The latest mock draft from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid is a whale of an endeavor. It’s one that offers a deep and thoughtful look at what the Detroit Lions might do in the 2023 NFL draft, too.
Reid tackled doing a full 7-round mock from No. 1 overall to Mr. Irrelevant at No. 259. In that span came eight picks for the Detroit Lions. The amount of time and effort that goes into concocting such an endeavor is unreal.
The results for Detroit might be unreal, too. It’s an impressive draft haul projection from GM Brad Holmes in the seven rounds. It starts with a very realistic top three picks that Lions fans should strongly consider as what will actually happen in April’s draft.
Reid’s full Lions projections:
No. 6: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
No. 18: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
No. 48: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
No. 55: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
No. 81: Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah
No. 152: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
No. 183: Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
No. 194: Jadon Haselwood, WR, Arkansas
Wilson, Banks and Benton are all schematic fits as well as players often connected to the Lions in various mock drafts. Hooker is as well, though the prospect of the Tennessee QB falling to No. 55 seems remote at this point; he was No. 5 overall in a different ESPN mock draft just a day before Reid’s.
Of the Day 3 players, Dorian Williams is a player who Lions fans should probably know. The Tulane standout had a strong Senior Bowl week and plays with the speed and savvy that the Lions covet in an off-ball LB.
