Detroit Lions 2023 Mock Draft Simulation 1.0

Check out who the Detroit Lions drafted in our first PFF simulation of 2023.

As a publisher covering the Detroit Lions for the last five years, I open dozens of mock drafts submitted from readers during the offseason, especially after publishing my own projections. 

Many use the PFF simulator to run through hundreds of scenarios that could play out. 

While I have not ever run through a mock draft in this manner, I figured it was time to partake in what so many draft analysts and NFL fans enjoy on a daily basis. 

With the No. 6 pick, with Jalen Carter and Will Anderson off of the board, the Lions target one of the best defensive linemen in the entire draft in Tyree Wilson. 

Wilson does not come with any of the off-the-field questions that have plagued Jalen Carter since the end of the college football season. 

On the field, it has been reported the talented defensive lineman will not participate in the Texas Tech Red Raiders pro day scheduled for next week. Wilson underwent a procedure to remove hardware from his surgically repaired foot. 

NFL media reported Wilson plans to hold a workout for teams in April, which will likely solidify why the defensive lineman should be a top-10 draft pick. 

My pick at No. 18 will probably cause the most angst among supporters. 

There is a strict subset of fans that hold "positional value" as the be-all, end-all approach to drafts. 

I don't ever subscribe to absolutes, especially after you turn on running back Bijan Robinson's college film. 

The only thing that comes to mind is that Jared Goff needs to be texting and FaceTiming general manager Brad Holmes to respectfully nudge the front office to add Robinson to the roster. 

Drew Sanders, meanwhile, fills the Lions' most obvious need at linebacker, and is my pick with Detroit's first second-round selection at No. 48. 

According to his NFL scouting report, "He garnered first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC honors and was a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, leading the team with 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Sanders also intercepted a pass and broke up five others in 12 starts before opting out of the team's bowl game to prepare for the draft."

Finally, safety Jammie Robinson is my selection for the Lions with their second of two second-round selections (No. 55 overall). Robinson expressed at the scouting combine that he has the versatility most NFL teams covet in the secondary. 

He expressed to reporters that he can excel at nickel, while also playing split safety and even on the outside (if a team wants him to play snaps at cornerback). 

In my first mock draft simulation, all needs are addressed with players that will contribute and perform at a high level. 

Look for more simulations of the weekend, as the 2023 draft approaches. 

PFF mock draft simulator