Lions Target Top Defensive Prospect in Mel Kiper's Latest Mock Draft

The Detroit Lions have the potential to target one of the most impactful defensive prospects coming out of college.

If there is a run on quarterbacks early, it is expected that the Seattle Seahawks will not pass on the opportunity to select Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has released his latest mock draft, and this edition is a two-round mock.

With the No. 6 overall pick, the Lions added EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr., after the first four selections were quarterbacks.

"I love the potential pairing of Anderson on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick a year ago," writes Kiper. "That's a scary edge rushing duo. In 2021, Anderson's 79 QB pressures ranked first in the country, while Hutchinson was second with 64. Anderson had 17.5 sacks to Hutchinson's 14. These two know how to get after quarterbacks. For a Detroit team without many available starting spots on its roster, this would be a tremendous selection."

With the second of two first-round picks, Kiper follows suit with colleague Todd McShay, and Detroit targets running back Bijan Robinson.

Kiper explained, "People keep telling me Robinson won't last into the 20s. He's that good. It's just really tough to find the perfect landing spot for him because teams finally understand the value of running backs in Round 1. So I'm going to follow Todd McShay's lead and slot in Robinson to Detroit. Why? Because he'd be better in 2023 than D'Andre Swift, who is a free agent next year, and because he'd bring a receiving threat to the offense that free agent signing David Montgomery just doesn't have. Robinson is a luxury pick, but the Lions really don't have that many needs. They can afford a luxury selection here."

Kiper again followed suit with McShay, and had the Lions targeting linebacker Jack Campbell with the No. 48 overall pick.

"Campbell opened up some eyes at the combine, where he tested really well in everything ... but the 40-yard dash (he ran a 4.65). That's OK. If you watch his tape, you can see his limitations," writes Kiper. "He's not going to be able to run stride for stride with tight ends. Still, at 6-foot-5, 249 pounds, he can be an asset on early downs as a run stopper. He's a great tackler. In Detroit, he could compete with Alex Anzalone in the middle of the defense."

At No. 55 overall, the Lions address the wide receiver position, and select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

Lions' haul

No. 6 -- EDGE Will Anderson Jr.
No. 18 -- RB Bijan Robinson
No. 48 -- LB Jack Campbell
No. 55 -- WR Jalin Hyatt

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