2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys stock up offense, Panthers reach at QB
By Randy Gurzi
LB. Trenton Simpson. 50. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. Clemson. 17
17. Detroit Lions: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Earlier, we added Bryan Bresee to a defensive line that already had the No. 2 overall pick from 2022, Aidan Hutchinson. Now, the Detroit Lions are back on the clock with their own selection, and they bring in Trenton Simpson who is also a product of Clemson.
It’s not intentional that Detroit doubled down on Clemson players, but Simpson just happens to fill a major need for them. Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez have been their primary linebacker and while both have been fine, Simpson can bring the defense to another level — especially with their line suddenly improved with the addition of Bresee.
Simpson is a former safety that moved to linebacker and can play in more of a hybrid role much like Isaiah Simmons or Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. He’s able to fly around the field and had 165 tackles and 13 sacks in three seasons. However, he’s also solid in pass coverage and had five pass breakups over the past two seasons.
I was one of those who criticized Dan Campbell early on this season but he deserves a lot of credit for turning the franchise around so quickly. Now, he adds two huge weapons on defense and looks to get Jameson Williams fully healthy in 2023. They could be a dangerous team next year.