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Detroit Lions trade down, strike gold in 2023 NFL Mock Draft

As the Detroit Lions just kept on winning during the final ten games of the 2022 regular season (they won eight of their last ten games), their draft slot continued to drop and when all was said and done, they ended up with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. But, thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade following the 2020 season, the Lions will also have the No. 6 overall pick via the Los Angeles Rams, who struggled greatly after winning the Super Bowl following the 2021 season. With that being said, in the latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft released by Luke Easterling of Draft Wire, the Lions trade down and, in my opinion, they strike gold.

Detroit Lions Free Agent quarterbacks 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Why it Matters for Detroit Lions

When you look at the top of the NFL Draft order, there are a couple of defensive players who would look amazing in a Lions uniform. Those players are EDGE Will Anderson out of Alabama and DL Jalen Carter out of Georgia. The problem is that I just cannot see either of those players falling to the Lions at No. 6. If either of them falls, Brad Holmes should draft them immediately. But, if Anderson and Carter are both off the board, the Lions’ best bet may be to trade down. That is exactly what they do in this particular 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Lions trade No. 6 pick to Carolina Panthers in 2023 NFL Mock Draft

In Easterling’s latest 3-round mock draft, he has the Lions trading the No. 6 pick to the Panthers.

“If the Lions don’t value the remaining quarterback prospects as potential successors to Jared Goff, don’t be surprised if they’re willing to move down here. The Panthers might be willing to jump ahead of the Raiders (giving up one of their two second-rounders) for the quarterback of their choice.”

  • Lions Get: No. 9 overall pick and No. 61 overall pick
  • Panthers Get: No. 6 overall pick

Detroit Lions make six of Top 81 picks

Following this hypothetical trade, the Lions would have six of the top 81 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here are the six picks Easterling has the Lions making, along with his rationale for the two first-round picks.

9. Lions (from CAR)* | Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon

The perfect scenario for the Lions, who drop pick a few slots, and still land the top cornerback in this year’s loaded class. Witherspoon is polished technician with all the physical and mental traits to quickly become a shutdown artist at the next level.

Editor’s Note: I cannot tell you how excited I would be if the Lions were to trade down, get an additional second-round pick, and then still get Devon Witherspoon, who I believe is the best CB in the class.

18. Lions | Texas RB Bijan Robinson

Sometimes, you just have to throw needs out the window and draft the best available player on the board. The Lions have way bigger needs elsewhere, but the value just isn’t there at any of them. D’Andre Swift has struggled to stay healthy, Jamaal Williams is a free agent, and Robinson is a top-five talent in this class.

Editor’s Note: I HATE taking a running back in the first round, but if Robinson is still on the board, and Brad Holmes does not see another player worth taking at 18, they may want to roll the dice on the best RB in the class.

48. Lions | North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch

55. Lions (from MIN) | Wisconsin DL Keeanu Benton

61. Lions (from SF via CAR)* | South Dakota State TE Tucker Kraft

81. Lions | Florida State S Jammie Robinson

Bottom Line: Detroit Lions will be able to add a ton of talent in 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is going to be a golden opportunity for the Lions to add some talented players to the mix. Even if they do not trade down, they will have two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a third-round pick (all in the top 81). You can bet Brad Holmes is already salivating at the upcoming opportunity to add to the Lions roster.

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W.G. Brady
W.G. Brady
W.G. Brady is a Detroit-based journalist who has been covering the Detroit sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation for several years. He is in his early 30s and has a wealth of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, W.G. has established himself as a respected and knowledgeable journalist known for his in-depth coverage of the teams and athletes in Detroit. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sports, W.G. has become a go-to source for fans and readers looking for the latest news and analysis on the Detroit sports scene. He has a good reputation in the sports community and is respected for his unbiased coverage of sports events. W.G. is known for his ability to uncover hidden stories and provide unique perspectives on the teams and athletes he covers. He has a good understanding of the city of Detroit and its sports culture, which he uses to inform his reporting and analysis. He continues to be a respected journalist in the Detroit sports industry.

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