Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jeff Risdon

Mock draft watch: Lions load the D in latest 2-round projections from Draft Wire

Four weeks is enough time to have a better idea of the team needs for the 2023 NFL draft. The updated mock draft projections from Draft Wire after Week 4 reflect precisely where the Detroit Lions should be looking for help in next year’s draft.

The defense.

Buy Lions Wire

Analyst Luke Easterling projected all three Lions selections in the first two rounds to the defensive side of the ball. Leading off at the No. 9 overall pick–based on the current draft order determined by the NFL standings–is Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr. He’s become a popular projection for his length on the outside and hard-hitting pedigree.

With the pick acquired from the Los Angeles Rams, No. 24 overall right now, the Lions go back to the secondary with Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson.

More reinforcements are needed for the Lions’ porous defense, and in this scenario, the best marriage of fit and value comes on the back end. Johnson is a big, rangy playmaker with an impressive combination of instincts, athleticism and ball skills, and can make big plays in coverage or in run support.

In the second round, the projection turns to linebacker. Alabama’s tackling machine, Henry To’o To’o. The senior LB is undersized and lacks power but has excellent range and simply does not miss tackles. His awareness in coverage has improved in 2022 for the Crimson Tide, too. Landing To’o To’o at No. 38 would be a nice fit.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.