2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys replace struggling defender
By Randy Gurzi
player. Scouting Report. DT. Jalen Carter. 4. Pick Analysis. Georgia. 50
4. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Suddenly, the Detroit Lions are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. They’ve gone 6-1 in their past seven games — which is quite the follow-up to a 1-6 start. They also don’t have another opponent with a winning record left on their schedule which could lead to quite the finish as they hope to sneak into the postseason.
What’s more interesting is the fact that they’re in line for a top-five pick even with their rise. That’s thanks to the Los Angeles Rams falling off the map this season, one year after winning the Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford. They still owe Detroit one more pick in Round 1, which comes due at No. 4 in this mock.
The Lions decide to add Jalen Carter with that selection, bringing in the stud defensive tackle from Georgia. Aidan Hutchinson has been a great addition for them this season and Carter will give them an even strong defensive line.
32. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Myles Murphy. 5. Clemson. player
5. Arizona Cardinals: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
J.J. Watt had a throwback game in Week 15 with three sacks but he’s going to be 34 years old in 2023 so the Arizona Cardinals would be wise to find a younger pass rusher to build around.
Enter Myles Murphy from Clemson. A 6-4, 275-pound defensive end, Murphy has 116 tackles and 18.5 sacks in three seasons. He’s exactly what the Cardinals need to start rebuilding their defense.