Mock Draft 2.0 has the same focus as my Mock 1.0 projections for how the Detroit Lions will target their two first-round picks.
It's still defense, defense when the Lions pick at No. 6 and No. 18, but my selections for Mock 2 have been tweaked and come with a warning to expect the unexpected.
Brad Holmes has been active in the trade market and resourceful in maneuvering picks to maximize their value in his two seasons as general manager of the Lions.
There already are projections of numerous trade possibilities at the top of this year's draft.
Whether the Lions stay put or make a trade, defensive end and cornerback are two positions where the Lions could get help.
Following is my Mock Draft 2.0. As always, feel free to disagree.
1. Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1). Projected trade with Bears (3-14):
A trade makes sense for both teams. The Bears have their quarterback in Justin Fields. The Colts need a quarterback for what looks like a massive rebuild.
Pick: QB Bryce Young, Alabama. Combine issue to watch: Young's height and weight, assuming he gets measured.
Mock 1 pick: Young. No change.
2. Houston Texans (3-13-1):
There isn't a consensus on who should be the second quarterback off the board, but it's hard to overlook C.J. Stroud's stats – 83 TD passes and only 12 picks in 25 games. At 6-3, 215, size is not a negative issue.
Pick: QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State.
Mock 1 pick: Stroud. No change.
3. Arizona Cardinals (4-13):
Another team in a rebuild gets the draft's best pass rusher.
Pick: DE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama.
Mock 1 pick: Anderson. No change.
View photos of the linebacker prospects who were invited to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
Louisville linebacker Yasir Abdullah (22) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) lines up against Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) pursues Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 52-49. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
LSU linebacker Micah Baskerville (23) plays during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La,. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
FILE - Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell (31) gets set for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Nov. 25, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa (7-5) and Kentucky (7-5) will face off on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in the Music City Bowl. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Army linebacker Andre Carter II (34) celebrates after sacking Georgia State quarterback Cornelious Brown IV (4) during the first quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. Army features a roster that returns standout linebacker Andre Carter, who posted 15.5 sacks, second nationally. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
Pittsburgh linebacker SirVocea Dennis (7) plays against West Virginia during an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Purdue linebacker Jalen Graham sets up on defense during an NCAA college football game against Illinois Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Auburn linebacker Derick Hall reacts after a stop against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley (1) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Wisconsin linebacker Nick Herbig runs up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 24-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Duke linebacker Shaka Heyward (42) defends Northwestern running back Cam Porter during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.10, 2022, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Oregon linebacker DJ Johnson (2) gets around California tight end Jermaine Terry II (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Louisiana Lafayette linebacker Andre Jones (10) reacts after a tackle for a loss during an NCAA football game against Georgia Southern on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in Lafayette, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Indiana linebacker Cam Jones (4) reacts after sacking the Illinois quarterback during an NCAA football game on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in West Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
American linebacker Eku Leota of Auburn (55) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Nebraska edge rusher Ochaun Mathis (32) reaches for Indiana quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska defeated Indiana 35-21. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Florida linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) walks back after a play against LSU during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
North Carolina State's Isaiah Moore (1) celebrates a sack of Texas Tech's Donovan Smith during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
LSU defensive end BJ Ojulari (18) reacts to a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. LSU won 31-16. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Vanderbilt's Anfernee Orji celebrates a sack of the Missouri quarterback during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (0) gets ready for the play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Dallas. Texas won 49-0. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Cincinnati linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) pressures Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Cincinnati. Tulane won 27-24. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Auburn's Owen Pappoe (0) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Mercer on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Tennessee Tech quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall (4) passes the ball as he is tackled by Kansas defensive end Lonnie Phelps (47) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Lawrence, Kan. Kansas won 56-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
FILE - Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders (42) celebrates after making a big play against Cincinnati during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. Sanders was selected to The Associated Press All-America team released Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.(AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)
Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell (1) signals a fourth down against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)
Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson (22) plays against North Carolina during the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
North Carolina linebacker Noah Taylor (7) directs the team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Georgia Tech's Charlie Thomas (1) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Clemson on Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Alabama linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (10) runs a play against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi State linebacker Tyrus Wheat (2) pressures Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Tulane linebacker Dorian Williams (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Memphis in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Tulane won 38-28. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
TCU linebacker Dee Winters (13) gestures during the first overtime period of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
4. Chicago Bears (3-14):
The Bears can't lose in this projected trade. They get the defensive stud they want, and they get compensation from the Colts for moving down from the No. 1 spot.
Pick: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia.
Mock 1 pick: Carter. No change.
5. Carolina Panthers (7-10). Projected trade with Seahawks (9-8 via Broncos 5-12):
As the new head coach of the Panthers, Frank Reich brings with him from the Colts a background of turning over quarterbacks. Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan all failed in the last three seasons. The Panthers might as well start fresh under Reich.
Pick: QB Will Levis, Kentucky. Some draft analysts have him rated ahead of Stroud.
Mock 1 pick: Levis. No change.
6. Detroit Lions (9-8 via Rams 5-12):
The value of this pick has gone up with three quarterbacks going in the first five picks, with the help of two trades.
There are so many good options for the Lions. Among them:
Defensive end: Either Tyree Wilson of Texas Tech or Myles Murphy of Clemson.
Cornerback: There's enough depth at this position to draft a quality prospect with the 18th pick or later.
Quarterback: Forget it. Jared Goff is the Lions' quarterback. He's accurate. He has leadership qualities. And he's only 28. The Lions need to develop a backup, but I wouldn't draft a quarterback before the third round.
Offensive line: It's a position of strength for the Lions. Three of their starters made the Pro Bowl in the last two years – center Frank Ragnow, guard Jonah Jackson and tackle Penei Sewell. Taylor Decker is one of the steadiest left tackles in the league.
Why add to a position that's already good? To keep it good. Drafting the right offensive lineman could do that. Peter Skoronski of Northwestern fits that role – a quality offensive tackle who has the skills to play guard. At least this deserves consideration.
Pick: Defensive end Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech. But don't forget Skoronski.
Mock 1 pick: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Oregon.
7. Las Vegas Raiders (6-11):
Releasing veteran Derek Carr puts the Raiders in the market for a quarterback, but they're likely to fill that gap with a veteran free agent. Drafting a QB protector makes sense.
Pick: OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern.
Mock 1 pick: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State.
8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10):
The Falcons were in the NFC South race with four games left but played their way out of it by scoring only 56 points in the last four games.
Pick: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State.
Mock 1 pick: Skoronski
9. Seattle Seahawks (9-8):
Instead of going to the draft, the Seahawks seem committed to going with veteran QB Geno Smith who was voted comeback player of the year. After the projected trade, the choice here was between a cornerback or defensive end, and defensive end won out.
Pick: DE Myles Murphy, Clemson.
Mock 1 pick: Wilson. The Lions took Wilson in this draft in a switch from Gonzalez.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3 via Saints 7-10):
Two breakdowns in the Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs revealed areas that need help: They couldn't run the ball, and they couldn't rush the passer. I still have them taking a CB here.
Pick: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn St. A good, solid player who fits how the Eagles are built.
Mock 1 pick: Porter. No change.
11. Tennessee Titans (7-10):
Losing their last seven games showed that they needed playmakers on offense and a healthy quarterback to get them the ball.
Pick: WR Quentin Johnston, TCU. Titans fill the need for a big-time playmaker.
Mock 1 pick: Johnston. No change.
12. Houston Texans (3-13-1 via Browns 7-10):
Hiring respected former Texans player DeMeco Ryans as head coach shows the Texans are headed in a better direction. They add a receiver here to go with the QB they drafted with the second pick.
Pick: WR Jordan Addison, Southern Cal. He was a big-time playmaker at Pitt before transferring to Southern Cal.
Mock 1 pick: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia.
13. New York Jets (7-10):
The Jets were the best team in the AFC that missed the playoffs last season (the Lions were No. 1 in the NFC). The Jets should be active in pursuing a free-agent QB, and they'll use the draft to protect him.
Pick: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia.
Mock 1 pick: Addison.
14. New England Patriots (8-9):
Bill Belichick has been late in giving his young quarterback, Mac Jones, the support he needs to compete at a higher level. Time to make amends.
Pick: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame. He's not Gronk, but he'll give Jones a quality target.
Mock 1 pick: Mayer. No change.
15. Green Bay Packers (8-9):
The Packers are in a rare position, with questions about the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and coming off a season when they didn't make the playoffs and finished behind the Vikings and Lions in the NFC North. One draft pick won't solve all of that, but it will help.
Pick: Safety Brian Branch, Alabama.
Mock 1 pick: Branch. No change.
16. Washington Commanders (8-8-1):
There is always a surprise or two – or more – in the draft, and one this year is that a quarterback will be drafted lower than expected.
This is where a quarterback ends his unexpected free fall.
Pick: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida. He doesn't lack talent, but he lacks consistency.
Mock 1 pick: Richardson. No change.
View photos of Detroit Lions players at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson runs during a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
California quarterback Jared Goff throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Boston College defensive back Will Harris runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Illinois defensive back Kerby Joseph (54) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Georgia running back D'Andre Swift runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Louisiana-Lafayette defensive back Tracy Walker runs a drill during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Monday, March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Ohio State offensive lineman Taylor Decker runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Ohio St. guard Jonah Jackson runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Romeo Okwara runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Ohio State defensive back Jeff Okudah runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 5, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Northwestern running back Justin Jackson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (28) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Charleston defensive lineman John Cominsky runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
TCU offensive lineman Obinna Eze runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Kentucky guard Logan Stenberg runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Texas A&M wide receiver Josh Reynolds runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Rice kicker Jack Fox runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
BYU running back Jamaal Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive lineman Joshua Paschal runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida linebacker Alex Anzalone runs a drill during the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Texas Christian offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas defensive back DeShon Elliott is seen at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Monday, March 5, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Penn State defensive back Amani Oruwariye runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
LSU wide receiver D.J. Chark is seen at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Missouri defensive end Charles Harris competes in a drill at the 2017 NFL football scouting combine Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Arizona State defensive back Chase Lucas (22) participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Mississippi defensive lineman Benito Jones runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Indiana quarterback Nate Sudfeld runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Miami kicker Mike Badgley runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8):
One of the greatest coaching jobs in Steelers history -- and there have been a lot of them – was head coach Mike Tomlin getting them to 9-8. They won six of their last eight games and the last four. That's something to build on this year, with a little help from the draft.
Pick: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois. A high energy player who gets to the ball.
Mock 1 pick: Witherspoon. No change.
18. Detroit Lions (9-8):
Three things to consider with this pick:
- I'll be surprised if he Lions make their second pick here at No. 18. I'd expect Holmes to trade up or down.
- Running back Bijan Robinson of Texas is a top 10 prospect – or better – but it's no surprise if he's still on the board. That's the way running backs are regarded.
- At 6-2, and with long arms, cornerback Christian Gonzalez is an imposing athlete. His Combine could be special. That's why I picked him at No. 6 in my first mock.
Pick: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon.
Mock 1 pick: DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson.
