What will Lions do with all of their 2023 draft selections?
With the offseason upon the Detroit Lions, the focus remains on building a winner.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes is facing a critical offseason, as the team’s 9-8 finish has the fanbase eager to return to the postseason. The Lions are aching to play in the playoffs, as it’s now been six seasons since the organization last made it.
Without further ado, here is my 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0.
ROUND 1
Bryan Bresee, defensive tackle, Clemson
Bresee fits the bill as a run-stuffer that Detroit’s defense desperately needs. He anchored Clemson’s efforts on the defensive side for the last three seasons. In 2022, he finished with five-and-a-half tackles for loss and three-and-a-half sacks.
Alim McNeill had a solid second season, and Bresee could be the running mate Detroit needs. The unit needs to be much better against the run, as
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it finished near the bottom in that category each of the last two years.
Joey Porter Jr., cornerback, Penn State
After using the first pick to address the run defense, the second can be a chance for Detroit to build its secondary. There’s a deep pool of cornerbacks, and in this scenario, it’s Porter whom the Lions select.
The son of a former
NFL standout, Porter has the skill to match his highend pedigree. He finished his college career with just one interception, but he recorded 11 pass breakups in 2022 alone.
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ROUND 2
NO. 48 OVERALL » Noah Sewell, linebacker, Oregon
The Lions add another Sewell with their first pick of the second round. Noah, the brother of Detroit’s right tackle Penei, is a hard-hitting linebacker who would fit perfectly next to 2022 sixth-rounder Malcolm Rodriguez.
Alex Anzalone, who has been a mainstay for the Lions at linebacker through the last two seasons, is currently a free agent. Whether he comes back remains to be seen, but Detroit could benefit from adding another young player at the position either way.
NO. 55 OVERALL (FROM MINNESOTA VIKINGS IN T.J. HOCKENSON TRADE) »
Sam LaPorta, tight end, Iowa
LaPorta could add another level of production at the position. He was a huge part of the passing game at Iowa, posting over 500 receiving yards each of the last two seasons.
ROUND 3
Hendon Hooker, quarterback, Tennessee
Though Jared Goff is undoubtedly the team’s starter in 2023, Holmes has admitted he’ll address the backup position. With Hooker, the Lions could add a young signal-caller who can benefit from time on the sideline and learning from Jared Goff.
Hooker comes with a good story, as he made the most of his opportunity at Tennessee after transferring from Virginia Tech. He totaled 6,080 passing yards and 58 touchdowns
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in two seasons with the Volunteers, tossing just five interceptions during that time.
Hooker also accounted for over 2,000 rushing yards during his five-year college career. He’s coming off an ACL injury suffered late in the college season, which could cause him to drop on draft boards. Injury history hasn’t bothered Holmes in the past, though, evident by his trading up to select Jameson Williams 12th overall in 2022 despite him coming off a similar knee injury.
ROUND 5
NO. 154 OVERALL » Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
Vaughn had a standout year with the Wildcats in 2022, rushing for 1,558 yards and nine touchdowns. The previous year, he had 1,404 yards and 18 scores on the ground. He also contributed to the passing game, catching a total of 116 passes over three seasons.
A two-time All-American, Vaughn is a talented piece who falls this far due to questions about his size. His production is unquestionable, however, and he could wind up being a key cog in Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s unit early in his career.
ROUND 6
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Gervarrius Owens, S, Houston
While Owens wasn’t as big of a box safety as DeShon Elliott was, he did log 74 tackles in 2022.
There’s an element of physicality with Owens, too, though his best trait is his coverage ability. He would provide good depth, while contributing on special teams early in his career.
Jake Moody, K, Michigan
If Detroit wants to find stability, it should consider drafting a kicker like Moody. He converted 29of-35 attempts this season, including a Michigan record 59-yard kick before halftime of the Fiesta Bowl. The 2021 Lou Groza Award winner is consistent with a big leg