SI NFL Draft Bible (7. DE Jared Verse: "He possesses a high motor, good acceleration, and excellent linear speed. Verse also packs plenty of power. He often put tackles on skates and walked them back to the quarterback."
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."
) (1-1-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/first-2023-nfl-mock-draft-of-the-new-year
PFN Cummings (7. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: My stance for the Lions remains the same. With their first Round 1 pick from the Rams, they should make a move for Richardson. But Jared Goff has played well in 2022, and there’s a chance they decide to stick with him and build the roster around him. In that scenario, improving the defense is the primary directive. Christian Gonzalez has a strong case for CB1 with his pallet of traits, and he’d be an immediate upgrade on the boundary. 18. Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor: Nearly 700 pounds of carnage on the interior. That’s what the Lions will have if they indulge their most nefarious desires and add Siaki Ika in the 2023 NFL Draft. Alim McNeill has nose tackle versatility for the Lions, but his move to 3-tech this year has opened the door for Ika to become a fit. At 6’4″, 357 pounds, Ika is a legitimate neutron star at 0-tech, with outrageous strength and mass, plus the explosiveness to be a pass-rushing threat. 48. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: Jerry Jacobs is a solid player for the Lions, but if Cam Smith is still on the board at this point, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to add a high-impact slot defender alongside Jeff Okudah and Gonzalez. This would be a potentially suffocating CB group. 60. Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M: That’s right. Jameson Williams, and now Devon Achane. We’re bringing a new meaning to the name “Motor City.” Fantasy managers won’t like this for the Lions’ backfield, but Ben Johnson’s evil genius mode was made for this. Achane can be a deadly force as a runner and a receiving threat with his speed, explosiveness, and brutal short-area quickness. 79. Luke Musgrave, TE: Luke Musgrave is a seam-stretcher with high-end explosiveness and speed at 6’6″, adding more stress to defenses who dare to face the Lions. 145. LB Daiyan Henley. 167. QB Tanner McKee. 176. WR Isaiah Williams.) (12-31-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-will-anderson-jr-bryce-young-help-teams-fulfill-new-years-resolutions/
SN (7. Michael Mayer, TE: The Lions seem like they want to stick with Jared Goff at quarterback and having a second first-rounder with which they can address defense, they can opt for another offensive playmaker to replace T.J. Hockenson and be a key complement to Amon-Ra St. Brown and 2022 first-rounder Jameson Williams. 18. Cam Smith, CB:
The Lions are getting the desired play from one corner as first-rounder Jeff Okudah is starting to live up to his potential now that he's healthy. Here's an intriguing athlete with some shutdown potential to pair with him behind an improving pass rush featuring Aidan Hutchinson.) (12-30-22): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2023-georgia-ohio-state-cj-stroud/vd1fiawbfc11ex6g2fh5d5yh
Walter football Charlie (7. 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. CB Max Melton: The Lions need more cornerback talent to go with Jeff Okudah.
As we reported in the Hot Press, some team sources think Melton could end up as their highest-graded corner for the 2023 NFL Draft and call his 2022 tape the best of any 2023 cornerback prospect. In 2022, Melton went under the radar due to playing on a bad Rutgers team that failed to qualify for a bowl game. He totaled 33 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes broken up on the year.N Melton is listed at 6-foot, 190 pounds, but pro sources think he might be more like 5-foot-11, 188 pounds. They say that Melton has excellent speed and is super fast at shutting down the deep part of the field. Receivers can't outrun him, and he is a superb athlete who can run the routes to prevent separation. Melton is a tough competitor and has a lot of upside. While Max Melton has not received a lot of media attention, he has caught fire in the scouting community. Some evaluators think he could be one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft and has a shot at being the first one off the board. 48. CB Emmanuel Forbes: The Lions need two cornerback additions to go with Jeff Okudah.
Forbes has recorded 39 tackles, six interceptions and 10 passes defended so far this season. The 6-foot, 180-pounder is an interesting corner who has produced a lot of splash plays for the Bulldogs. He needs to grow more consistent on a down-by-down basis and be less of a feast-or-famine player. In 2021, Forbes collected 59 tackles, three interceptions and five passes broken up. The previous season, he had 44 tackles, five interceptions - three returned for touchdowns -, and six passes broken up. Forbes needs to fill out his frame for the NFL. 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.) (12-30-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023charlie.php
PFN Hodgkinson (7. QB Will Levis: Imagine the pre-draft meeting between the Detroit Lions and Will Levis. Dan Campbell is sitting at the table, using his bare hands to chomp down a plate of kneecaps as Levis savages an orange with the skin still on. They swill it down with a cup of mayo-infused coffee, then laugh heartily about how they’re going to dominate the NFC North for years to come. Some things are simply meant to be, and the tough, strong-armed QB from Kentucky feels like a natural fit in the “The Motor City.”.
18. LB Trenton Simpson: 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.) (12-29-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-seahawks-strike-for-anthony-richardson/
Draft wire (7. 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. DT Maxi Smith. 60. OT Cody Mauch.) (12-29-22): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-will-anderson-jalen-carter-cj-stroud-anthony-richardson-will-levis/
Draft Tek (7. DT Bryan Bresee: After a few weeks of improvement, the Lions' run defense let a winter storm-plagued nation down by getting gashed for 320 (!) yards on the ground by Carolina last week. With the Lions offense running way ahead in the team's rebuild, it appears this draft will be all about defense. Stoutness up front has been an issue throughout the two years of the Dan Campbell Experience, and it's time the Lions get it fixed. The Rams' revival with Baker Mayfield has hurt the Lions' inherited draft slot here, but they remain high enough to grab elite inner DL talent with Bryan Bresee of Clemson. Talent is the key word here as Breese has the kind of cat-quick lateral movement at 300 pounds that brings to mind game-changing DTs like Suh and Donald. His work inside could create more opportunities for Edge Aiden Hutchinson and allow Alim McNeal to anchor the middle. Yet the onetime top national recruit still has some work to do, notably at avoiding a habit of playing too upright and developing an effective counter move when pass rushing. --Jud Branam, Lions Analyst 18. LB Noah Sewell: The Lions struck gold with ILB Malcolm Rodriguez in the sixth round last year, but they are still a sideline-to-sideline backer shy with undertalented Alex Anzalone playing an outsized role in their front seven. With five picks in the first three rounds, this deficit can and should be addressed come late April. While grabbing Noah Sewell at this slot would be a slight reach, it might be worth it to add a key cog and locker room anchor to the uprising taking shape under Dan Campbell's watch. Sewell is an agile 6-2, 240 pounds with surprising straight-line speed. Whether he can cover tight ends is an open question, but there's no doubt that he can tighten up the Lions' 28th-ranked run defense and contribute in multiple ways. The former high school running back might even join his brother, OT Penei Sewell, as a participant in Campbell's frequent trick plays. --Jud Branam, Lions Analyst. 49. QB Hendon Hooker. 61. LB Owen Pappoe. 81. WR A.T. Perry. 145. CB Mekhi Blackmon. 162. OG Steve Avila. 177. TE Luke Schoonmaker) (12-29-22): https://www.drafttek.com/2023-NFL-Draft-Team-Pages/Lions-Draft-Page.asp
Walter Football (7. DE Myles Murphy: The Lions must improve their defense, and that would entail obtaining some talent for the defensive line to complement Aidan Hutchinson on the edge. Myles Murphy has immense potential as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL, but can also be a 4-3 edge. 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. QB Spencer Rattler: The Lions will be interested in obtaining a young quarterback to groom behind Jared Goff.
Spencer Rattler has big-time upside with plus arm strength and athleticism, but has erratic decision-making.) (12-28-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023.php
PFF Sikkema (7. DT Bryan Bresee, CLEMSON The Lions would love to get their hands on Jalen Carter, but after their second-half resurgence this season, they’re likely out of that sweepstakes. But fret not, Lions fans. Bresee is another uniquely gifted three-technique player who has the burst of athleticism, size and strength to be a perfect fit for one of Detroit's biggest needs along the defensive line. His presence will allow Alim McNeill to stay in his true home as a nose tackle while freeing up the edge rushers.
18. CB Joey Porter: The Lions need a lot of help on defense, and after addressing the interior defensive line with their first selection in this mock draft, setting their gaze on shoring up the secondary would be next on the list. Enter Joey Porter Jr., a boundary cornerback with good size at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and a ton of ball production in the form of forced incompletions.
) (12-28-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-mock-draft-bryce-young-houston-texans-carolina-panthers-quarterback
PFN
Broback (4. QB Anthony Richardson: Unless teams trade above the Lions, they’ll have plenty of options at quarterback. Anthony Richardson brings unique talent to the next level, and Detroit might believe they can develop him. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Lions bet on his ceiling, and that could mean great things. A rocket for an arm with the ability to snatch ankles on the run, Richardson has thrilling potential. 18. CB Cam Smith: Detroit’s playing like a different team lately, and that momentum could help build toward the future. Jeff Okudah’s played well this year, and the defense continues flying around the field. Cam Smith gives them another prospect who can compete at a high level and makes the team question what they want to do in the passing game.) (12-27-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-mock-draft-quentin-johnston-kyle-pitts-team-up/
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
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/
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 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/
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/
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/
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/
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 (13 QB, 6 DE, 5 DT, 5 CB, 1 RB, 1 TE):
7 QB CJ Stroud
4 CB Kelee Ringo
3 DT Jalen Carter
2 QB Bryce Young
2 QB Anthony Richardson
2 DE Will Anderson
2 QB Will Levis
2 DT Bryan Bresee
2 DE Tyree Wilson
1 DE Myles Murphy
1 DE Jared Verse
1 RB Bijan Robinson
1 TE Michael Mayer
1 CB Christian Gonzalez
Round 1 Pick 2 (16 CB, 4 TE, 3 LB, 3 DE, 1 QB, 1 WR, 1 OG, 1 S, 1 DT):
5 CB Cam Smith
4 TE Michael Mayer
3 DE Jared Verse
3 CB Joey Porter
2 CB Christian Gonzalez
2 CB Kelee Ringo
1 CB Brian Branch
1 LB Noah Sewell
1 LB Trenton Simpson
1 LB Drew Sanders
1 CB Devon Witherspoon
1 CB DJ Turner
1 CB Max Melton
1 QB Anthony Richardson
1 WR Kayshon Boutte
1 OG O’Cyrus Torrence
1 S Antonio Johnson
1 DT Siaki Ika
Round 2 Pick 1 (6 CB, 2 DE, 1 DT, 1 CB):
2 CB Emmanuel Forbes
1 DE Lukas Van Ness
1 CB Kelee Ringo
1 CB DJ Turner
1 CB Cam Smith
1 DT Maxi Smith
1 CB Quan Martin
1 DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
1 QB Hendon Hooker
Round 2 Pick 2 (3 TE, 1 DT, 1 QB, 1 CB, 1 LB, 1 WR, 1 OT, 1 RB):
2 TE Dalton Kincaid
1 TE Tucker Kraft
1 DT T'Vondre Sweat
1 OT Cody Mauch
1 QB Spencer Rattler
1 LB Owen Pappoe
1 CB Garrett Williams
1 WR Cedric Tillman
1 RB Devon Achane
Round 3 (1 LB, 1 WR, 1 TE, 1 OG):
1 WR A.T. Perry
1 OG Cooper Beebe
1 LB Tommy Eichenberg
1 TE Luke Musgrave
Round 5 (1 CB, 1 OG, 1 LB):
1 CB Mehki Blackmon
1 OG Steve Avila
1 LB Daiyan Henley
Round 6 Pick 1 (1 OG, 1 DT, 1 QB):
1 OG Steve Avila
1 DT Moro Ojomo
1 QB Tanner McKee
Round 6 Pick 2 (2 WR, 1 TE):
1 TE Luke Schoonmaker
1 WR Nathaniel (Tank) Dell
1 WR Isaiah Williams
