2023 7-Round Mock Draft: Detroit Lions Trade Down

Lions land additional draft capital in latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

The Detroit Lions are in an interesting spot in the 2023 NFL Draft.

With four quarterbacks potentially set to go in the top 10, the Lions’ sixth overall pick holds immense value. Assuming one or two defensive players are selected leading up to Detroit’s choice, Brad Holmes’ phone could be ringing with teams interested in moving up to get their guy.

In my latest mock draft, I have the Carolina Panthers sending three 2023 picks to Detroit to select Florida’s Anthony Richardson, a tantalizing prospect with plenty of traits but little polish.

The Lions need to address a plethora of areas, so the additional draft capital is beneficial and would allow them to do so. Here’s how I see Detroit’s draft weekend playing out, in the event of a trade with Carolina. 

First round

Trade with the Carolina Panthers.

• Lions receive: 2023 first-round pick (No. 9 overall), 2023 third-round pick (No. 94 overall), 2023 fifth-round pick (No. 148 overall).

• Panthers receive: 2023 first-round pick (No. 6 overall)

No. 9 overall: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Gonzalez had an excellent showing Friday at the NFL Combine, running a 4.38 40-yard dash and providing a glimpse at his excellent athleticism in on-field drills. He’s my top corner in the class, and his ability to make plays on the ball, specifically in coverage, is a skill the Lions desperately need.

Detroit needs to add stability to its cornerback position, after cycling through multiple options in 2022. Gonzalez would give the Lions an exciting young piece who would compete for a starting role immediately, pushing the likes of Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs.

Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 18: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

Perhaps no defensive lineman helped themselves more at the combine than Kancey, who set the defensive tackle 40-yard dash record by running a 4.67. An excellent run stopper with pass-rush ability, he totaled 34.5 tackles for loss in three seasons at Pitt.

Outside of Alim McNeill, the Lions aren’t currently deep at defensive tackle. The team could change that by bringing back Isaiah Buggs, but concerns about Levi Onwuzurike’s long-term health necessitate making this move.

Depth is important on the defensive line, making Kancey a valuable addition. He and McNeill would pair well together, with McNeill playing the traditional nose tackle role.

Second round

No. 49: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Many believe the Lions could be in the market for Bijan Robinson, the top running back prospect in this year’s Draft. While I have Detroit passing on Bijan in favor of positions of bigger need, I think Gibbs could be an excellent option for Ben Johnson’s offense.

He doesn’t have the build of Robinson but has plenty of speed and big-play ability. He rushed for 926 yards in his only season with the Crimson Tide while adding 444 yards as a receiver. With the ability to contribute in both aspects, he would be a chess piece that Johnson could maximize with his offensive creativity.

No. 56: Cody Mauch, IOL, North Dakota State

A versatile athlete at North Dakota State, Mauch played mostly tackle with the Bison. Many scouts and analysts believe he will end up being an interior player at the next level, but this ability to play multiple positions would certainly help Detroit.

The Lions have a standout young offensive line, but right guard is a position of concern. If Mauch can smoothly transition to the position, he would be a massive asset to the unit. Detroit has invested plenty in its young offensive line, and Mauch is another strong investment.

Third round

No. 82: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State

One of the first reported players to meet with the Lions at the combine, Robinson fits the mold of what Detroit is looking for at the safety position. With DeShon Elliott’s uncertain future heading into free agency, Robinson is a player who could step in and play sooner rather than later.

He split time between free and box safety roles during his four-year college career, showing solid ability at both spots. He demonstrated his ability to create takeaways with seven career interceptions, while also proving he’s capable of coming down and hitting with 318 career tackles.

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 94: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

At the Senior Bowl, Henley was one of the best cover linebackers. He started out as a wide receiver recruit, so he has the agility and athleticism necessary to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

This is a skill the Lions desperately need to add, as their linebackers struggled in coverage in 2022. Much like Malcom Rodriguez in 2022, Henley has the potential to be an instant contributor at the position right away.

Fourth round

The Lions currently have no picks in this round.

Fifth round

No. 148: Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State

Holmes has admitted he wants to address the quarterback behind Jared Goff. If he chooses to wait, I believe Haener has the best skillset of all the middle-tier quarterback prospects available.

He doesn’t have the traits of the top prospects at his position, but he was the best performer at the Senior Bowl and has the intangibles of a solid starter at the NFL level. With some development, the Fresno State product could be a steal and Detroit’s signal-caller of the future.

No. 155: Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green

One of the biggest combine snubs, Brooks dominated the Senior Bowl but was not extended an invite to the important individual showcase. Still, that performance in Mobile, Alabama likely vaulted his stock.

Though Detroit has already addressed this position in this mock, he would provide versatility that would make him useful. A defensive end in college, he could play outside or slide inside and provide depth at both areas.

Sixth round

No. 184: Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton

With many of the top needs addressed, the Lions could take a flyer on a talented prospect who has flown under the radar. Iosivas stands 6-foot-3 with good speed and athleticism, as his NextGen stats' athletic score of 95 ranks in the first percentile of this year’s draft class.

Iosivas needs some polish, but he could wind up being a valuable part of the offense lining up out wide. Receiver isn’t a pressing need, but insurance is always valuable. By taking a chance on a talented, high-flyer like Iosivas, Detroit could wind up being big winners, if all of his traits come together.

No. 195: Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland

Speaking of insurance, I have the Lions adding another cornerback with their final pick in this year’s draft. Bennett ran a 4.3 40-yard dash at the combine Friday, placing second behind Michigan’s DJ Turner.

Penalties plagued him at Maryland, as he was flagged 13 times over the last two seasons. However, his speed is appealing, and having two former pros on staff in cornerbacks coach Dre Bly and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn could help his development.