Draft expert predicts Lions to select player with Hall of Fame comparison
One draft expert believes the Lions will target a top prospect who has a lot in common with Aaron Donald.
The Detroit Lions have the luxury of picking twice in the first 18 selections of the 2023 NFL Draft. With that, almost no two mock drafts look the same for Lions fans looking for a trail of breadcrumbs on the team’s draft plans.
Highly respected draft analyst Dane Brugler recently released his mock draft 3.0 through The Athletic. His mock draft is full of surprises, one of which being his prediction that the Lions will double dip on defense in the first round.
Brugler mocked Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez to the Lions at No. 6 overall. Gonzalez is an exciting athlete and could be a longtime starter at the next level, but Brugler’s estimation for Detroit’s 18th overall pick is what really piques some interest.
At No. 18 overall, Brugler believes the Lions will select Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey.
In his previous role, Lions general manager Brad Holmes was a driving force in the Rams drafting Aaron Donald. Fast-forward 10 years to the present and Pitt has produced another undersized defensive lineman that checks a lot of the same boxes. There is only one Donald, but Kancey has the quickness, play violence and work ethic that will appeal to Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
Anytime Aaron Donald’s name is mentioned in the same breath as a prospect, it’s time to take notice.
Head coach Dan Campbell wants to establish a physical style of play on both sides of the ball. The first step in building that type of roster is to strengthen the middle of the defense.
Drafting Kancey accomplishes exactly that.
