Lions hit two home runs in ESPN's latest mock draft
The Detroit Lions, who are currently in possession of picks Nos. 6 & 18 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, have the opportunity to further strengthen what many consider to be the best roster in the NFC North. The Lions’ draft plans are a bit of a mystery up to this point, […]
The Detroit Lions, who are currently in possession of picks Nos. 6 & 18 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, have the opportunity to further strengthen what many consider to be the best roster in the NFC North.
The Lions’ draft plans are a bit of a mystery up to this point, and have become even murkier after the suspensions of four players due to a violation of thew NFL’s gambling policy. With that being said, Detroit must find two players capable of making a significant impact as rookies.
If the Lions’ first-round strategy looks anything like that of ESPN’s Matt Miller’s mock draft, the team will be in fantastic shape. Miller released his seven-round mock draft on Sunday. Lions fans will be ecstatic to see the team’s results.
No. 6 – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
From Miller: Witherspoon, a feisty cover man who plays an aggressive style, is a perfect Dan Campbell pick. The Lions could play the board in this scenario and consider a quarterback, but team sources said Detroit is confident in Jared Goff and can address other needs here. Witherspoon has the ball skills, toughness and speed to become the team's CB1; he grabbed three interceptions in 2022, with 14 pass breakups.
No. 18 – Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
From Miller: At 6-1 and 281 pounds, Kancey doesn't have prototypical defensive tackle size, but his speed off the snap is rare. He posted a staggering 4.67-second run in the 40-yard dash with a 1.64-second split. "You'd worry more about his size if there weren't guys like [Aaron] Donald and Grady Jarrett having success with a similar makeup," said one NFC scout.
Free-agent additions such as David Montgomery and Marvin Jones Jr. have filled key voids on the offense. So to see the Lions walk out of Day 1 with two premier defensive talents bolsters two weaknesses from last season: pass defense and interior run defense.
If GM Brad Holmes can replicate Miller’s mock draft Lions fans should feel comfortable in the roster’s balance. With nine picks total, and four within the first two rounds, Holmes has plenty of ammunition to round out a roster capable of contending for football’s most prestigious prize.
