2023 NFL mock draft: Lions dominate 3-round predictions; Will Levis rises

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2023 NFL mock draft: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 19, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

5. Seattle Seahawks: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

What do the Seahawks do in this situation? They probably won’t be picking in the top five next year. There have to be some teams out there who believe in CJ Stroud as a top-flight prospect, right? The Seahawks have to be prepared in every scenario. I don’t think Jalen Carter is a better pick here than CJ Stroud. The deal Geno Smith got is effectively a one-year pact for Seattle, so adding Stroud here is just good business.

I can’t think of a single good reason the Seahawks would pass on Stroud if he’s sitting there at five overall.

6. Detroit Lions: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

There were some rumors that the Detroit Lions were taking Jalen Carter off their board, but the more the process has gone along, the more smoke there is to Carter not lasting beyond this slot. I think Detroit has the type of culture that could be a good fit for Carter in terms of — if you really think there’s legitimate cause for concern going forward, this might be the best coaching staff (full of former players) for him to land with.

Carter is considered by many to be the best overall talent in this draft. In this scenario, he’d be joining Aidan Hutchinson on a revamped Detroit Lions defensive front.

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