Many of the recent mock drafts have projected the Detroit Lions to tab a quarterback with their first pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The latest offering from Draft Wire keeps with that theme, but it’s a radically different pick and a quarterback we haven’t seen in the top 10 very often.
The latest from Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling projects the Lions to select Florida QB Anthony Richardson with the pick acquired from the Los Angeles Rams, which currently sits at No. 8 overall. Alabama’s Bryce Young projects to Houston at No. 1 and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud falls to Carolina at No. 3, with Richardson the third QB.
After an erratic start to the season, the inexperienced but promising Richardson has taken off as both a runner and a passer. Fans who liked the athleticism of Malik Willis in last year’s draft should really like the bigger, more accurate Richardson. Easterling compares Richardson to Buffalo’s Josh Allen as a prospect coming out of Wyoming.
The Lions’ own pick goes to Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr., a popular projection. In the second round, Draft Wire sees the Lions doubling down in the secondary with Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson.
