Booher: 3-Round Lions 2023 Mock Draft 2.0
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With a week of free agency in the books, the Detroit Lions have plenty of avenues they can take in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Many believed they’d be in the market for a cornerback with their first selection. However, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes signed two cornerbacks in free agency. This could shift the team to embody more of a "best player available" approach.
With quarterbacks set to be a hot commodity amongst the teams at the top of the draft, multiple top defenders will likely be on the board when Detroit is scheduled to pick at sixth overall.
Here’s the latest look at what Detroit could choose to do through its first five picks of the draft, when it commences in late April.
No. 6 overall — Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Assuming the first four picks in the draft are quarterbacks, with teams flipping their respective selections to trade up, Detroit will have its pick of the defensive litter, except for whoever is selected at No. 5 overall.
In this scenario, let’s say Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson goes off the board fifth overall to Seattle. This leaves Will Anderson Jr., arguably the best draft prospect, to fall right in Detroit’s lap.
Anderson notched an eye-popping 34.5 sacks in three seasons at Alabama. His ability to get to the quarterback off the edge is the best among this year’s class, and getting him at sixth overall would be an ultimate steal by Holmes and company.
He’d fit right in with Detroit’s young tandem of Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston. In this case, the rich would get richer, as the Lions add another talented EDGE rusher to a growing stable.
No. 18 overall — O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida
The Lions added Graham Glasgow to help shore up the right guard position, but that shouldn’t prevent them from adding more young talent to the offensive line. Torrence is one of the top offensive linemen in the draft, and Detroit already has one of the league’s best units up front.
With the versatility to play all along the interior, Torrence could be used as a depth piece early, while competing to start right away. Glasgow is on a one-year deal, Halapoulivaati Vaitai is coming off a season-long back injury and left guard Jonah Jackson is on the final year of his rookie deal.
By investing in a guard early, the Lions could have insurance up front as they move toward contention.
Second round
No. 48 overall — Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Rather than pursue a top player at the position in free agency, Detroit re-signed starter Alex Anzalone to address the linebacker position. He will provide a veteran presence next to young players Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes.
In the second round, Simpson would be a valuable addition. He brings a layer of athleticism that the Lions don’t currently have at the position. He’s adept in coverage, and packs a punch as a run-stopper.
With several traits that project him to be a solid pro, Simpson would be a good pickup in the second round. Athleticism like his doesn’t always present itself in the draft, so Detroit would be wise to pounce if he’s available in the second round.
LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson Tigers
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
No. 55 overall — Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
Though the Lions brought back Isaiah Buggs on a two-year deal, they still need to address the depth on the defensive interior. The unit was one of the league’s worst against the run last year, and must improve in 2023.
Enter Ika, who can help to anchor the run-stuffing efforts. With a 69.1 run-defense grade, via Pro Football Focus, in 2022 at Baylor, he’s proven that he can help to fortify a defense. He has the talent to step in and contribute right away, with immediate starter upside.
Third round
No. 81 overall — Julius Brents, CB/S, Kansas State
Detroit added Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley as corners to help the defense immediately. Adding a cornerback with versatility to develop could be the ideal situation for the Lions, which is what they’d be doing by adding Brents.
The Kansas State product had outstanding numbers in the broad and vertical jumps at the combine, flying with a 41.5-inch vertical and an 11’6” broad. He has exciting traits, but needs to develop in order to become a more complete prospect.
Brents fits a niche that Holmes and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn like in the secondary. He has the length to line up at both corner and safety, which would make him an ideal "big nickel" back.
