroud-anthony-richardson-lead-six-qbs-off-board-in-round-1/
Draft wire (6. QB Anthony Richardson: Richardson’s 2022 campaign got off to a rocky start, but last week was the first time he’s thrown a pick in five games. He’s got the kind of rare skill set that makes him the closest thing to Josh Allen that we’ll see in this class, with similar boom/bust potential. The Bills are reaping the benefits of the boom, and a team like the Lions could easily do the same. 13. Detroit Lions | Georgia CB Kelee Ringo: Jeff Okudah is finally playing like a No. 3 overall pick, but the Lions could use an upgrade at the other corner spot. Ringo is big and athletic, with the length and ball skills to be a big-play machine at the next level, just like he’s been for the Bulldogs. 41. DE Derick Hall. 61. LB Jack Campbell) (11-24-22): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-cj-stroud-will-levis-anthony-richardson-hendon-hooker-michael-penix-jr/
Touchdown wire Farrar (6. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: The 4-6 Lions are suddenly kind of semi-playoff relevant despite a secondary that’s allowed an opponent passer rating of 99.4, fourth-worst in the league. The travails of that cornerback group have been obvious, though it’s nice to see 2020 third-overall pick Jeff Okudah finally getting the hang of things. Adding Ringo to that secondary would be a major bump for Aaron Glenn’s defense. Ringo has become a lockdown force on the NCAA’s best defense over the last two seasons, and he’s been even better in 2022 than in 2021, with 27 catches allowed on 44 targets for 384 yards, 127 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, two interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 70.6. As he’s done this against some of the best receivers in college football, the like-as-like translation to the NFL looks pretty good. 13. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon: Two Sewells for the Lions? Why not? Detroit’s defense doesn’t just need all kinds of help in the secondary, which is why we’ve already given them Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo. They also need an every-down linebacker who can not only run the defense, but can also make plays all over the field. Penei Sewell’s younger brother is build old-school at 6-foot-2 and 253 pounds, but he’s more than just a run-thumper; he can win everywhere from the edge to the box to the slot.) (11-24-22): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-c-j-stroud-jalen-carter-will-levis/
Walter Football (6. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: 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. Will Levis has a big arm and could become a hot prospect in 2023. 13. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: The Lions must address their secondary if they ever want to stop the pass. Cam Smith is a fast cornerback with long arms. 44. Brandon Joseph, CB, Notre Dame: The Lions could stand to double up on cornerbacks, given how bad they are against the pass. Brandon Joseph is a turnover machine as a cornerback with great instincts. 61. DT Tyler Davis: The Lions desperately need to improve their ability to stop the run. Tyler Davis doesn't have great upside, but he's been a disruptive force in the interior of the defensive line.) (11-23-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023.php
SI NFL Draft Bible (6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): QB Will Levis, Kentucky: "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. You can tell that Levis puts in the time, he works on his mechanics, he possesses great footwork, and his fakes are carried out with emphasis so that attention to detail is what you want to see from a franchise signal-caller." 13. Detroit Lions: S Brian Branch, Alabama: "Brian Branch has the athleticism, instincts, and physicality to play any defensive back position in the league. He should start as a rookie and can develop into a stellar defensive chess piece, and he can at least be an elite special teamer.") (11-21-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-quarterbacks-go-quick
PFN Broback (8. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: If you’ve paid attention to Georgia football, you know that teams aren’t having success testing Kelee Ringo. You must pick your battles when throwing to his side because receivers don’t typically get much separation from him. At 6’2″, 210 pounds, Ringo’s proven that he can handle bigger wide receivers but also has the fluidity and speed to keep up with quicker route runners. Joining Jeff Okudah gives the Lions two corners that can shut down receivers, making life difficult for any opposing quarterback. 11. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon. Dan Campbell wants to build something special in Detroit, and this 2023 NFL Mock Draft allows him to do that. After adding an elite corner, he continues adding to the defense with a player he’ll love. Noah Sewell plays the game one speed no matter what aspect he’s playing. Sewell’s not the greatest in coverage, but the man is one of the most explosive players coming downhill. Running backs are in for a rude awakening when they don’t bring their best in the trenches, and it’s an attitude that fits what Campbell’s growing in the Midwest. 41. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington: If Detroit decides to wait to draft a quarterback, there are some potentially valuable prospects waiting in Round 2. Michael Penix Jr. continues his ascent up draft boards thanks to a big performance against Oregon, and he could find his way into the second round if he keeps this up. 61. Detroit Lions (From MIN): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama: Jordan Battle continues to slide in mock drafts, but someone’s going to take a chance on him. He’s a veteran leader for Alabama’s secondary and has potential to be a solid player in the NFL. 72. Detroit Lions: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt: Calijah Kancey might not be the biggest interior defender, but he’s got the explosiveness to be a great player at the next level. From power to quickness, he finds ways to beat his competition on a frequent basis.) (11-19-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bijan-robinson-jahmyr-gibbs-join-loaded-offenses/
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
Draft Tek (4. QB Will Levis: Just as analysts and draftniks (ahem) wrote off their chances for the season, the Lions went out and knocked off the Pack and the Bears. While this raised the battered spirits of Rebuild City a tick, it also moved the team out of the safety of the top two picks where QBs CJ Stroud and Bryce Young will likely be taken. Since Jared Goff is clearly not the answer going forward, this leaves the Lions in a more risk-reward position as they search for a new signal caller. While the risk side has been standing out of late, Will Levis of Kentucky has the strong arm and mobility that keeps bringing to mind a young Josh Allen. But before that there are assignments for both sides: Levis will need to improve on his mistake-laden performances of late and get some upward momentum over the last few weeks of this year, and the Lions will need to stockpile some losses to keep their draft capital fresh. Check out the full yield of the Lions' draft (five in the first three rounds) at the Lions Team Draft Page. --Jud Branam, Lions Analyst 18. LB Trenton Simpson: The injury bug and post-title malaise sweeping through the Rams have Lions fans casting hungry eyes on the draft list. While little can be done to erase the sourness of dealing Matt Stafford straight to a Super Bowl win, a stud linebacker like Clemson's Trenton Simpson can provide the balm of another key cog in the Lions' ongoing rebuild. Simpson offers several things the Lions need right away: pure speed to cover backs and tight ends and chase down running QBs, along with a knack for getting to the passer as an edge rusher. His athleticism would create some versatility in defensive game planning and complement the young core coming together in Detroit. With Cooper Kupp on IR and Matt Stafford in the protocol, this pick could keep moving on up through the cold winter weeks left to play. 35. CB Garrett Williams. 61. WR Marvin Mims. 67. OG O'Cyrus Torrence. 131. TE Josh Whyle. 163. LB SirVocea Dennis. 165. RB Deuce Vaughn.) (11-16-22): https://www.drafttek.com/2023-NFL-Draft-Team-Pages/Lions-Draft-Page.asp
CBS Wilson (5. DT Jalen Carter: Jared Goff has exceeded expectations in Detroit, to the point that it's hard to imagine a rookie QB would be a better option in '23. And if the Lions are of the same opinion, Jalen Carter, who was arguably the best defender on a '21 Georgia D that had five first-round picks, would fill a huge void in Detroit. 19. DE Jared Verse: The Lions defense has been hard to watch at times this season, and while they've improved in recent weeks, it's hard not to like the idea of adding Jalen Carter and Jared Verse with their two first-rounders. Verse, an Albany transfer, has been electric in '22, even when overcoming a knee injury. At full health, he's a real problem, especially when he's lined up opposite someone like Aidan Hutchinson.) (11-14-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-10-grades-tom-bradys-buccaneers-earn-an-a-for-win-in-germany-raiders-get-an-f-for-ugly-loss/
PFN Hodgkinson (5. Detroit Lions: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia: Stepping up to the podium for the fifth pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions are in something of a no man’s land as it pertains to selecting a passer. With two picks inside the top 15, they can likely swoop for a signal-caller a little later. What you’re not going to get outside of the top 10 is a player of Jalen Carter‘s caliber. Adding the 6’3″, 310-pound Georgia juggernaut gives the Lions an athletic freak who is dominantly explosive off the snap. You can try and stop Carter. You can try and stop Aidan Hutchinson. It’s a fair bet you can’t stop them both. 12. Detroit Lions (From LAR): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: With Dan Campbell biting kneecaps and Will Levis putting mayonnaise in his coffee, the catering arrangements in Detroit might leave a lot to be desired. But the on-field product has the potential to be tasty. The Kentucky QB fits the gritty demeanor of Campbell’s Lions, routinely strapping the Wildcats on his back and dragging them kicking and screaming across the goal line in games. Levis’ elastic arm is effortlessly exquisite, allowing him to zip the ball into tight windows with ease. 35. Detroit Lions: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson: In the unlikely scenario that Trenton Simpson escapes the first round, the Lions should move to the podium quicker than the Clemson LB covers ground on the football field. A Swiss Army knife defensive prospect who will draw lazy comparisons to Isaiah Simmons, Simpson is a downhill enforcer with coverage ability who has aligned all over the field during his college career. 61. Detroit Lions (From MIN): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama: Jordan Battle gives the Lions important safety depth in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. However, the Alabama safety has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber NFL talent. With his high-level play-recognition skills, alignment versatility, and an impressive athletic profile that allows him to act upon his instincts, Battle is equally adept against the run and in coverage. 66. Detroit Lions: Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville: Louisville cornerback Kei’Trel Clark is headed to Las Vegas for the 2023 Shrine Bowl, with his ultimate destination being the NFL. Great football instincts are weaponized by impressive click-and-close ability as a dangerous turnover threat for the Lions’ secondary.) (11-13-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-cj-stroud-bryce-young-continue-to-dominate-the-quarterback-class/
Draft Network Parson (5. Detroit Lions - Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama: The Lions have built a nice foundation on the offensive side of the ball. Even with Jared Goff at QB, they rank inside the top 10 in the major offensive categories. Aidan Hutchinson is making a strong case for DROY. That being said, the Lions have one of the worst defenses in the league. Picturing Will Anderson Jr. and Hutchinson on the same defensive line should strike fear in the hearts of opposing QBs. Anderson Jr. is known as the terminator. His ability to wreck blocking schemes is unreal. How can you help a struggling secondary? Boost your pass rush and force uncomfortable passes! 12. Detroit Lions (via LAR)
Cam Smith CB, South Carolina: As I mentioned earlier with their first pick in this NFL mock draft, the Lions are performing well offensively. The defense is one of the worst in the league. Cam Smith adds swag and attitude to this secondary. He is a sticky and light-footed cornerback that excels in man coverage. He does not mind mixing it up in the run game, either. I believe he would pair well with Jeff Okudah to help stop the bleeding defensively.)(11-7-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-1st-round-qbs-young-stroud-levis/
SN (1. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6-3, 215 pounds): The Lions have started to see the cracks in their bridge quarterback plan with Jared Goff and need to take the franchise passer at the top for the first time since Matthew Stafford in 2009. Stroud is a confident pocket passer who can make all the throws and can be the next Joe Burrow by way of Columbus. His athleticism is underrated and his big playmaking has been sharp. Some recent off play doesn't change that fact. 14. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 188 pounds): The Lions' defense has plenty of holes vs. run and pass behind Aidan Hutchinson so best player on that side is a good bet with this other first-rounder. Smith's size and speed give some promise to improve things greatly opposite Jeffrey Okudah, who is quickly finding his way as a cover man after early injury issues.) (11-3-22): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2023-eagles-texans-packers-broncos/lmludiyfrypf4d52yf4kyqqu
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 Borowsky (1. Detroit Lions: QB Will Levis, Kentucky: If Levis had the talent around him that Stroud and Young had, he'd be far and away the best quarterback in the country. Nevertheless, Levis possesses unbelievable tools, is pro-ready and has the moxie to help speed up Detroit's rebuild. He'd have a great offensive line, solid weapons and an established run game. Levis has the most upside out of any player in the class, so putting him in an offense like Detroit's will allow him to reach his potential. 13. Detroit Lions (Via LAR): LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas: After taking a quarterback first overall, the Lions add to their weak linebacking group. Sanders is the best linebacker in the draft, with exceptional explosiveness and athleticism. He is just scratching the surface of what he can develop into, which is a pro bowl caliber player. He'd step in and be their best linebacker and most impactful defensive player.) (11-2-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-post-trade-deadline-mock
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
Draft Network Sanchez (1. Detroit Lions
Bryce Young QB, Alabama: The Lions’ biggest problems have been defensively, but Detroit can’t pass up on the opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback. Bryce Young is an instinctual player that constantly showcased the ability to make plays when things aren’t there. He is a great pick for a Lions franchise that is looking for their new face of the franchise QB. 13. Detroit Lions (via LAR) Henry To’o To’o LB, Alabama: With their first pick in this NFL mock draft, they got their offensive leader. Now, they draft their defensive leader. The Lions’ LB corps needs to be upgraded. By drafting Henry To’o To’o, they are able to fill both voids form a positional perspective and a leadership perspective. To’o To’o is a sideline-to-sideline player that can consistently make plays.) (10-31-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-young-stroud-hooker/
PFN Mellor (1. Detroit Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: The Detroit Lions need a resurgence of youth at the quarterback position, and if the season ended today, they’d have their pick of the litter. That pick is C.J. Stroud in this mock draft, as Stroud has the mental makeup and arm talent as well as every intangible you’d desire from a franchise signal-caller. Put your fears of “just another Ohio State quarterback” away, as Stroud squashes all his predecessors with his NFL readiness. He’s an anticipatory thrower with ample arm strength and some of the best on-platform throwing ability we’ve seen in some time. He’ll pick up the Lions’ playbook quickly and improve the roster in a heartbeat.. 20. Detroit Lions (from LAR): BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU: Bending the proverbial edge or stacking his tackles with strength, there is a bevy of ways that BJ Ojulari wins. He’ll rush past tackles or power straight through them to get to the quarterback, and the Lions get a stalwart pass rusher in the middle stages of Round 1, thanks to the Rams. 32. Detroit Lions: Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama: The Lions improve their defense yet again with Henry To’oTo’o, who can move up and down the field in all facets. He’ll run the alley very well and test off the charts at the Combine. 64. Detroit Lions
Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan. 100. Detroit Lions
Kenny Logan Jr., S, Kansas. 132. Detroit Lions
Malachi Moore, CB, Alabama. 164. Detroit Lions
Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina. 170. Detroit Lions
FTW D'Andrea (1. QB Bryce Young, Alabama (Team needs: QB, CB, S, LB, DT): The Lions’ recent losing streak has a very Lions silver (and Honolulu Blue) lining. It’s pushed them to the top of the early 2023 Draft order. That leaves Detroit in perfect position to draft its next franchise quarterback. Will it be Young or Ohio State star CJ Stroud? That’s the tough question whomever lands the top pick will have to figure out. Stroud has lifted a litany of blue chip wideouts to stardom. Young is a Heisman Trophy winner who may be the best quarterback in Alabama program history. Young’s abilities as a playmaker give him the edge for now, but it’s nearly a coin flip between these two future stars. 20. LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson: Detroit’s current off-ball linebackers are Alex Anzalone and 2022 sixth-round pick Malcolm Rodriguez, both of whom are better off as depth options rather than starters. Simpson, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound dump truck in the middle of the field, has a little bit more size and speed than Alabama’s Henry To’oTo’o, which gives him the nod here for Dan Campbell’s defense — though either would be a proper addition. Simpson hasn’t been a factor in the backfield like he was in 2021 (12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks) but he’s a tailback-mashing presence who can pump up the league’s 29th-ranked rushing defense in a division loaded with running threats. He’s also big and fast enough to run with tight ends, providing a stable presence in the center of the Lions’ D.): https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-mock-draft-2023-lions-bryce-young-cj-stroud-hendon-hooker
Draft Network Marino (1. Detroit Lions -
Bryce Young QB: If the Lions earn the No. 1 overall pick, then it’s time to pull the trigger on a quarterback. There will be plenty of debate over which quarterback is the right choice, but the good news for teams picking at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft is that there will be options. Bryce Young lacks size but his playmaking instincts and intangibles combined with the opportunity to reunite him with Jameson Williams gives him a real shot to be the Lions’ guy in this NFL mock draft scenario.
19. Detroit Lions (via LAR) Cam Smith CB, South Carolina: The Lions need to make notable strides on defense and more consistency in coverage would be a good place to start. Cam Smith is sticky in coverage but also has top-tier ball skills and loves to be physical when defending the run and when tackling. He has the makeup of a guy that can compete with opposing teams’ top target.) (10-25-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-young-anderson-stroud/
PFN Fragoza (7. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee: Hello, Hendon Hooker. Welcome to the first round! This is likely not the first, nor the last time you will see Hooker on Day 1 of mock drafts — and for good reason. He’s thrown 46 TDs to just four INTs since transferring to Tennessee last year. The offense isn’t exactly “pro-style,” but the scheme has put Hooker’s arm talent on full display. Sure, he’s 25 years old, but the tape doesn’t lie. Hooker has excellent touch on deep balls with the arm strength to throw missiles into tight windows. Hand him the keys to Motor City. 20. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: Following a three-interception campaign, QBs just aren’t targeting Cam Smith this season. He exudes confidence and pairs his physicality with a solid athletic foundation to shut down his side of the field. 38. Detroit Lions - Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee. 70. Detroit Lions - Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa) (10-23-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-hendon-hooker-in-the-top-10-panthers-replace-christian-mccaffrey/
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, 4 DT, 2 CB, 2 DE, 1 RB):
5 QB Will Levis
5 QB Bryce Young
4 QB CJ Stroud
2 CB Kelee Ringo
2 DT Jalen Carter
2 DT Bryan Bresee
1 QB Anthony Richardson
1 QB Hendon Hooker
1 DE Will Anderson
1 DE Myles Murphy
1 RB Bijan Robinson
Round 1 Pick 2 (11 CB, 6 LB, 4 DE, 2 TE, 1 WR, 1 QB):
7 CB Cam Smith
2 TE Michael Mayer
2 LB Trent Simpson
2 LB Noah Sewell
2 DE Jared Verse
1 DE Myles Murphy
1 CB Kelee Ringo
1 CB Brian Branch
1 CB Christian Gonzalez
1 CB Joey Porter
1 LB Drew Sanders
1 LB Henry To'o To'o
1 QB Will Levis
1 DE BJ Ojulari
1 WR Kayshon Boutte
Round 2 Pick 1 (3 CB, 2 LB, 2 DE, 2 QB, 1 WR):
1 QB Anthony Richardson
1 QB Michael Penix
1 DE Derick Hall
1 DE Will McDonald
1 CB Kelee Ringo
1 LB Henry To’oTo’o
1 LB Trenton Simpson
1 WR Cedric Tillman
1 CB Garrett Williams
1 CB Brandon Joseph
Round 2 Pick 2 (2 S, 1 LB, 1 WR, 1 QB, 1 DT, 1 TE):
2 S Jordan Battle
1 DT Tyler Davis
1 LB Jack Campbell
1 WR Marvin Mims
1 QB Jayden Daniels
1 TE Luke Musgrave
Round 3 (1 RB, 1 OG, 1 S, 1 CB, 1 DT):
1 RB Ronnie Bell
1 LB Jack Campbell
1 OG O'Cyrus Torrence
1 S Chris Smith
1 CB Kei’Trel Clark
1 DT Calijah Kancey
Round 4 (1 S):
1 S Kenny Logan
Round 5 (1 CB, 1 TE):
1 CB Malachi Moore
1 TE Josh Whyle
Round 6 Pick 1 (1 TE, 1 LB):
1 TE Jaheim Bell
1 LB SirVocea Dennis
Round 6 Pick 2 (1 DE, 1 RB):
1 DE Brock Martin
1 RB Deuce Vaughn
