Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft

April 20, 2023, by Jennifer Eakins NFL

It’s time for Detroit Lions mock draft!

The Lions boast eight total picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, with four of those coming in the first two rounds, and the other four in Rounds 3-6. Their first selection, which is the sixth overall pick, is courtesy of a 2021 trade with the Los Angeles Rams for Matthew Stafford. Meanwhile, an extra pick in the second round came via trade with the Vikings for T.J. Hockenson.

In this year’s draft, Detroit has picks 6, 18, 48, 55, 81, 152, 183, and 194, which gives them plenty of capital to work with. There are several holes to fill on the roster, with their biggest needs being defensive tackle, linebacker, tight end, guard/tackle, and quarterback.

For this 7-round mock draft, I’ll be using the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator.

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7-Round Detroit Lions Mock Draft

Round 1: Pick 6 Overall (via LAR)

Pick: Anthony Richardson, QB, FLA

The UGA homer in me really wanted to pick defensive tackle Jalen Carter here, but I remembered that this is a mock draft for the Lions and not myself!

While Detroit could really use Carter, his recent off-field and legal issues have tanked his draft stock, and if they really want the DT, he could slide down to their next pick. This team is in a position to go big and secure their future franchise quarterback in Richardson. The 21-year-old dazzled at the NFL Combine and is arguably the most athletic quarterback prospect we’ve seen in a while. Richardson isn’t ready to go right away, which works for this system that has Jared Goff playing well enough to still lead the way.

Round 1: Pick 18 Overall

Pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

Carter went to the Raiders at pick No. 7, so Kancey is the choice here. He’s small but explosive and could be just what this team needs to wreak havoc in the interior pass rush.

Round 2: Pick 48 Overall

Pick: Steve Avila, G, TCU

The Lions can use some youth on their offensive line. At 23 years old, Avila comes in with 30+ games of experience. He’s a proven leader that has the size (6’4″, 330) and natural strength to add immediate depth, which is sorely lacking in the Detroit O-line after 2023.

Round 2: Pick 55 Overall (via MIN)

Pick: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

The Buckeyes sure know how to produce NFL tight ends. The latest iteration goes to the Lions courtesy of the pick they received for dealing another former Iowa tight end, T.J. Hockenson, to the Vikings midway through last season. LaPorta is a solid blocker who has the makings of a competitive tight end and could be a great fit in this up-and-coming offense.

Round 3: Pick 81 Overall

Pick: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

At six-foot-four, Perry is a tall receiver who can slide in and replace D.J. Chark for the Lions. He posted a whopping 71-1296-15 line his junior year and followed that up with a solid senior season featuring 81 catches for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns. Perry performed well at the NFL Combine and makes for a nice third-round selection here.

Round 5: Pick 152 Overall

Pick: Cory Trice, CB, Purdue

After impressive measurables and drills at the NFL Combine, Trice has moved up draft boards and makes for a solid pick here at 152. He plays big and long and has upside as a Cover-3 playmaker in the NFL.

Round 6: Pick 183 Overall (via DEN)

Pick: Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern

With D’Andre Swift a free agent following the 2023 season, it makes sense to draft a running back at some point and Hull fits the bill. He can handle the volume and also boasts pass-catching prowess.