Mock Draft: Lions' Brad Holmes Secures Three First-Round Picks
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has shown he’s not afraid to move up for a player he likes.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Holmes swung big to move up and secure wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 overall. Currently armed with two first-round picks in 2023, Holmes could show off more of that aggressiveness by adding to his arsenal.
In this mock draft, you’ll see Holmes make a move to secure a third first-round pick at the expense of some later draft capital. The Lions have many needs, and the late stages of the first round offer another opportunity for Holmes to secure an impact player.
Here is a look at what could happen if Holmes decides to move up for a third first-round selection.
Round 1
No. 6 overall: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The cornerback class is deep with talent, and Witherspoon may be the best of all the cornerback prospects. He plays with a physical edge in the run game, and was one of the best cover corners a year ago.
He finished the season with an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 92.0, and didn’t allow a touchdown. Witherspoon secured three interceptions, and also made 2.5 tackles for loss in 2022.
The Lions need a talented cornerback to help anchor the team’s struggles against the pass in recent years. Witherspoon excels in coverage, and displays all the necessary athleticism and fluidity for that skill set to translate at the professional level.
Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon
© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
No. 18 overall: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Sticking with the defensive theme, the Lions grab a talented run-stopper to aid in the defense’s efforts against the run. Simpson has good size and physicality to match, with his 23 career tackles for loss and 13 sacks as evidence.
Simpson could pair well with 2022 sixth-rounder Malcolm Rodriguez at the second level of Detroit’s defense. He’s also been adequate in pass coverage, which is an area of need at the linebacker position for the Lions.
Simpson's ability to get after the passer is also appealing, as Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn could get him involved with unique blitz packages. Simpson has plenty of versatility, which would help Detroit’s defense evolve.
No. 29 overall: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Lions trade the No. 48 and No. 81 picks in 2023 and their 2024 third-round pick to the New Orleans Saints, in exchange for the No. 29 overall pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick.
Kancey is among the draft’s best talents on the defensive line. Though not in the category of Jalen Carter, he’s among the second tier of very good prospects up front.
Kancey has a unique ability to rush the quarterback, despite spending a majority of the time lining up in the "B" gap. According to Pro Football Focus, he spent 358 snaps lined up in the B gap, as opposed to just 63 snaps in the "A" gap.
He made eight sacks and totaled 30 hurries for Pittsburgh in 2022. He is a player who could warrant a trade up, as the Lions have plenty of uncertainty on their defensive line. Alim McNeill aside, Levi Onwuzurike has yet to live up to his billing while dealing with injuries, and Isaiah Buggs and John Cominsky are both free agents.
With all this in mind, Detroit moves up to secure an anchor on the defensive line with two-way ability.
Round 2
No. 55 overall: Steve Avila, G, TCU
The Lions need depth at guard. Halapoulivaati Vaitai missed the entire 2022 season, while Jonah Jackson missed four games. These injuries left the Lions strapped for depth, forcing them to look to players claimed on the waiver wire to hold down the fort up front.
By adding Avila, they would get a starting-caliber player who could step in either in spot duty or as a replacement for Vaitai. After all, the Lions could create cap space by parting ways with Vaitai during the offseason.
We’ll have more clarity regarding Detroit’s situation at guard when draft night rolls around. But, there’s a clear need at the position either way.
Round 3
Following the proposed trade with the Saints, the Lions would have no picks in this round.
Round 4
The Lions currently have no picks in this round.
Round 5
No. 154 overall: Rashad Torrence II, S, Florida
Torrence isn’t a polished player, but there’s plenty to like about what he’s shown during his time with the Gators. He’s a physical safety who can come up and make a big hit. The concerns come with his coverage and pursuit angles.
A player who has a combination of potential and undeveloped weaknesses could be the perfect type of player for Glenn, a former pro at the position.
Torrence can be a good rotational piece, with special teams value early in his career.
Round 6
No. 183 overall: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
With Jamaal Williams set to be a free agent and D’Andre Swift entering a contract year, the Lions need to address this position. Though more pressing needs take precedence in this mock draft, Detroit still comes away with a quality player in McIntosh.
The latest in Detroit’s Georgia pipeline, McIntosh could be a potential replacement for Swift. After three years playing a small role for the Bulldogs, McIntosh was handed the keys to the starting gig in 2022 and finished with 829 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
The running back has versatility, too. He caught 43 passes for 505 yards in 2022. Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has a knack for getting his skilled players the ball, and McIntosh could thrive within his scheme.
No. 194 overall: Jake Moody, K, Michigan
The Lions haven’t had stability at the kicker position since Matt Prater left. Assuming Moody is available in the seventh round, he’d be the answer moving forward. The Lou Groza Award winner in 2021, Moody has a big leg that will make an impact at the NFL level.
Lions fans who double as Michigan fans are very familiar with Moody’s reliability. He set the program record with a 59-yard boot in the College Football Playoff semifinal, and has pinpoint accuracy to match his strong leg.
