Bleacher Nation NFL 2023 Mock Draft: Lions Add a Pass Rusher
The Bleacher Nation NFL 2023 Mock Draft will be a running mock draft that spans between now and round one of the NFL Draft. Each of the 31 picks (Miami forfeited their first-round pick due to tampering) will get a dedicated post. Here’s how it’ll work:
- Every pick in the Mock Draft gets its own post. We will do one or two picks per day.
- We will link back to previous posts with a running draft recap.
- This feature will not include trades and will cover the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Lions are on the clock in the Bleacher Nation NFL Mock Draft …
The Pick Is In
DT Tyree Wilson — Texas Tech
The Fit
The Lions spent on the secondary in free agency, and now they’re attacking the defensive line with their first of two first-round picks.
Tyree Wilson gives the Lions an immediate upgrade in the pass rush department. The Lions were 25th in the NFL in team pass rush win rate (36%), per ESPN Stats and Info. They also ranked 26th in team rush stop win rate (28%).
So, landing a potential day-one starter to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson and still having the 18th pick in the draft is a win for the Lions.
Scouting Report
Tyree Wilson had a breakout season at Texas Tech in 2022, logging 50 QB pressures and eight sacks in 10 games for the Red Raiders. Wilson also logged 32 hurries and 10 QB hits in 2022, finishing the season with a 75.1 PFF overall grade.
Even as a 275-pounder, Wilson has excellent movement. His large frame sets him apart from other defensive ends in this draft and beyond.
While Wilson has a knack for attacking the man in front of him, sometimes it’s recklessly or without a plan. He doesn’t shy away from contact, but he’ll need to refine that and be more calculated at the next level.
As you can see here, Wilson can be effective against the run in addition to being a fearsome pass rusher:
Final Thoughts: If Detroit is content with Jared Goff, which they sure seem to be, then building the defense is the obvious move for the Lions in this draft. With two picks in the top 20, they could land two starters, with Wilson being one of them.
Bleacher Nation’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft
- Carolina Panthers (via CHI) — QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
- Houston Texans — QB Bryce Young, Alabama
- Arizona Cardinals — EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
- Indianapolis Colts — QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
- Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) — DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
- Detroit Lions (via LAR) — EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Atlanta Falcons
- Chicago Bears (via CAR)
- Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)
- Tennessee Titans
- Houston Texans (via CLE)
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- Green Bay Packers
- Washington Commanders
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Detroit Lions
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Baltimore Ravens
- Minnesota Vikings
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New York Giants
- Dallas Cowboys
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- New Orleans Saints (via SF)
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Kansas City Chiefs
