Detroit Lions 7 Round Mock Draft 2023

The 2023 NFL Draft is just over a week away. Lions GM Brad Holmes has stayed active, trading away Jeff Okudah for an additional draft pick last week, but how does that change the Detroit Lions’ draft plan?

Here is the updated, final 2023 Detroit Lions mock draft for Defiant Takes.

2023 Draft Class

• 1st Round: 6th Overall: Tyree Wilson, Edge (Texas Tech)
• 1st Round: 18th Overall: Bryan Breese, DT (Clemson)
• 2nd Round: 48th Overall: DJ Turner, CB (Michigan)
• 2nd Round: 55th Overall: JL Skinner, S (Boise State)
• 3rd Round: 81st Overall: Owen Pappoe, LB (Auburn)
• 5th Round: 152nd Overall: Parker Washington, WR (Penn State)
• 5th Round: 159th Overall: Kenny McIntosh, RB (Georgia)
• 6th Round: 183rd Overall: Chandler Zavala, G (NC State)
• 7th Round: 194th Overall: Max Duggan, QB (TCU)

 

Tyree Wilson, Edge | Texas Tech

In his senior season at Texas Tech, Tyree Wilson recorded eight sacks, ten QB hits, and 50 pressures in his ten games. The massive 6’6″ 275-pound frame has shot the 22-year-old up draft boards, solidifying the Texas native as a top-10 pick. Wilson’s beast-like strength and physicality gives him the power to move opposing offensive lineman in any direction he deems necessary. When he gets two hands on a ball carrier, it’s nearly impossible to escape his grip.

Wilson’s elite quickness gives up a ridiculous jump off the line for his size. His physical capabilities would give Detroit the flexibility to play him both as an edge and interior player when necessary. Pairing a top-end talent with Aidan Hutchinson should give the rest of the NFC North headaches for years to come.

Bryan Breese, DT | Clemson

Listed at 6’5″ and 300 pounds, Bryan Breese has the physical traits to be a star for whatever team selects him in the draft. However, there is a lack of production in his college resume. The redshirt junior was the nation’s top prospect in 2020. Drafting two additions to the defensive line in the first round forces the rest of the NFL to completely re-evaluate the Lions’ defense.

DJ Turner, CB | Michigan

After trading away Jeff Okudah for a fifth-round pick, it only makes sense for the Lions to draft a replacement. While Detroit added Cam Sutton, Emanuel Moseley, and CJ Gardner Johnson during free agency, only Moseley signed a contract extending past the 2023 season.

DJ Turner not only ran toe-to-toe against some of the best receivers in the country in 2022 but laid down booming hits as well. After running a 40-yard dash time of 4.26, the fastest of the 2023 combine, Turner received a 97 athleticism score by NFL Network, the second-highest score of any corner in the draft class. The 22-year-old’s astonishing speed and agility make him a second-round pick.

Receivers have to work to get open when lined up from Turner. In a man-to-man, he’ll contest everything. While in a zone, he reads quarterbacks well and is hunting for a devastating hit.

JL Skinner, S | Boise State

Skinner missed out on the combine after tearing his pec in February. However, he should be full go come September.

In his 12 starts for Boise State last season, Skinner came away with four interceptions and four pass breakups, not to mention his 65 tackles. The 6’4″ safety is versatile, able to play multiple different coverages while patrolling the run game at an above-average level.

Owen Pappoe, LB | Auburn

Owen Pappoe checks all the boxes in terms of what type of linebacker the Lions are in need of.

Despite having Malcolm Rodriguez and Alex Anzalone on the roster, the Lions desperately need a coverage linebacker with speed to improve the passing game over the middle.

Pappoe showed off his elite speed at the combine, clocking in at 4.39 during the 40-yard dash. His biggest strength is zone coverage, something the Lions rarely did in 2022 due to the lack of personnel. Pappoe reads quarterbacks well, allowing him to cause mayhem over the middle. His weakness lies in the run game, but Rodriguez and Anzalone would hopefully blanket those issues. 

Parker Washington, WR | Penn State

The Lions signed Marvin Jones Jr. to a one-year deal in free agency. The additional was ideal but isn’t a long-term solution to the lack of receiver depth Detroit has. 

Parker Washington has been a starter for Penn State since he was a true freshman in 2020. In that season, Washington reeled in six touchdowns and was the team’s primary kick returner. He may lack a burst but makes up for it with his physicality and aggressiveness—a dangerous weapon after the catch, a potential special teams player. 

Kenny McIntosh, RB| Georgia

If Detroit does decide to go the running back route in the draft, it’s a pick to better the future of the franchise. A rookie running back may struggle to find reps in year one. However, with D’andre Swift’s contract coming to an end after 2023, finding a replacement in this year’s draft isn’t a bad move. Ironically, it wouldn’t be Kenny McIntosh’s first time playing behind D’andre Swift, as the two played together for one season at Georgia.

Where McIntosh could potentially make an impact in his rookie season is the passing game. His elusiveness and soft hands make him a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers. He excels in open space, so generating outside-zone looks would help McIntosh live up to his potential. 

Chandler Zavala, G | NC State

Another pick for the future. Both Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasnow are free agents after 2023. Having a young guard on the roster ready to step in as a starter would be ideal. 

Zavala, 24 years old, didn’t allow a sack in his 13 games played as a senior. His 325-pound frame and 5.01 40-yard dash time give him a high upside for a late-round offensive lineman. 

Max Duggan, QB | TCU

Does Max Duggan have the physical capabilities and high upside to become one of the league’s best quarterbacks? No. But neither did Brock Purdy. The Lions desperately need competition for Nate Sudfeld in regard to the backup quarterback position. By no means would Duggan be the long-term solution for Detroit’s quarterback situation. However, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Have any better ideas for the 7th round? Low risk, low reward. Max Thuggin Duggin. Why not? Why not?!