Lions Make Two Controversial Picks in Mel Kiper's Latest Mock Draft

Read more on the two players Mel Kiper has the Detroit Lions selecting in his third mock draft of 2023.

The pro day workout of Georgia Bulldogs' Jalen Carter left many pundits and evaluators scratching their heads. The talented defensive lineman was unable to finish drills, likely due to being nine pounds heavier than he was at the combine. 

After a recent string of off-field issues, many Detroit Lions supporters are wondering if Carter fits the mold of a player the organization would want to bring into the locker room. 

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has released his third mock draft following the first week of free agency. 

The veteran draft analyst had the Lions selecting at No. 6 (via the Rams) and No. 18 overall.

With the No. 6 pick, the Lions still took a calculated risk and drafted Carter. 

Jalen Carter, Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman  / © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kiper explained, "Did you watch this defense last season? It ranked bottom of the league in most statistical categories, including yards per play allowed (6.2). The Lions have to keep trying to fix it.

"The easiest way to do that? Take Carter, who has had a troubled few months. Last week, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing for his alleged role in a Jan. 15 car wreck that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. He also showed up at his pro day nine pounds heavier than he was at the NFL combine, and he was unable to finish the position drills.”

Since the combine, Carter has presumably fallen down many team’s draft boards. 

Kiper continued. "He's no longer in the mix to be the No. 1 overall pick. Everything I've heard from people in the league, however, is he won't drop too far -- he likely still will be a top-10 selection. Carter's talent is undeniable, and I could see a team such as the Lions taking him here, filling a position of need."

With the second of two first-round picks, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes selects Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer. 

Kiper notes, "They traded away T.J. Hockenson last fall and used a committee approach to the tight end position, with Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra each catching at least 11 passes. All three are under contract for 2023, but shouldn't Detroit try to upgrade?"

Could the Lions again take a risky selection in the first round, given the extensive needs on defense? 

"Mayer is the most complete tight end in this class," Kiper writes. "He's physical as a run-blocker, and he can run seam routes and get open for quarterback Jared Goff. He caught 67 passes for 809 yards and nine touchdowns last season and had 180 catches in his college career. He could be the lead guy in Detroit."