ESPN: Lions Find ‘The Answer’ on Defense in Mel Kiper’s Mock Draft
As the NFL draft draws near, the Detroit Lions have a little advantage thanks to a team that has been carefully assembled under general manager Brad Holmes and has few significant weaknesses.
However, after top edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury, the pass rush faltered, which was one area where the Lions struggled previous season. One analyst believes the team will uncover “the answer” to their queries regarding who will line up opposite Hutchinson in 2025, which might lead them to strengthen the defensive line in the draft.
Lions Seize a Powerful Defensive End
Mel Kiper Jr., an ESPN draft expert, projected that the Lions will choose defensive end James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee with the No. 28 overall choice. According to Kiper, the Lions will make another attempt in the draft next month after failing to locate a reliable pass rusher in either the draft or free agency.
The mock draft Kiper made on March 18 stated that Pearce may be the solution opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions’ biggest concern last season, apart from staying healthy, was where to put their second edge rusher. Za’Darius Smith, who they acquired in the middle of the season, contributed by recording four sacks in eight games.
The Lions have had trouble finding a reliable opponent off the edge, despite Hutchinson, a former No. 2 overall choice, becoming a breakout star. When Hutchinson sustained a season-ending injury in October, no player had more than 7.5 sacks, and the Lions occasionally had trouble producing a reliable pass rush.
The squad failed to fire rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and gave up 45 points to the Washington Commanders in a divisional-round loss, which led to their early playoff departure.
Pearce may contribute to the team’s 2025 Super Bowl aspirations, Kiper noted.
Kiper noted, “But having a steadier presence rushing the passer on the other side of Hutchinson is key to get past their playoff hump.” Pearce only had 7.5 sacks in 2024, but he had the second-highest FBS pressure rate (19%). He uses his power and quickness to keep offensive tackles off balance.
In-State Talent Could Be Targeted by the Lions
In their pursuit of further assistance for Hutchinson, the Lions may have other choices. Michael Middlehurt-Schwartz of USA Today anticipated that the club will select defensive lineman Kenneth Grant of the Wolverines with their first-round choice in order to locate another Michigan star.
After defensive lineman Alim McNeill tore his ACL in December, Middlehurt-Schwartz wrote, “Aidan Hutchinson’s return should rejuvenate a defensive line ravaged by injuries last season, but lingering concerns remain.” “The 6-foot-4, 331-pound Grant can make teams pay if they don’t double-team him, but he’s still learning how to convert his unique movement skills into reliable pass-rush output.”
Marcus Davenport, an edge rusher, was brought back by the Lions, but Colton Pouncy of The Athletic thinks he won’t be a long-term replacement at the position.
Pouncy noted, “It’s not surprising to see the Lions bring Davenport back to the edge position.” When healthy, he plays well, and last season he showed that he could rush the passer and stop the run. However, throughout the past two seasons, he has only participated in six games. Perhaps Davenport suddenly gets more resilient when circumstances change. History, however, indicates that won’t occur.
