One of the NFL's preminent draft analysts has released his first 2023 mock draft. And with two first-round picks for the Detroit Lions, we'd be doing a disservice to ignore the information, even if we're still three months out from names being called and daps from commissioner Roger Goodell live in Kansas City.
So let's break it down: Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has the Lions (subscription required) going defense with both the sixth overall pick and the 18th overall pick April 27.
First, note Kiper did not project any trades — "it's still a little bit early to assess which teams could move up and what it would take to get there" — and has three quarterbacks going in the first five picks: Ohio State's C.