Lions Target Gonzalez, Bresee in Latest Sports Illustrated Mock Draft

Sports Illustrated has released its latest 2023 NFL mock draft.

In several post-Super Bowl mock drafts, the Detroit Lions double-dip on defense in the first round. 

Despite the Lions being strong at the defensive end position, several also have the team targeting EDGE rushers. 

As the NFL Scouting Combine draws near, further information being gathered about the top college prospects will aid in understanding more about how teams will approach the draft. 

In Sports Illustrated's first mock draft since the Super Bowl, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes is selecting at No. 6 overall (via the Rams) and at No. 18 overall.

With the No. 6 overall pick, the team adds Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez. 

"Cornerback is arguably the team’s biggest need heading into the offseason, even though the Lions used a top-three pick on Jeff Okudah in 2020," writes Kevin Hanson. "Both Amani Oruwariye and Mike Hughes are scheduled to become free agents next month. The brother-in-law of former Lions quarterback David Blough, Gonzalez has elite speed (23.3 mph on GPS, per Bruce Feldman), smooth change-of-direction ability and excellent length. Gonzalez had four interceptions for the Ducks in ’22."

Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez / © Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With the second of two first-round picks, Detroit adds to its defensive line by selecting Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. 

"Double-dipping with defensive picks in the first round is a distinct possibility for the Lions. While Detroit ranked top five in both total and scoring offense in 2022, it ranked last in total defense and only the Bears (27.2) and Cardinals (26.4) allowed more points per game than the Lions (25.1), who also ranked 28th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric for defense," Hanson explains. "Rookies Aidan Hutchinson (9.5) and James Houston (eight) combined for 17.5 sacks last season, but Bresee has the quickness and power to be a disruptive three-technique for the Lions."