Detroit Lions final 7-round 2023 mock draft: Bolstering the NFC North favorites
First Round
50. Scouting Report. DT. 6. player. Pick Analysis. Georgia. Jalen Carter
The Lions have done plenty of due diligence on Carter, who’s stock has done nothing but fall during the pre-draft process due to an off-the-field incident followed by a bad Pro Day showing. That said, he is still a likely top-10 pick and the Lions culture might be a perfect environment for him to get on a good track to start his NFL career.
There are conflicting accounts about Carter’s work ethic and “taking snaps off” during games while at Georgia. Others set aside off the field concerns as simply a “good kid who has made some mistakes.” Based on sheer talent and the idea they are the ideal spot for him, I made Carter the pick here.
Scouting Report. Penn State. Joey Porter Jr.. 18. 50. Pick Analysis. CB. player
If I had written out a list of “my guys” in this year’s draft, Porter Jr. is on it. There are concerns about his playing style drawing an abundance of flags as he heads to the next level, but he has the size, skillset and swagger befitting a No. 1 corner in the NFL.
Aside from Devon Witherspoon, who I passed on at No. 6 and was gone here, Porter looks like just the kind of cornerback the Lions would target among a deep class at the position in this year’s draft. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn can be a first-hand mentor for the former NFL player’s son right out of the gate.