We are less than one week away from the 2023 NFL Draft. With draft day being so close, I want to start zeroing in on certain prospects that I think the Lions could legitimately select on each day of the draft. We will start with day 1 (round 1), then work our way through days 2 (rounds 2 & 3) and 3 (rounds 4-7). With the Lions having two first round selections again this year, I thought I would give 5 picks that I would love the Lions to get on the 27th. Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Will Anderson/ Tyree Wilson/ Nolan Smith, Edge, Alabama/ Texas Tech/ Georgia
If the Lions pair one of these guys with last year’s rookies in Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, the rest of the league needs to look out. The two guys headed into their sophomore seasons combined for 17.5 sacks, and adding one of these game wreckers would go a long way in helping to fix one of 2022’s worst defenses. They all bring elite pass rush potential, but Wilson and Smith bring that extra bonus in their run-stuffing ability. Anderson isn’t bad at stopping the run, and is the best pass rusher of the 3, but I would love to see any of these 3 players in the Honolulu Blue.
Christian Gonzalez/ Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Oregon/ Illinois
After trading Jeff Okudah to the Falcons in a shocking fashion, the Lions are in perfect position to draft a cornerback with their first round selection. Drafting Gonzalez or Witherspoon gives them insurance and the ability to develop them into an NFL caliber CB. Devon has the familiarity with second-year Safety Kerby Joseph (they played together at Illinois), but Gonzalez has the physical traits to be special with the right coaching (Dre’ Bly and Aaron Glenn fit that mold). Overall, I don’t think you can go wrong with either guy.
Jalen Carter/ Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Georgia/ Pittsburgh
One of the last true holes on the Lions Defense is in the interior, with them still needing someone to start beside Alim McNeill. Carter and Kancey both bring something a little different to the game, with Carter using his size to be a great run stuffer and Kancey being undersized yet still being a great pass rusher from the interior (very similar to former Pitt great Aaron Donald). If you can figure out the off the field stuff with Carter (little bit of legal trouble, coming into the pro day 9 lbs heavier at his pro day than the combine 2 weeks prior), then he should absolutely be the pick at 6 over everyone listed here. If you don’t think Campbell and the leaders in the locker room can manage Carter, then pass on him and take one of the players listed above before grabbing Kancey at 18.
O’Cyrus Torrence, Guard, Florida
Even though we brought back Graham Glasgow and still have Halapoulivaati Vaitai on the roster, Torrence could be in play if he’s still available at the 18th selection. Vaitai is coming off a pretty serious back surgery, and Glasgow is only signed for this season. Drafting Torrence would solidify the last questionable spot on the offensive line for years to come. Torrence is a phenomenal run blocker, mowing guys over with consistency, but he’s also been a solid pass blocker. Killing it at every stage of the draft process so far, and adding in the fact that the Lions have used one of their top 30 visits on him leads me to believe they’d love having him in the Silver and Blue, and so would I.
Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU
It may seem crazy to list a Wide Receiver here, but the Lions could still use an outside guy opposite Jameson Williams. Standing in at 6 ‘3”, and weighing 208 lbs, Johnston would give Detroit the size and speed combo they’ve been missing since Calvin Johnson. Before some people ask: no, I’m not saying Johnston will be Megatron 2.0, but he brings that same dynamic that defenses have to worry about. This would also help Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown to get more open, as having so many dynamic weapons limits the defense’s ability to double-team weapons, also helping Jared Goff be able to spread the ball to everyone. Let’s get something straight: Johnston is only in play (in my opinion) if everyone above is taken, and, more importantly, is still available come the 18th selection. Brad Holmes has brought him in for a top 30 visit, so you know they’re interested, but defense should absolutely be the priority
