Booher: 3-Round Detroit Lions 2023 Mock Draft

All Lions mocks the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft for the Detroit Lions.

With the Super Bowl marking the end of the 2022 NFL season, the offseason is upon us.

Though there will be no NFL football played, the offseason will be plenty full of intrigue. The Scouting Combine begins March 2, with free agency soon following. It all leads to the NFL Draft, which is set for April 27-29.

The Detroit Lions, led by general manager Brad Holmes, will have five picks in the draft’s first three rounds. They enjoyed a hot streak to end the 2022 season, leaving fans excited about their future.

If they want to take the next step toward contention, Holmes and company need to nail their selections in the 2023 draft.

Without further ado, here’s my attempt at predicting what the Lions will do with their first five selections in April. 

Round 1

No. 6 overall (from Los Angeles Rams in Matthew Stafford trade): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Gonzalez is considered to be the top cornerback prospect in the 2023 draft class, and for good reason. Coming into the season, the biggest concern was his ability to create turnovers and make plays in coverage. He answered those questions with four picks in 2022 at Oregon.

At 6-foot-2, he’s got the necessary length and frame to be an impact player right away. Detroit needs help at the position, as the Lions lack clarity when it comes to their future at corner.

Gonzalez can help solve those problems, as he’s the best of the bunch at the position in the draft class.

No. 18 overall: O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

Detroit has committed heavily to its offensive line in recent years, with three first-round picks currently starting up front. The Lions could make it a fourth with Torrence, who excelled at Florida after three seasons at Louisiana.

One of the top interior offensive linemen prospects, Torrence has the potential to slide in and contribute on the Lions’ line right away. Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s injury cost him the entire 2022 season, leaving his future status in doubt.

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Torrence could be the answer at the position, giving the Lions another exciting young piece up front.

Round 2

No. 48 overall: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

The Lions will have to address the safety position in one way or another, as starter DeShon Elliott is a free agent. If Holmes and company can bring Elliott back on a new deal, then this position would become one of less need.

While Tracy Walker III and Kerby Joseph are steady at the free safety position, Elliott was the lone Lions defender to bring the heat from the box safety position. In Johnson, Detroit would be getting a very similar type of player.

In nine games in 2022, Johnson made 71 tackles, with five coming for loss. He has the ability to come down and make a play in the run game, too. Even if Elliott comes back, the Lions would be wise to add a depth piece at the position moving forward.

No. 55 overall (from Minnesota Vikings in T.J. Hockenson trade): Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

Benton helped his stock with a solid showing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. He dominated in one-on-one drills, while showcasing his physical and athletic traits.

A strong nose tackle, Benton rode into the Senior Bowl off the highs of an excellent campaign at Wisconsin. He finished with 10 tackles for loss and four-and-a-half sacks with the Badgers in 2022.

The Lions addressed the defensive interior by adding Isaiah Buggs last offseason. Buggs is a free agent, though, and there’s little in terms of depth outside Alim McNeill.

Detroit’s defense struggled against the run in 2022, showing the need for help. Benton would provide a spark, as Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn continues to revamp what has been a struggling unit.

Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin / Tork Mason, USA TODAY NETWORK

Round 3

No. 81 overall: Henry To‘oTo’o, LB, Alabama

Wrapping up the second day of the draft, the Lions make another addition to their defense. As with other positions on the unit, Detroit’s linebackers feature a starter that is set to hit the free-agent market in Alex Anzalone.

Anzalone has established himself as a leader within Detroit’s locker room, and could certainly return. Yet, that shouldn’t stop the Lions from looking to add another young talent, to pair with up-and-coming 2022 sixth-rounder Malcolm Rodriguez.

To’oTo’o was solid at Alabama, and proved to be a physical presence. If he were to join Detroit’s defense, it would give the Lions yet another intriguing defensive piece. His numbers in coverage need improvement, but he would be another key player that could help Detroit fix its efforts against the run.