Following the NFL Combine, which ended March 6th, is there any clarity that teams and fans have gained with regard to the upcoming draft? While there were certainly some amazing Combine performances this year, did any prospect significantly boost their stock? The Combine always seem to bump prospects up and down draft boards, so in this article, we look at a potential 2023 2-round mock draft for the Detroit Lions.
RD 1, PICK 6: EDGE, TYREE WILSON, TEXAS-TECH
While he didn’t perform in many events at the combine, there were few prospects who made the case that they deserve to be taken over Wilson. Wilson is a massive edge at 6 ‘6” and 271 lbs. In addition to his height and weight, he has a wide frame with long limbs, giving him a prototypical Edge rusher build. His size and length allows him a wide tackling range and the ability to disrupt o-linemen. He produced 7 sack seasons each of the past two years and has plenty of room to grow. The Lions currently sport a weak secondary, but their run defense (as demonstrated throughout the year and specifically in the Carolina game) needs a lot of help and consistency. Wilson would be an immediate impact starter and solidify the line across from Hutchinson for years to come.
R1, PICK 18: CB, DEVON WITHERSPOON, ILLINOIS
Witherspoon at 18 might be a pipe dream considering he has been mocked as high as 6, but cornerback is a tricky position in the first round and this is a deep class. It is possible that teams will look to fill positional needs and/or prefer other corners, and Witherspoon would still be available as the second or third corner taken right there at 18.
Adding Witherspoon to the secondary would give the Lions another immediate impact starter on the defense in addition to Wilson. He brings high energy and grit with his game and has demonstrated impressive anticipation. With the right coaching and scheme, he could be a threatening number one corner at the next level.
RD2, PICK 48: LB, DREW SANDERS, ARKANSAS
At 6’4” and 235 lbs, Sanders has the linebacker build that the Lions need. He is a long, athletic, and smart linebacker who plays tough and disrupts the run. Not only does he display incredible potential against the run, but he has spent significant reps rushing the passer. He has the frame and intelligence to be a versatile cog in Aaron Glenn’s system, and he would be an interesting partner next to Rodrigo.
RD2, PICK 55: G, STEVE AVILA, TCU
The Lions struggled with inconsistent guard play throughout the 2022 season. With veterans Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai dealing with injuries and rotational players playing no better than serviceably, it would be wise to add to the room. Jackson is looking for a possible extension this offseason, but after undergoing back surgery, it is uncertain whether Vaitai will even return to football. Avila gives the Lions a competitor in the room and could start instantly if needed.
The Lions are in a window where they can contend for the NFC North. These players give the team instant improvements at areas of need. If they can come away from the draft plugging holes with gritty, talented players, they could flip the NFL on its head come next season.
