What They're Saying: Lions' Pick Is Devon Witherspoon or Will Anderson Jr.

NFL pundits are predicting Lions will either draft Devon Witherspoon or Will Anderson.

NFL reporters, pundits and writers have released their final 2023 mock drafts. 

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes told reporters at his annual pre-draft media session that this draft is shaping up to be more unpredictable than in recent years. 

Here is who the NFL world is predicting the Lions will target with pick No. 6 in this year's draft. 

Mel Kiper: CB Devon Witherspoon 

"A hole at cornerback opened up after the Lions traded away Jeff Okudah, and they could get the first choice of a really solid corner class. Witherspoon can lock down one side of the field. Detroit could also fill a need with pick No. 18."

Todd McShay: Will Anderson Jr. 

I think there's a solid chance this ends up being Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, but I also don't think there's any shot the Lions would pass on Anderson if he's on the board here. This would be two straight years that they were gift-wrapped the class' top edge rush prospect (Aidan Hutchinson in 2022). Anderson, with an explosive first step and powerful hands, paired with Hutchinson and James Houston would take this Detroit defense to another level. Anderson had 27.5 sacks over the past two years at Alabama.

Peter Schrager: Devon Witherspoon 

"Tough. Smart. Still getting better. And apparently has that warrior approach to football that is absolutely treasured in Detroit. This is Aaron Glenn 2.0."

Daniel Jeremiah: Devon Witherspoon

"One of my favorite players in the draft, Witherspoon’s style of play fits beautifully with the culture Dan Campbell has built. He’s feisty and tough."

Dave Birkett: Devon Witherspoon 

"I’m sticking with Witherspoon here, slightly over Christian Gonzalez, though some in the league believe GM Brad Holmes will go Paris Johnson Jr. or Peter Skoronski if the top defensive linemen are gone."

Jeff Risdon: Will Anderson Jr. 

"I would be surprised if the pick here is anyone other than Will Anderson or Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon."

Pete Prisco: Devon Witherspoon 

"They need to grab a corner here with Witherspoon seeming to be more of a fit for what Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn want than any other corner. He is tough and feisty, just like Glenn was when he played."