Detroit Lions 2023 NFL mock draft: Will Detroit stack up on defense after impressive offensive season led by Jared Goff?

The Detroit Lions have a total of eight picks in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Four of them are in the first two rounds. Detroit acquired two highly valuable picks in exchange for their former star players, Matthew Stafford and T.J. Hockenson.

The Stafford trade was made in the 2021 offseason, with the Lions receiving two first-round picks: one from 2022 and the other from 2023, as well as Jared Goff from the Rams. Both teams have profited from the exchange, as the Rams got their Super Bowl ring and Goff has improved significantly in a strong offensive system.

Jared Goff v. Seattle Seahawks

It remains to be seen how the Lions will address the QB position with Goff’s impressive season, but they have the capital to be flexible. The 2023 first-round pick the Lions received from the Rams was expected to be a top-10 selection and is now sixth overall based on the Rams' final record. If they choose, it will give them the opportunity to add first-rate defensive talent to the roster.

In the second round, the Lions have two picks which they can use to capitalize on fringe first-round talents. Their third-round pick is still theirs, while their fourth-rounder was given to the Vikings in the Hockenson deal.

The Detroit Lions also have a fifth-round pick, plus two sixth-round picks, one of which they got from the Broncos in exchange for wide receiver Trinity Benson. Also Detroit’s seventh rounder has been dealt to the Rams for defensive tackle Michael Brockers.

Detroit Lions Draft Picks by Round in 2023:

• Round 1, Pick 6 overall (from LAR)
• Round 1, Pick 18 overall
• Round 2, Pick 48 overall
• Round 2, Pick 55 overall (from MIN)
• Round 3, Pick 81 overall
• Round 5, Pick 154 overall
• Round 6, Pick 183 overall (from DEN)

Team needs:

• DT
• CB
• S
• OG

Mock Draft:

Round 1, Pick 6 overall (from LAR): Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia) - With the selection of Aiden Hutchinson in last year's draft, Detroit is looking to add another freaky athletic D-lineman to their roster. Jalen Carter, who impressed scouts all year long, debatably put himself in a position to be drafted first overall by Chicago. If he falls in this draft, Detroit would absolutely be estatic to add Carter.

2023 CFP National Championship - TCU v Georgia

Round 1, Pick 18 overall: Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia) - If it ain't broken, don't fix it. Detroit will be drooling at the idea of adding this tough cornerback. Lions fans will be content in their draft with this pick if they snatch up the two best players on a two-time National Championship defense at Georgia.

2022 CFP National Championship - Georgia v Alabama

Round 2, Pick 48 overall: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah) - Since T.J. Hockenson got shipped to Minnesota, the tight end position seemed to be the only unimpressive skilled group for Detroit's offense. Strong hands, blocking abilities, and athletic enough to thrive on a capable team.

Round 2, Pick 55 overall (from MIN): Eli Ricks (CB, Alabama)

Round 3, Pick 81 overall: Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa) - Some fans have argued that the defense held the Lions out of a playoff spot. Jack Campbell would give confidence to a weak linebacker crew in Detroit. He is an experienced and well-coached player who a lot of NFL teams would like to have on their defense.

Jack Campbell in 2021 Big Ten Championship - Iowa v Michigan

Round 5, Pick 154 overall: Tyjae Spears (RB, Tulane)

Round 6, Pick 183 overall (from DEN): Xavier Henderson (S, Michigan St.) - On the topic of improving their defense, Michigan St. safety Xavier Henderson brings a hard-hitting resume to the table. If his athleticism can translate to the NFL, Henderson may help fill a void defensively.

Round 6, Pick 194 overall: Moro Ojomo (DT, Texas)