18. Detroit Lions: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Detroit Lions are back on the clock with their own selection in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft and they again stick with the defensive side of the ball. This time, they add Cam Smith from South Carolina, who is one of the top corners in this class.
There will be the temptation to go for more offense but the Lions actually put up plenty of points in 2022 with Jared Goff leading the way. Throw in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams at wideout and the emergence of Jamaal Williams at running back and they could be good enough to win the NFC North with an elite defense — especially if Aaron Rodgers is out of Green Bay.
Adding Smith could help them trend in that direction.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
At least the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an answer quickly this offseason as Tom Brady again announced his retirement, but this time, turned in his paperwork with the NFL. Even with the team struggling for much of 2022, replacing Brady is going to be tough.
Whoever they end up with will at least have a little more protection as they add O’Cyrus Torrence at No. 19. Torrence is a high-IQ player that sits atop the class at his position. He followed his coach from Louisiana to Florida and was fantastic for the Gators, leading to his selection in Round 1.