3 Most Likely Lions Draft Targets With the 6th Overall Pick

3 Most Likely Lions Draft Targets With the 6th Overall Pick

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The Detroit Lions were in the NFC Wild Card race all season long and came up just short of securing their first playoff berth since 2016. It's clear that head coach Dan Campbell has changed the culture in the Motor City, though, and has a core in place that could be balanced out through the NFL Draft.

The good news for the Lions is that they own the Los Angeles Rams' first-round pick at No. 6 overall thanks to the blockbuster trade of quarterback Matthew Stafford. It's a pick that could truly improve a major position of need for Detroit. Here's a look at three of the most likely draft targets for the Lions.

Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft

1. Bryan Bresee, DT (Clemson)

The Lions would have had one of the worst defensive lines in football if it were not for their standout rookies. Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston combined for 15.0 sacks this past season as they give the Lions a dangerous duo along the edge. What's missing is power up the middle. Bryan Bresee is one of the top-ranked defensive tackles in this draft class due to his pure strength and athleticism. The Clemson product has shown he is capable of meeting opposing running backs at the line of scrimmage and bringing them down, even if he just gets one hand on them. Bresee logged 15.0 tackles (5.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks and 3 pass breakups in his final college season (10 games).

2. Kelee Ringo, CB (Georgia)

Detroit has one glaring need and it is in the secondary. The Lions ranked 23rd in pass defense DVOA rating and allowed a whopping 245.8 passing yards per game (No. 30 in NFL). Jeff Okudah has shown enough promise to be a starting cornerback, but there is no one to line up opposite him. Rather than waiting to see who drops to No. 18 overall, Detroit could reach and take Kelee Ringo at No. 6 overall. Ringo checks in a 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, which gifts him the ability to play with physicality against big tight ends and quickness against shifty slot receivers. He showcased excellent route recognition at Georgia and ended the 2022 season with 42.0 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.

3. Anthony Richardson, QB (Florida)

Anthony Richardson is one of the most polarizing players in this draft class. Some people believe he will thrive in an NFL that is full of mobile, athletic quarterbacks. Others think his subpar mechanics and decision-making skills leave a lot to be desired. The Lions could be in a perfect spot to take a chance on the 21-year-old. Giving him a year to learn under veteran Jared Goff before sliding him into the offense could be exactly what he needs to adjust to the pros. Richardson is expected to put up one of the fastest 40-yard dash times at the combine and may have the most arm talent in the class. He logged 3,105 passing yards, 1,116 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns in 22 games at Florida.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

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