Mock Draft Roundup: Beat Writer Has Lions Drafting RB

Latest All Lions mock draft roundup explores who the Lions are drafting at No. 6 and No. 18.

It's time for the latest SI All Lions mock draft roundup.

Over the last week, cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon have been frequently mocked to the Detroit Lions at No. 6 overall.

A local beat writer also released his first mock draft and had the Lions selecting a running back with their second first-round pick. 

Let’s explore now who the draft pundits have Brad Holmes and the Lions selecting in the first round, starting with the No. 6 pick.

Running back Bijan Robinson, Texas 

Robinson is presently being mocked by the following: 

Walter Football (Charlie Campbell) 

As Campbell opines, 

"Under general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions have taken elite talents and not reached for need. Hence, I could see them taking the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, like Robinson. D'Andre Swift is a talented back, but he is incapable of staying healthy and handling a big work load. Swift is definitely not worthy of a big extension. Jamaal Williams is also an impending free agent. Even if Williams is re-signed, he is more of a solid No. 2 and not a dynamic game-changer. Jared Goff helped guide the Rams to the Super Bowl thanks to a dominant running game with Todd Gurley and a good defense. Robinson is a running back who has the potential to become a Lions legend who reminds their fanbase of the Barry Sanders days."

Defensive lineman Jalen Carter, Georgia 

Carter is currently being mocked by the following: 

Pro Football Network (Ben Rolfe); CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson)

Defensive back Brian Branch, Alabama

Branch is currently being picked by the following: 

Pro Football Network (Ian Cummings)

As Cummings writes, 

"First things first: Brian Branch is a top-10 prospect, and arguably worth this pick at sixth overall. More importantly, while he fits the range in terms of talent, he’s also a great fit for the Lions, who could use an elite slot defender to take pressure off the rest of the secondary. Branch has a rare mix of finesse and physicality, and is a true dynamic force."

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Penn State 

Porter is presently being mocked by the following: 

*Pro Football Network (Dalton Miller); *indicates trade 

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Gonzalez is presently being mocked by the following:

*The 33rd Team (Scouting Department); NFL.com (Lance Zierlein); *FantasyPros (Kent Weyrauch); *indicates trade 

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Witherspoon is presently being mocked by the following:

Draft Countdown (Shane Hallam); The Draft Wire (Luke Easterling); CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso); Detroit News (Justin Rogers)

Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports

Defensive lineman Myles Murphy, Clemson

Murphy is presently being picked by the following:

Pro Football Network (Joe Broback); SI NFL Draft Bible; CBS Sports (Kyle Stackpole); All Lions (Logan Lamorandier)

As Stackpole pens, 

"The Lions have a bigger need in the secondary than along the defensive front, so if they fall in love with a cornerback throughout the draft process, that could be the pick here. For now, though, Detroit snags perhaps the best prospect available in Myles Murphy. His physical traits and versatility will pair will with 2022 No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson."

EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

Wilson is currently being mocked by the following:

The Draft Network (Mock Draft Machine); CBS Sports (Josh Edwards); Walter Football (Walter Cherepinsky)

Let's turn our attention now to who the draft analysts have projected for Detroit at No. 18.

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (FL)

Stevenson is currently being mocked by the following: 

Pro Football Network (Joe Broback)

As Broback writes, 

"Another player that is showing up more often at the top of mocks, Tyrique Stevenson has first-round potential. From his size to his gameplay, there’s plenty that warrants a high selection.

Detroit’s defense is full of players that display good energy, but they need some more talent to elevate their play. With the Lions adding Myles Murphy to the defense, they make another pairing that could be one of the best in the league. Jeff Okudah’s a great corner for this defense, and Stevenson gives fans a lot to be excited about in 2023."

Cornerback Kelee Ringo, Georgia 

Ringo is currently being projected by the following: 

Pro Football Network (Ben Rolfe); The Draft Network (Mock Draft Machine)

Offensive tackle Tyler Steen, Alabama 

Steen is presently being mocked by the following: 

Walter Football (Charlie Campbell) 

As Campbell pens, 

"The Lions need more cornerback talent, but there is some depth at that position for Round 2, and they also have two second-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Additionally, I think Detroit will probably sign veteran corner help in free agency. The one weak link on Detroit's offensive line is right guard. Steen could be a plug-and-play upgrade, and in a few years, if the Lions need to move on from Taylor Decker, they could move Steen to right tackle and Penei Sewell to left tackle."

Cornerback Cam Smith, South Carolina 

Smith is currently being projected by the following: 

CBS Sports (Kyle Stackpole)

As Stackpole writes, 

"The Lions defense played much better the second half of the season, but it still needs more upgrades if it's going to become a consistent contender in the NFC North. Cam Smith could develop into a shutdown corner that Detroit lacks, as his length and instincts will translate well to the next level."

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Penn State 

Porter is presently being picked by the following: 

NFL Draft Bible; CBS Sports (Josh Edwards)

Cornerback Emanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

Forbes is presently being mocked by the following:

The 33rd Team (Scouting Department)

Running back Bijan Robinson, Texas

Robinson is currently being mocked by the following:

The Draft Wire (Luke Easterling); Detroit News (Justin Rogers)

Defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, Clemson

Bresee is presently being picked by the following:

Draft Countdown (Shane Hallam)

Defensive back Deonte Banks, Maryland

Banks is presently being projected by the following:

CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson)

Defensive back Brian Branch, Alabama

Branch is currently being mocked by the following:

Pro Football Network (Dalton Miller)

Tight end Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Mayer is currently being selected by the following:

FantasyPros (Kent Weyrauch); Pro Football Network (Ian Cummings); NFL.com (Lance Zierlein); CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso)

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Gonzalez is currently being mocked by the following:

Walter Football (Walter Cherepinsky); All Lions (Logan Lamorandier)