Detroit Lions Mock Draft Simulation 4.0

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

The Detroit Lions have the potential to trade out of their position at No. 6 in this year's draft. 

If an opportunity presents itself, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes can field calls to trade down and fill holes at multiple areas of need. 

Longtime NFL reporter Peter King understands that Holmes has the potential to trade down at any point in the draft to secure additional capital. 

"Holmes is in great position this year, picking sixth, 18th, 48th, 55th and 81st overall in the first three rounds. In 2024, the Lions are slated to have a first-, second- and two third-round picks. That’s nine picks in the top three rounds over the next two years. Knowing Holmes, there’s a good chance he’ll add to that by jockeying for more with trade-downs," King explained in his latest column. "If Jared Goff is even a B quarterback this year – and he showed signs of that last year – it’s a sure thing that these are not your father’s (or even your big brother’s) Lions anymore."

In our fourth Lions PFF mock draft simulation, Holmes and Co. make the decision to trade down to No. 11, after trading with the Tennessee Titans. 

Heading into the draft, the Lions have clear needs along the offensive line, the interior of the defensive line, at wide receiver and at quarterback. 

After trading down, Detroit targets one of the top offensive linemen coming out of college. 

Peter Skoronski is an NFL-ready prospect who is versatile enough to slide down to the guard position.

Skoronski would be an ideal candidate to join Detroit's roster, to compete with Graham Glasgow and Halapoulivaati Vaitai for playing time in 2023. 

Selecting defensive lineman Calijah Kancey would shore up the interior of the defensive line. Arguably, Detroit's interior was among the biggest issues impacting the defense in 2022.

Along with a lack of consistent pressure from the interior, opponents were also able to exploit Detroit's defense up the middle in the run game. Kancey would be an immediate starter, giving Aaron Glenn's defense the boost it needs to take a leap forward in 2023.

Areas of need are targeted in the middle rounds, as linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Tyjae Spears were selected. 

Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has benefitted from his time in college playing at UCLA. 

The talented prospect recorded 10,710 total passing yards and 88 touchdowns during his time with the Bruins. 

Additionally, Thompson-Robinson, who profiles as a dual-threat passer at the next level, secured 1,826 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground. 

In his final season with the Bruins, Thompson-Robinson totaled 39 touchdowns.

Detroit continues its search for defensive backs of the future by selecting cornerbacks Cory Trice and Sterling Thomas to complete a draft rated very favorably.