Lions win the NFC North in latest mock draft
The Detroit Lions are poised to make noise in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Lions have eight picks in their arsenal, including five selections in the first three rounds. With so many early picks, the Lions have enough draft capital to move up and select one of the draft’s elite players. The Athletic recently released […]
The Detroit Lions are poised to make noise in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Lions have eight picks in their arsenal, including five selections in the first three rounds. With so many early picks, the Lions have enough draft capital to move up and select one of the draft’s elite players.
The Athletic recently released a three-round mock draft in which the Lions trade up to the No. 3 overall pick. By moving up, The Athletic predicts Detroit will select Alabama LB Will Anderson.
The Athletic: "The dream scenario for Detroit features finding a way up to No. 3, to pair Anderson with 2022 rookie standout Aidan Hutchinson. That said, given how well-stocked their roster has become, the Lions should have more options than just about any team in the league on Days 1 and 2."
Anderson is widely considered to be a can’t-miss first-round talent. Once the early run on quarterbacks comes to a close, Anderson is likely to be the first non-QB to hear his name called.
In three seasons at Alabama, Anderson registered 34.5 sacks and 58.5 tackles for loss. Those are video game numbers.
If Detroit is able to work a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, who have been vocal about shopping the third overall pick, the Lions will have the best young pass-rushing tandem in the NFL.
Here is how The Athletic’s three-round mock draft plays out for the Lions:
- No. 3 (via ARI): Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
- No. 18: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
- No. 55: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
- No. 81: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
