Detroit Lions Mock Draft Simulation 5.0

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

The Detroit Lions are continuing their strategy of having multiple players at key positions on one-year contracts. 

In the upcoming draft, it will be imperative for Lions general manager Brad Holmes to add talent at the guard position, cornerback and at backup quarterback, as those are key areas of need and have many players on expiring contracts. 

In our fifth Lions PFF mock draft simulation, Holmes and Co. make the decision to target one of the top defensive backs coming out of college. 

Despite Jalen Carter being available, Holmes decides to pass, and selects Devon Witherspoon, the cornerback that best fits what Aaron Glenn is seeking in a defensive back. 

According to Athlon Sports, Witherspoon "has very good long speed, and he has above-average length, enough to make it difficult to drop throws over his head and outside the numbers. He battles hard at the catch point and has the ball skills to create turnovers. He also has experience playing the slot, where he can mirror quickness, and he thrives in run support, seemingly taking pride in his physicality as a tackler. He's a special teams ace as well."

With its second of two first-round picks, Detroit targets Calijah Kancey, to secure the interior of their defensive line. 

New Lions defensive line coach John Scott Jr. expressed prior to the draft that the marriage between the secondary and defensive line can have a direct impact on how effective a team can rush the quarterback. 

"When those guys can lock guys up and take them off the map, that gives us more time to get to the quarterback. Then, the flip side is they know if we're rushing the way we rush, they don't have to cover for long. I think it works hand in hand," said Scott. "So, anytime we get great people in the secondary, as a D-line coach, I'm really excited about that, because that gives us more opportunity to get back there, and we just feed off each other."

After addressing areas of need on defense, the Lions start addressing their needs on offense. Running back Zach Charbonnet, wideout Cedric Tillman and guard Chandler Zavala are the picks for Detroit in the middle rounds.

Meanwhile, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the quarterback that Holmes targets in the fifth round, due to his mobility and ability to scan the field effectively, finding his targets despite plays breaking down.  

And, Detroit finishes off its 2023 draft by targeting safety Anthony Johnson Jr., cornerback Starling Thomas and guard Atonio Mafi.