Lamorandier: Final 7-Round Detroit Lions 2023 Mock Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft is finally here, and there has not been more uncertainty surrounding how the top picks will shake out in recent memory.
For the Detroit Lions and general manager Brad Holmes, there are also numerous different routes they could take. Nothing is off the table. As usual, a lot will depend on what happens in front of them.
Here is my final mock draft for the Lions, and I included an entire first round, as well.
1.) Carolina Panthers -- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
2.) Houston Texans -- Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
3.) Tennessee Titans (projected trade with Arizona) -- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
4.) Indianapolis Colts -- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
5.) Seattle Seahawks -- Jalen Carter, DI, Georgia
6.) Detroit Lions -- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
7.) Las Vegas Raiders -- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
8.) Atlanta Falcons -- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
9.) Chicago Bears -- Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
10.) Philadelphia Eagles -- Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
11.) Arizona Cardinals (projected trade with Tennessee) -- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
12.) Houston Texans -- C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
13.) Green Bay Packers -- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
14.) New England Patriots -- Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee
15.) New York Jets -- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
16.) Washington Commanders -- Bijan Robinson, HB, Texas
17.) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
18.) Detroit Lions -- Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
20.) Seattle Seahawks -- O'Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
21.) Los Angeles Chargers -- Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
22.) Baltimore Ravens -- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
23.) Minnesota Vikings -- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
24.) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Steve Avila, G, TCU
25.) New York Giants -- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
26.) Dallas Cowboys -- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
27.) Buffalo Bills -- Calijah Kancey, DI, Pittsburgh
28.) Cincinnati Bengals -- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
29.) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami & Denver) -- John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
30.) Philadelphia Eagles -- Brian Branch, S, Alabama
31.) Kansas City Chiefs -- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Breakdown of Lions' first round
Cornerback isn’t an immediate need, but it definitely will be after the 2023 season. The Lions go with a culture fit, a phenomenal football player and a defensive playmaker at pick No. 6 in Witherspoon. It was tough passing over QB C.J. Stroud, as he was available. However, I don’t know if the Lions are that eager to replace incumbent starter Jared Goff. Whether or not the Lions should be looking toward the future behind center is a whole other conversation.
Illinois Fighting Illini Cornerback Devon Witherspoon
© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
With the Lions' second selection in the first round, they fill their biggest need on the roster, with an athletic, 3-tech defensive tackle. At one time, Bresee was frequently mocked in the top 10 of the draft, due to his potential alone. This year’s defensive interior class quickly falls off when looking for penetrating tackles. Calijah Kancey could be another option, but Bresee likely provides more in defending the run and taking on double teams. And, he projects better as a well-rounded, three-down prospect.
Second round
48.) Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Washington makes a repeat appearance in my mock draft. Again, his blocking ability and unreal size, mixed with his athletic ability, just seem like exactly the style of tight end the Lions coaching staff would want.
55.) Quan Martin, DB, Illinois
Just keep on adding Illinois defensive backs. Martin played literally every position in the defensive backfield over his five years in college – seeing starts every season. He settled in nicely in the “nickel” role that is becoming essentially a starting position in the NFL. Although recent addition C.J. Gardner-Johnson will likely hold the slot role for this upcoming season, a successor could be put into place. You will not find a more explosive player (44-inch vertical at the combine) or a better run defender (an elite 91.0 PFF run-defense grade in 2022) in this class. He isn’t a flawless prospect in coverage, but he still gets his hands on plenty of passes. His 15 forced incompletions were second among safeties last season.
Third round
81.) Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
Mingo has been rising up the ranks as of late, as a result of an impressive combine showing. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver is well built, with the ability to make difficult catches. He shows a knack for explosive plays, as well. Receiver isn’t the Lions' biggest need. However, with the six-game suspension of Jameson Williams, it might not be a bad idea to grab another playmaker at the position. The Lions will need to find another at some point in the near future anyway.
Fifth round
152.) Yasir Abdullah, EDGE/LB, Louisville
Abdullah was a phenomenal stand-up pass rusher in college. Yet, given his 6-foot, 237-pound frame, he isn’t likely to be a full-time player on the line at the next level. Similar to Lions EDGE James Houston, Abdullah will likely be asked to play off-ball, spy the quarterback and even drop into coverage at times. Still, Abdullah has Houston beat in terms of athletic measurables. Abdullah has plenty of special team experience, too, which could provide solid value while also offering a versatile backup for the Houston role in the defense.
159.) Andrew Vorhees, G, USC
As much as I would have liked to take an interior lineman earlier in the draft, once O'Cyrus Torrence and Steve Avila were off the board, there wasn’t much value at the position where the Lions were selecting in the second round. Vorhees is as strong as an ox, and would be selected a couple rounds higher if it weren’t for his ACL injury during the combine. His rookie year will be a redshirt season, but the Lions have some time before needing his services. Holmes had no problem last year selecting players coming off injuries, and Vorhees could be his next draft-and-stash prospect.
Sixth round
183.) Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
Yes, this is the Lions' second defensive tackle I have them picking. The Lions can use as many interior pass-rushers as they can get their hands on. The 6-foot-2, 293-pound 3-tech was a combine snub, and is flying a bit under the radar for the impressive 2022 season he had. He isn’t just a gap-shooting, pass-rushing specialist, either. Turner excelled against the run, as well. He may not “wow” you with his stature, and will be 24 years old by the time of the draft. But, he would be solid value on Day 3.
194.) Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
Last but not least, Hull has a nice compact frame, with some nice explosion and jump-cut ability. He was a prolific pass catcher that would at least be a decent secondary option behind the oft-injured D’Andre Swift. Unfortunately, his limitations as a pass-blocker may hinder his usage.
