Anyone else getting a bit tired of the edge rusher talk yet? It’s still the Lions’ most glaring need, as Aidan Hutchinson and the defense require more than just one player to disrupt pockets and pressure quarterbacks.
Hutchinson only appeared in five games last season. Yet he still tied for third on the team in pressures and led the squad in sacks by a margin of 3.5 (!).
Detroit let Za’Darius Smith walk and didn’t exactly make any splashy moves in response. The team brought back Marcus Davenport, and that was the extent of their action at edge.
Davenport fits Detroit’s scheme and has solid talent, but he’s only played six games over two years. Counting on him in a major role might be the biggest question mark on the roster.
Edge rusher may still be the team’s most pressing need. Fortunately, this draft class is stacked, with solid talent in both the first and second rounds that could balance out the Lions’ lopsided pass rush.
MLive beat writer Ben Raven projected Donovan Ezeiruaku to the Lions at pick No. 28 in his final mock. That would be a strong choice, though other options to watch late in the first include Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton and Georgia’s Mykel Williams.
Head coach Dan Campbell has expressed interest in injecting more youth into the wide receiver corps, and GM Brad Holmes shares that view. There’s also been a lot of chatter about Jameson Williams’ future. With two years of team control remaining, the Lions should take full advantage of his current deal.
The Lions have dependable veterans like Kalif Raymond and Tim Patrick on the depth chart, but adding another vertical threat on a rookie contract would be a big plus.
A first-round wideout may feel like a stretch this year. Matthew Golden (Texas) may be gone by No. 28, but keep an eye on Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III. Neither is a big-bodied dominator, but both bring more than just slot-specific skills.
“And obviously receiver, look – the only thing about receiver is I always felt like receiver is one of the more voluminous positions in each draft,” Holmes said last week. “There’s probably more of those guys that are vet free agents after the draft too. But yeah, adding one to stay young helps.
“We love the guys we’ve got — very happy with the room — but of course, getting younger would be ideal.”
Kevin Zeitler departed for the Titans in free agency. The Lions still have Graham Glasgow and saw promise from Christian Mahogany in two rookie starts.
But with high standards along the offensive line, Detroit can’t rely solely on Mahogany’s flashes or Glasgow’s inconsistent finish. Glasgow helps with center depth and has earned a shot to prove his struggles were injury-related.
Still, for the line to continue being the team’s foundation, interior reinforcements are needed. Whether early or mid-round, expect the Lions to make a move here.
Keep an eye on a possible fall for Alabama’s Tyler Booker in the first. Also worth noting is Grey Zabel of North Dakota State, who could play tackle, guard, or center.
Beyond the first round, Georgia’s Tate Ratledge and Dylan Fairchild are intriguing. North Carolina’s Willie Lampkin also looks like a strong fit for Detroit’s line.
The Lions are likely to start training camp and next season without Alim McNeill, who tore his ACL in December. Mekhi Wingo may also miss time early on.
Detroit signed Roy Lopez in free agency and plans to use Josh Paschal more on the interior. Still, they could use another solid body to join DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Brodric Martin, and the rest of the unit.
This year’s draft is deep at defensive line talent—at the top and through the middle. The Lions have a real shot to strengthen both the edge and interior during the draft. If a top talent slides, Detroit might simply go with the best available D-lineman.
Safety
Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph could be the league’s best safety tandem already. Joseph earned first-team All-Pro honors and led the league with 10 interceptions. Branch is a rising star who plays all over the field, from slot corner to safety and beyond.
Losing Ifeatu Melifonwu in free agency hurts. He was tough to count on health-wise, but when available, he contributed in run defense, blitzes, and hybrid roles.
Detroit should look to the middle or late rounds for a safety who can play special teams and step in if Branch moves into the slot. They also have Erick Hallett and Loren Strickland, though Hallett mostly saw practice squad action, and Strickland cracked the 53-man roster.
There’s still room to upgrade that depth. A safety who can handle special teams, play nickel, and fill in at multiple spots would be valuable. Targets include Penn State’s Jaylen Reed, Iowa’s Sebastian Castro, and Western Kentucky’s Upton Stout.
