Lions Target CB, DT in Dane Brugler's Latest Mock Draft

Detroit Lions target two areas of need on defense in latest mock draft.

Several top draft prospects had the opportunity last week to impress scouts and front-office personnel. 

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn explained that most NFL defenses are built along the defensive line and in the secondary. 

In Dane Brugler's post-Scouting Combine NFL mock draft, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is selecting at No. 6 overall and at No. 18 overall.

With the No. 6 overall pick, the Lions add Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez. 

"Tall, long and can run — that’s a great place to start with a cornerback," writes Brugler. "At 6-foot-1 and 197 pounds with 32-inch arms, Gonzalez ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine and added outstanding jumps (41.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-1 broad). The numbers are great; the tape is even better. Gonzalez’s fluidity, ball skills and toughness would match up well with what the Lions are looking for in a first-round cornerback."

With the second of two first-round picks, Detroit adds to its defensive line by drafting Pittsburgh Panthers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. 

Calijah Kancey is gonna get endless comps to Aaron Donald, and there ARE plays on tape where it makes a lot of sense:pic.twitter.com/KPWZDz4eh6

— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) March 6, 2023

As Brugler pens, "In his previous role, Lions general manager Brad Holmes was a driving force in the Rams drafting Aaron Donald. Fast-forward 10 years to the present and Pitt has produced another undersized defensive lineman that checks a lot of the same boxes. There is only one Donald, but Kancey has the quickness, play violence and work ethic that will appeal to Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell."

Based on film review, Kancey flashes the most against the pass. Has the ability to close quickly, due to solid burst and winning leverage battles in the trenches. 

His ability to change directions aids in his rush defense, while his quickness is used to shoot gaps and elude defenders. At times, offensive linemen were able to take advantage of size advantages, as the 22-year-old is 6'0 and 280 pounds.