Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Detroit Lions 2023 Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Detroit Lions from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Lions:

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (5/3)

2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The defending Heisman Trophy winner, Young is undersized and might not check every box by NFL standards. But his poise and processing are both well above average and will transition well at the next level.

28. Jaquelin Roy, IDL, LSU

Roy has yet to be a full-time starter for the Tigers, but he routinely flashed when on the field last season. Not only can he stand up blocks and stuff the run, but he shows disruptive qualities as a pass rusher as well.

Draft Wire - Luke Easterling (5/3)

2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Lions punted on the 2022 quarterback class, likely with an eye on 2023's deeper group. If they land this high in the draft order, landing Young to replace Jared Goff would be the obvious choice.

28. Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas

After grabbing their franchise quarterback at the top of the draft, the Lions spend their extra first-rounder on a versatile weapon for the defense. Catalon can line up at strong safety or in the slot, making big plays against the run or pass.

Fox Sports - Jason McIntyre (5/3)

3. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Young might win a second Heisman Trophy, will make a star of Ja'Corey Brooks or JoJoe Earle (or both!) and will stir passionate debate about his pro prospects, given that he's barely 6 feet tall.

28. Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan

At 6-foot-3, he's probably going to a run a 4.4 or better, and that kind of speed and size usually mean first round, even with his modest stats (620 yards receiving, three TDs).

PFF - Michael Renner (5/2)

4. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Stroud picked up right where Justin Fields left off last season. After some early-season struggles and a shoulder injury, he was lights out when he returned after sitting against Akron. He went for 300-plus yards in every single game from Week 5 on, with 36 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

28. Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State

Beebe has graded out exceptionally well at left tackle for the Wildcats, but his tools project better on the interior. The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder earned an 85.4 overall grade and allowed only 10 pressures last season.

CBS - Ryan Wilson (5/2)

3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Who knows how this QB class ends up? A year ago, we had Sam Howell, Spencer Rattler, Kedon Slovis and Desmond Ridder going in Round 1 and only Kenny Pickett ended up finding his way into the top 32, with none going in Round 2, and Howell falling all the way to Round 5, getting drafted after Bailey Zappe. So yeah.

28. B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

Ojulari, who had 7 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season, is explosive off the edge and consistently finds his way into the backfield. Those players will always be in demand at the next level.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (4/30)

3. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

General Manager Brad Holmes has assembled two stellar draft classes and has positioned the Lions well to go in on a quarterback. Bryce Young is developing quite the resume at Alabama and will be in the QB1 conversation entering the season.

28. Henry To'o To'o, LB, Alabama

Among the boxes left for Brad Holmes to check is finding a quarterback for his defense. To'o To'o has the size, speed, instincts, and physicality to be that guy for the Lions' defense.

The 33rd Team - Michael Schottey (4/30)

4. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

As fervent as the discussion about the top two quarterbacks is going to be, the discussion of who No. 3 is going to be should be just as heated. I've gotten to see Richardson up close as I coach high school football about an hour from Gainesville and have attended spring practices. New Florida head coach Billy Napier and his staff are going to simplify things for the young passer and open the field while absolutely flooring the gas pedal of this offense. Richardson clearly has the physical tools to be a top prospect and the tape is going to match in 2022.

29. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

Battle elected to return to Alabama this season and likely could've been a Top 50 pick if he'd come out. Instead, the Bama defense looks like it's going to be absolutely stacked, and the Lions take yet another defensive player who fits their gritty, leadership mold.

Pro Football Network - Cam Mellor (4/30)

3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Detroit Lions didn't go quarterback at the top of the 2022 NFL Draft, signaling their desire to move on one here. C.J. Stroud showed linear growth over the course of the 2021 college football season and is returning as the top overall draft prospect in the early part of the process.

He has anticipation in his throws, plenty of zip, and the ability to hit every level of the field. Some of Stroud's middle-of-the-field throws are already better than the majority of starting quarterbacks in the NFL.

29. Tyler Davis, IDL, Clemson

The Matthew Stafford trade continues to pay off as the Lions secure a cornerstone pass rusher on the interior of their defensive line. Tyler Davis has a compact frame and can play all along the inside of the defensive line. He has a great first step and terrific strength. His freshman season was outstanding. His ceiling is vastly superior to most defensive tackles in this class.

Barstool Sports - Steven Cheah (4/30)

3. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Stroud will also contend for QB1 in this class, but we'll see how he adjusts after losing both Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. He's still got Jaxon Smith-Njiba, so I expect him to be ok. If he can continue his upward trajectory, he could be #1 overall next April.

28. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Jeff Okudah can't seem to stay healthy so the Lions need more help at Corner. Porter Jr. makes sense here in this pick that was part of the Matthew Stafford deal.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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