Lamorandier: Final 7-Round Detroit Lions 2023 Mock Draft

Logan Lamorandier released his final full 2023 NFL mock draft for the Detroit Lions.

The 2023 NFL Draft is finally here, and there has not been more uncertainty surrounding how the top picks will shake out in recent memory. 

For the Detroit Lions and general manager Brad Holmes, there are also numerous different routes they could take. Nothing is off the table. As usual, a lot will depend on what happens in front of them.

Here is my final mock draft for the Lions, and I included an entire first round, as well. 

1.)  Carolina Panthers -- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2.) Houston Texans -- Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

3.) Tennessee Titans (projected trade with Arizona) -- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

4.)  Indianapolis Colts -- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

5.) Seattle Seahawks -- Jalen Carter, DI, Georgia

6.) Detroit Lions -- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

7.) Las Vegas Raiders -- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

8.) Atlanta Falcons -- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

9.) Chicago Bears -- Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

10.) Philadelphia Eagles -- Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

11.) Arizona Cardinals (projected trade with Tennessee) -- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

12.) Houston Texans -- C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

13.) Green Bay Packers  -- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

14.) New England Patriots -- Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee

15.) New York Jets -- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

16.) Washington Commanders -- Bijan Robinson, HB, Texas

17.) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

18.) Detroit Lions -- Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

20.) Seattle Seahawks -- O'Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

21.) Los Angeles Chargers -- Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

22.) Baltimore Ravens -- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

23.) Minnesota Vikings -- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

24.) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Steve Avila, G, TCU

25.) New York Giants -- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

26.) Dallas Cowboys -- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

27.) Buffalo Bills -- Calijah Kancey, DI, Pittsburgh

28.) Cincinnati Bengals -- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

29.) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami & Denver) -- John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

30.) Philadelphia Eagles -- Brian Branch, S, Alabama

31.) Kansas City Chiefs -- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Breakdown of Lions' first round

Cornerback isn’t an immediate need, but it definitely will be after the 2023 season. The Lions go with a culture fit, a phenomenal football player and a defensive playmaker at pick No. 6 in Witherspoon. It was tough passing over QB C.J. Stroud, as he was available. However, I don’t know if the Lions are that eager to replace incumbent starter Jared Goff. Whether or not the Lions should be looking toward the future behind center is a whole other conversation.

Illinois Fighting Illini Cornerback Devon Witherspoon  / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

With the Lions' second selection in the first round, they fill their biggest need on the roster, with an athletic, 3-tech defensive tackle. At one time, Bresee was frequently mocked in the top 10 of the draft, due to his potential alone. This year’s defensive interior class quickly falls off when looking for penetrating tackles. Calijah Kancey could be another option, but Bresee likely provides more in defending the run and taking on double teams. And, he projects better as a well-rounded, three-down prospect.

Second round

48.) Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Washington makes a repeat appearance in my mock draft. Again, his blocking ability and unreal size, mixed with his athletic ability, just seem like exactly the style of tight end the Lions coaching staff would want.

55.) Quan Martin, DB, Illinois 

Just keep on adding Illinois defensive backs. Martin played literally every position in the defensive backfield over his five years in college – seeing starts every season. He settled in nicely in the “nickel” role that is becoming essentially a starting position in the NFL. Although recent addition C.J. Gardner-Johnson will likely hold the slot role for this upcoming season, a successor could be put into place. You will not find a more explosive player (44-inch vertical at the combine) or a better run defender (an elite 91.0 PFF run-defense grade in 2022) in this class. He isn’t a flawless prospect in coverage, but he still gets his hands on plenty of passes. His 15 forced incompletions were second among safeties last season.

Third round

81.) Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss 

Mingo has been rising up the ranks as of late, as a result of an impressive combine showing. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver is well built, with the ability to make difficult catches. He shows a knack for explosive plays, as well. Receiver isn’t the Lions' biggest need. However, with the six-game suspension of Jameson Williams, it might not be a bad idea to grab another playmaker at the position. The Lions will need to find another at some point in the near future anyway.

Fifth round

152.) Yasir Abdullah, EDGE/LB, Louisville 

Abdullah was a phenomenal stand-up pass rusher in college. Yet, given his 6-foot, 237-pound frame, he isn’t likely to be a full-time player on the line at the next level. Similar to Lions EDGE James Houston, Abdullah will likely be asked to play off-ball, spy the quarterback and even drop into coverage at times. Still, Abdullah has Houston beat in terms of athletic measurables. Abdullah has plenty of special team experience, too, which could provide solid value while also offering a versatile backup for the Houston role in the defense.

159.) Andrew Vorhees, G, USC 

As much as I would have liked to take an interior lineman earlier in the draft, once O'Cyrus Torrence and Steve Avila were off the board, there wasn’t much value at the position where the Lions were selecting in the second round. Vorhees is as strong as an ox, and would be selected a couple rounds higher if it weren’t for his ACL injury during the combine. His rookie year will be a redshirt season, but the Lions have some time before needing his services. Holmes had no problem last year selecting players coming off injuries, and Vorhees could be his next draft-and-stash prospect.

Sixth round

183.) Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest 

Yes, this is the Lions' second defensive tackle I have them picking. The Lions can use as many interior pass-rushers as they can get their hands on. The 6-foot-2, 293-pound 3-tech was a combine snub, and is flying a bit under the radar for the impressive 2022 season he had. He isn’t just a gap-shooting, pass-rushing specialist, either. Turner excelled against the run, as well. He may not “wow” you with his stature, and will be 24 years old by the time of the draft. But, he would be solid value on Day 3.

194.) Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern 

Last but not least, Hull has a nice compact frame, with some nice explosion and jump-cut ability. He was a prolific pass catcher that would at least be a decent secondary option behind the oft-injured D’Andre Swift. Unfortunately, his limitations as a pass-blocker may hinder his usage.