Top D-Line and Edge Draft Prospects:
The Lions are in a favorable spot with a deep draft class at defensive line and edge, positioning them to make impactful moves—not just for need, but to capitalize on talent. There’s a high likelihood they add a lineman on day one and possibly revisit the position later, mirroring last year’s approach with cornerbacks.
Draft Class Analysis:
This draft cycle arrives at just the right moment for Detroit, offering a wealth of high-level talent both up front and on the edge—two key areas the team is looking to reinforce.
Hutchinson’s presence is a huge benefit, yet Detroit continues its long-standing search for a partner to complement him. With Za’Darius Smith no longer on the roster and Marcus Davenport’s availability always in question due to injuries, reinforcements are essential.
The late first-round pick adds some uncertainty around who might still be available, but the board is stacked. Names like Ezeiruaku, Scourton, and Williams stand out as options Detroit could realistically target.
Shemar Stewart likely won’t last until pick 28 following a dominant performance at the combine. Testing metrics aren’t everything, but his were eye-popping.
Ezeiruaku and Scourton shouldn’t be viewed as fallback choices. Scourton led the Big Ten in sacks before moving to Texas A&M, where he played alongside strong competition. While his sack totals dropped, his tape shows consistent pressure and strength. He slimmed down from 280+ pounds to 260 for the combine.
Ezeiruaku dominated the ACC with 16.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 21 tackles behind the line. He’s explosive and long, though he might benefit from adding size. The raw materials are there for him to develop into a force.
Williams is another intriguing candidate. Though his stock dipped due to injuries last year, his prior tape with Georgia is full of flashes—particularly with his burst, size, and length. His run-stopping skillset could be just what Detroit values.
Inside Options Worth Watching:
Interior players like Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen, and T.J. Sanders are strong candidates to monitor in Round 1. Harmon, once a standout at Michigan State, has serious explosiveness. Nolen might not even be on the board when Detroit picks, as his blend of power and agility is rare.
T.J. Sanders, however, is a favorite. Some question if he’s worth a first-round selection, but his consistent productivity at South Carolina says otherwise: four sacks and seven tackles for loss last season, and 8.5 sacks, 17 TFLs, and five batted passes over the prior two years. At 6’4” and 305 pounds, he’s dynamic and agile.
Later-Round Gems:
Beyond the opening rounds, there are still options for Detroit to upgrade the defensive trenches. Joshua Farmer brings pass-rushing upside, though he may not fit Detroit’s mold of a dominant run defender.
Deone Walker, on the other hand, is a mountain of a man at 6’8” and 328 pounds. The Kentucky product has surprising flexibility for his frame and was a multi-year starter. Though his sack numbers dipped this past season, he remains a versatile interior presence.
GM’s Insight:
Lions general manager Brad Holmes expressed confidence in the depth of this year’s group:
“There are certainly good players at that position. Without getting into specifics, some may be taken before we pick, but we also expect talent to be there when our turn comes. Trading back could be an option depending on how things play out.”
