A recent 2026 NFL mock draft suggests the Detroit Lions will finally get the pass rush help fans have long hoped for — but it may not come until next year’s draft.

With just 31 days left before the Detroit Lions take the field for the Hall of Fame Game, one of their biggest offseason needs still hasn’t been addressed.

They’ve yet to bring in a true replacement for the second defensive end position alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

It’s not for lack of opportunity — several notable free agents were available earlier in the offseason, and a few veterans remain unsigned who could still contribute.

Despite those options, the Lions haven’t acted — and recent predictions have them potentially holding off until the 2025 trade deadline.

A newer projection pushes that timeline out even further.

In a 2026 mock draft, Joe DeLeone of Pro Football and Sports Network forecasts the Lions selecting Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round.

Bain flashed major potential during the 2023 season.

As a freshman at Miami, he was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned All-ACC Third Team honors.

He earned those accolades by posting 7.5 sacks, 44 tackles, and three forced fumbles for the Hurricanes.

His sophomore year was a bit of a letdown — he managed just 3.5 sacks and 23 total tackles in 2024.

Detroit’s edge situation is already thin and could be even worse entering the 2026 offseason.

Marcus Davenport signed a one-year deal, and Josh Paschal is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Bain will need a strong 2025 campaign to rebuild his draft stock, but if he does, he could be a great fit for Detroit, who may be desperate for edge help by then.

A lot can happen between now and draft day, but if the Lions don’t sign an edge soon, Bain is a name fans should watch closely in 2025.