Lions 3-Round Mock Draft Fills Jameson Williams Void

All Lions provides its post-Jameson Williams suspension, three-round mock draft for the Detroit Lions.

Now that Jameson Williams has been suspended for the first six games of the 2023 season due to violating the league's gambling policy, the Lions' draft strategy likely has been altered.

It also means it's time for a new three-round mock draft here at All Lions.

This one focuses on Detroit adding offensive reinforcements in the first round, including at wide receiver.

Without further ado, here is my latest stab at predicting what Detroit general manager Brad Holmes will do through the first three rounds of next week's draft.

Round 1, Pick 6 overall (from LAR)

Selection: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas

With Robinson's stock on the rise, the Lions decide not to wait around for the Texas back to fall to them at No. 18 overall. Instead, they pull the trigger with the No. 6 pick, and land the 2023 draft's consensus top back.

The 6-foot, 220-pounder is a gifted runner, with tremendous vision and the ability to make a difference in both the ground game and the passing game.

Although it might be early to take him here, I doubt that Brad Holmes & Co. would regret it. Robinson would be a welcomed addition to Detroit's running backs room, and help make the position group a strength headed into the 2023 season.

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Round 1, Pick 12 overall (from CLE)

Trade: Lions deal picks No. 18 and No. 55 to the Browns for the No. 12 pick

Selection: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

The Lions don't waste any time to find a replacement – or at least an early-season replacement – for the suspended Jameson Williams, and execute a draft-day trade.

Smith-Njigba only played in three games and caught a total of four passes in 2022 due to injury. Yet, it's already known that the Ohio State product can be ultra productive when healthy. For example, the year prior, he suited up for 13 games, and amassed a school-record 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards (which is also a Big Ten record for a single season).

Smith-Njigba is a high-level route-runner, and has a knack for using his football IQ and natural instincts to constantly find a way to get open. You combine all that with his exceptional hands and ball skills, and you have the makings of a productive NFL receiver.

Just like with selecting Robinson at No. 6, I think taking Smith-Njigba here would be a bit premature. However, drafting the former Buckeyes receiver would still be worth it, as he'd help take Detroit's passing game to the next level in 2023 and beyond.

Round 2, Pick 48 overall

Selection: DT Siaki Ika, Baylor

Standing in at 6-foot-3, 335 pounds, the defensive lineman offers a solid combination of size and athleticism. Ika also possesses tremendous change-of-direction ability and a high motor.

He didn't exactly light up the stat sheet in his final season at Baylor, totaling 24 tackles, including two for loss, as well as five QB hurries and two pass break-ups. However, due to his uncanny athleticism and raw power and upper body strength, he profiles as a versatile nose tackle at the next level. And, he'd be a welcomed addition along the interior of Detroit's defensive line.

Round 3, Pick 81 overall

Selection: CB Darius Rush, South Carolina

Holmes & Co. might have originally been thinking of taking a defensive back early (i.e. Devon Witherspoon with the No. 6 pick). However, due to the Williams suspension, they wait to address the position, and get a cornerback here in the third round.

Rush is a lanky, 6-foot-2, 200-pound corner who excelled in zone coverage at South Carolina. He also was an effective special teams contributor during his time with the Gamecocks.

In his final collegiate season, he recorded nine passes defensed and two interceptions.

He's no Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez or Joey Porter Jr. But, he'd still be a nice find by Detroit's front office at this spot in the draft.