Mock Draft Roundup: Lions Target Cornerback Help Early

"Jamaal Williams is on an expiring contract and D’Andre Swift has been inconsistent. We all know the importance of running the football to the identity of this Detroit Lions team. Adding Bijan Robinson into the equation behind a stellar offensive line, young weapons, and a bright offensive mind in Ben Johnson could see Detroit land among the top-scoring offenses in the NFL next season. Robinson is a rare talent."

Quarterback Anthony Richardson, Florida

Richardson is currently being drafted by the following:

CBS Sports (Josh Edwards)

As Edwards writes,

"Detroit did not partake in the early run on quarterbacks, so it remained patient and had an intriguing talent fall to it midway through the first round. Anthony Richardson is as raw as they come, but his talent will bring Lions fans out to training camp in droves."

Defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, Clemson

Bresee is presently being picked by the following:

Draft Countdown (Brian Bosarge)

Defensive back Deonte Banks, Maryland

Banks is presently being projected by the following:

CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson)

As Wilson pens,

"Maryland teammate and fellow CB Jakorian Bennett got much of the buzz in the fall, but Deonte Banks put together the type of season that will land you in the top-50 conversation. He's a fluid athlete who is also a big, physical corner who can match up with NFL wide receivers."

Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

Kancey is presently being mocked by the following:

Pro Football Focus (Trevor Sikkema)

As Sikkema opines,

"In a defensive tackle class that feels light on impact players after Jalen Carter, Calijah Kancey sure made his case to be the second one selected this coming April. Though he’s undersized at 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds, he is an absolute menace on the interior with fantastic burst, great use of natural leverage, the fastest hands in the east and a motor that just does not quit. He recorded 27.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons with a 22.7% pass rush win rate."

Linebacker Drew Sanders, Arkansas

Sanders is currently being picked by the following:

*Pro Football Network (Arif Hasan); *indicates a trade

As Hasan pens,

"The Lions might reach a little bit here in order to replace Alex Anzalone, a locker-room leader that has often been injured and will hit free agency. No one seems to move smoother at the position than Drew Sanders, who could be what many projected Anzalone to be coming out of the draft were it not for injury.

Sanders is a recent convert to off-ball linebacker, so he’ll need some work, but he absolutely has the size and tenacity to play Detroit’s style of football and the movement upside to make him the coverage player that Malcolm Rodriguez will likely never become. They could be an intimidating duo for years to come."

Defensive back Brian Branch, Alabama

Branch is currently being mocked by the following:

The Draft Wire (Luke Easterling)

Tight end Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Mayer is currently being selected by the following:

CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso)

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Gonzalez is currently being mocked by the following:

Walter Football (Walter Cherepinsky); FantasyPros (Matthew Jones); All Lions (Logan Lamorandier)

Published Feb 3, 2023

VITO CHIRCO

Vito has covered the NFL and the Detroit Lions for the past five years. Has extensive reporting history of college athletics, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Mercy Athletics. Chirco's work include NFL columns, analyzing potential Detroit Lions prospects coming out of college, NFL draft coverage and analysis of events occurring in the NFL. Extensive broadcasting experience including hosting a Detroit Tigers podcast and co-hosting a Detroit Lions NFL podcast since 2019.