Lions Mock Draft: Fixing the Defensive Side of the Ball
By Hunter Haas
The Detroit Lions narrowly missed a playoff appearance in 2022, but thanks to the meltdown that occurred in Los Angeles, the team still owns a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In the latest mock draft, the Lions fix one of the worst defenses in the league.
Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, No. 6: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Step one to improving the Detroit defense starts with the secondary. Devon Witherspoon lacks ideal measurements at cornerback, but he is the poster child for ‘knee-cap eaters’.
The Illinois star hits like a truck and boasts the strongest motor of any player in this class. Witherspoon joins Jeffrey Okudah, giving the Lions a couple of building blocks at corner.
Round 1, No. 18: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
But wait… there is more! With Detroit’s own first-round pick, the front office continues beefing up the secondary by adding Alabama’s Brian Branch to the fold. Branch is a versatile piece for any defense, showing the physicality to play in the box and the athleticism to stick with defenders in coverage.
Witherspoon and Branch turn the weakest point of the roster into one of the strongest. The rebuild on defense is well underway, but the Lions are not stopping here.
Round 2, No. 48: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Once thought to be a day-one prospect, Clemson’s Trenton Simpson has witnessed his draft stock fluctuate since the end of the season. In this mock draft, Simpson is still available at No. 48, making it an easy decision for the Lions.
Detroit needs more explosiveness/athleticism in the front seven, and Simpson checks both boxes. He disrupts the offense in several ways and will be a chess piece for the Lions’ defense.
Round 2, No. 55 (via MIN): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
After trading away TJ Hockenson, the Lions use that pick to select his replacement. Darnell Washington is 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, and looks chiseled from stone. He is raw as a route runner, and defenders can take advantage of his lanky frame, but midway through the second round, Washington makes sense for Detroit.
He immediately improves the running game and gives Jared Goff another red zone target. If Washington develops his elite physical traits, he could be a top tight end in the league in short order.
Round 3, No. 81: Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
Karl Brooks was borderline unblockable during Senior Bowl week. The Bowling Green star gets knocked for his lack of tape vs. NFL talent, but he quieted several doubters by proving he belonged in Mobile. The Lions nailed the Alim McNeill pick, and Brooks will mesh well with the former NC State standout.
Round 5, No. 154: Brenton Cox Jr., EDGE, Florida
Brenton Cox Jr. is a day-two talent, but questions surrounding his departures from Georgia and Florida may push him into day three. The Lions take a chance on the uber-talented pass rusher at No. 154 overall.
Cox is built to hold up on the edge and displays adequate strength to knock linemen off their spots. He is a stout defender in the run game, routinely stuffing gaps and chasing down ball carriers. The upside is sky-high for Cox.
Round 6, No. 183 (via DEN): Antonio Mafi, OL, UCLA
The Detroit offensive line is one of the best in the league. More depth and competition never hurt anyone, so Antonio Mafi is a worthwhile selection at this point of the mock draft. The UCLA lineman is a bully in the run game and is still ascending in pass protection.
Round 6, No. 194: Jadakis Bonds, WR, Hampton
Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown make wide receiver a lesser need, but with the final pick of the mock draft, Jadakis Bonds feels like the perfect addition to the roster. Bonds has arguably the best release package in this class, regularly beating his opponent off the line and creating separation. He also has a knack for hauling in spectacular catches downfield.