In this edition of our Detroit Lions 2025 training camp preview series, we stay focused on the defensive line, zeroing in on the edge rushers. We’ll explore current responsibilities, speculate on future roles, and break down who might make the 53-man squad.
The Lions’ edge unit entered 2024 with high expectations. Aidan Hutchinson looked like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and Detroit had decent depth around him. But injuries struck fast. In the first five games, the Lions lost Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes. From that point, they scrambled to stabilize the edge group.
Josh Paschal was elevated into the starting group, but the opposite side saw a constant shuffle. James Houston and Isaac Ukwu couldn’t secure starting jobs, prompting Detroit to bring in Al-Quadin Muhammad and Isaiah Thomas. Muhammad joined the rotation quickly, while Houston and Thomas were released, and Ukwu stayed on the practice squad.
The edge group finally steadied after a trade for Za’Darius Smith and increased snaps for Levi Onwuzurike. The rotation became Smith, Paschal, Onwuzurike, and Muhammad. Mitchell Agude was promoted late, but only contributed on special teams and depth.
Since Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell arrived, the Lions have kept at least five natural edge defenders, also relying on versatile players like Onwuzurike and Barnes to contribute in hybrid roles across the front seven.
Here’s a look at their EDGE depth trends over the last four seasons:
2021: Started with five edge defenders and increased to six later.
2022: Once again, started the season with five and ended with six.
2023: Started and ended with seven, experimenting with the SAM linebacker role.
2024: Dealt with injuries but still opened and closed with five edge rushers.
The Lions use three types of edge defenders in their scheme, so understanding each role is key to grasping roster fits. Here’s a breakdown of how those roles function.
In “Base” defense (roughly 50% of plays), Detroit uses two rush ends. These defenders offer flexibility: lining up outside the tackle, with a hand in the dirt, or sliding inside as a 3-tech on passing downs.
When a SAM linebacker is introduced, a rush end moves to “big end” and aligns inside at 4i or slides to 3T. The SAM then lines up outside that player, attacking or dropping into coverage based on the play.
Despite constant questions about Detroit’s edge group during Holmes’ pressers, the team is confident in its personnel. Still, key battles remain, starting with their defensive centerpiece.
Hutchinson is now “fully cleared” and was active at OTAs. He’s expected to be full-go for camp.
The key concern is, “Can he return to elite form?” While camp will offer signs of his progress, real answers will take time as he ramps back into game shape and production.
The Lions value versatility across their front. Players who can shift roles get more snaps. In “Base,” Davenport should line up across from Hutchinson. But in SAM packages, Paschal or Onwuzurike usually take over. With Onwuzurike likely filling in at DT to replace Alim McNeill, Paschal may see an expanded role in his contract year.
Assuming Hutchinson, Davenport, and Paschal handle primary duties, two or more roster spots remain open for rotational edge players.
A veteran entering Year 8, Muhammad has 93 games and 36 starts under his belt. He played nine games (two starts) for Detroit last year and is likely maxed out as a player, but his steady presence makes him a valuable reserve.
A raw but electric rookie, Hassanein has a high ceiling but plenty to learn. If he can earn the staff’s trust with his consistency, he has a real shot to earn meaningful snaps.
Entering Year 3 with Detroit, Agude has mostly lived on the practice squad but played in five games last season. Though primarily an edge defender, Detroit has also tried him at SAM—a skill that could boost his roster value.
A former college JACK linebacker, Ukwu failed to adjust to the Lions’ SAM role but showed better performance as a pure rush end. He was called up during injury stretches but never earned a full roster spot, only exhausting practice squad eligibility.
Lynn was impressive last camp but missed the 2024 season due to a preseason shoulder injury. Known for his effort and pressure skills, he could return as a potential surprise contributor this year.
Initially reported as a top UDFA signing post-draft, Cooper wasn’t offered a deal until after a strong rookie camp tryout. At 6’3″, 280 lbs, he fits the “big end” mold and played a similar role at Houston. Though he’s listed as DL on the team site, that may indicate a hybrid interior role behind Onwuzurike and Wingo. Camp will reveal more.
