Mock Draft 1.0 is my first for the NFL's 2023 draft, and the primary focus as it is every year is to predict what the Detroit Lions will do. In that regard, think defense. The Lions have two first-round picks – No. 6 acquired in 2021 in a trade that sent quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, and No. 18 – their own pick for finishing with a 9-8 win-loss record. The Lions are expected to go for defense, and this draft is suited to fill that need. As many as a dozen defensive players could be drafted in the top 18 picks with an emphasis on defensive backs and linemen.
Alabama
Georgia
Kentucky
Texas Tech
TCU
USC
Clemson
Ohio State
Oregon
Northwestern
Penn State
Notre Dame
Florida
Illinois
