With the No. 6 overall pick, the Lions adds Clemson Tigers DL Myles Murphy and with the second of two first-round picks, they add to its secondary by drafting Georgia Bulldogs CB Kelee Ringo.
In the most recent mock draft for 2023, the Detroit Lions pick a defensive lineman and a cornerback
Brad Holmes, general manager of the Detroit Lions, has the No. 6 overall pick (via the Los Angeles Rams) and the No. 18 overall pick in Todd McShay’s most recent NFL mock draft following the Super Bowl.
Nothing about this choice is particularly shocking. While no one selected Murphy by the Lions in this week’s Mock Draft Roundup, he was the recipient of the pick in three of last week’s mocks. Take a look at what McShay had to say about the selection:
“I think Detroit sticks with Jared Goff and uses this pick on a porous defensive unit. I considered a cornerback, but Murphy has a much higher grade than my CB1 — and the defense needs support at multiple positions. It couldn’t stop anyone last season, allowing a league-high 6.2 yards per play,” McShay explains. “Adding Murphy’s speed off the edge to a group that already includes 2022 first-rounder Aidan Hutchinson and surprise rookie standout James Houston immediately moves the defense forward.
“Something else to watch for here: I wouldn’t be surprised if Detroit slides down the board, picking up additional draft capital from a team looking to nab a quarterback. The Lions already have a second first-rounder, too.”
Clemson is well-known as a factory for top-tier defensive linemen, and it appears that the class of 2022 will be no exception. Over the course of the past two years, Murphy has recorded 14.5 sacks and a whopping 25.5 tackles for loss.
Murphy’s arm length is probably his best quality, as evidenced by his many spectacular rebounds and other highlights.
That, however, is only the beginning of his athletic prowess. His size (6’5″ and 275 pounds) and surprising athleticism are also noteworthy.
With the second of two first-round picks, Detroit adds to its secondary by drafting Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Kelee Ringo.
McShay explains, “We mentioned that the Lions might be thinking cornerback at No. 6 (ended up with a defensive end in Murphy), but they get one here with their second first-rounder at the tail end of a mini run at the position. Ringo is the fourth CB to come off the board in five picks. There will be a lot of opinions about his game, but Ringo has a lot of upside. He has speed and length, and he’s very good in press coverage.
“Plus, he hauled in two interceptions in each of his seasons at Georgia. Jeff Okudah has flashed the traits that made him the No. 3 pick in 2020, but even if he takes the next step, Amani Oruwariye is a free agent, leaving the other outside corner spot wide open.”
Film analysis reveals Ringo to be a quick defensive back who also has the length that will appeal to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Ringo made 42 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups in 2022. The talented defender was also named to the All-SEC Second Team.
The ex-Bulldogs cornerback will be one of the league’s youngest starters at his position this season.
