With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, many analysts expect the Detroit Lions to use their first-round selection at No. 17 on an offensive tackle. That prediction makes plenty of sense given the team’s needs, but if Detroit decides to address the edge position early, it could finally move past the long-running discussions about acquiring Maxx Crosby.

For several seasons, Lions fans have dreamed of bringing Crosby to Detroit. However, general manager Brad Holmes has never publicly pushed for a big-money move to add a star pass rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Since Holmes has been cautious about spending heavily at that position, the draft may represent the most practical path for Detroit to find Hutchinson a long-term partner on the edge.

With Crosby remaining with the Las Vegas Raiders and Hutchinson still lacking a consistent running mate on the defensive line, attention now turns to the incoming edge prospects in the 2026 class. There are several intriguing names available, but one prospect appears to stand out from the group.

If Detroit is determined to secure a high-level pass rusher to complement Hutchinson, Rueben Bain Jr. from the Miami Hurricanes football could be an ideal option. Bain captured the Ted Hendricks Award in 2025, which is given annually to the best defensive end in college football.

Although Bain still has areas of his game that need refinement, he fits the type of player Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell could develop into a reliable complement to Hutchinson without the financial commitment required for an established veteran. Adding him would strengthen Detroit’s edge rotation and improve the overall depth of the defensive front.

Tim Twentyman of the Lions’ official website also highlighted Bain as one of the top edge prospects Detroit could consider in the upcoming draft.

Twentyman described Bain as a productive and powerful pass rusher with a compact build. Over three college seasons, Bain recorded 20.5 sacks, including 9.5 during his most recent campaign. He also produced five sacks across four playoff games while helping Miami reach the national championship.

Bain’s scouting reports praise his physical style of play. Evaluators describe him as a relentless competitor who attacks blockers with heavy hands and possesses the kind of strength more commonly seen in defensive tackles despite his edge-rusher role.

However, his shorter arm length can occasionally work against him. If he fails to strike first, larger offensive linemen can neutralize him more easily. Still, those issues are considered correctable as he continues to develop at the professional level.

Despite the appeal of adding an edge defender, many analysts still believe Detroit will prioritize the offensive line. In a recent CBS Sports projection published April 11, analyst Jordan Dajani predicted the Lions would select Spencer Fano from the Utah Utes football.

Fano, the winner of the Outland Trophy, is widely praised for his versatility. According to the projection, he could step in at guard or right tackle, potentially allowing Penei Sewell to shift over to the left side of the line.

Choosing an offensive tackle early would certainly address an important need for Detroit. Still, the question of finding a true partner for Hutchinson on the edge has lingered for years. Solving that issue before the start of the season could ultimately make a major difference for the Lions’ defense.