Of the many NFL teams that will be looking for a pass rusher in the next NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions will undoubtedly be one of them.
The class is full of high-caliber defensive ends that make up a strong class, according to several draft analysts.
At a recent video conference with reporters, analyst Daniel Jeremiah named three pass rushers who he believes align with the ethos of the Detroit Lions.
He stated that Brad Holmes, the team’s general manager, would not be swayed by popular opinion on Detroit’s needs, and the team would continue to prioritize aggressive, physical, and tenacious players.
“Cashius Howell is extremely explosive, possibly in the 4. 4s range of explosiveness. Mesidor is also strong and physical, though not as juicy, but he would fit the toughness aspect there, Jeremiah told the media. “Another one that would be a Lions pick is R Mason Thomas.
Jeremiah continued, saying, “I believe that the majority of individuals see him as a second-round choice, but he is such a talented player, plays with energy and strength, plays with explosiveness, and has an advantage to him. ” In the process, he might rise to the top. Thomas has a Lion-type appearance as I look at him.
Thomas had a successful career for the Sooners, measuring 6’2″ and weighing 249 pounds.
Over the previous two seasons, he has tallied 22 tackles for loss and 15. 5 sacks. Thomas eventually received first-team All-SEC honors in 2025, his last year in college, as a result.
Thomas is a twitchy rush linebacker whose rush skills may make up for his diminutive stature and lack of length at the point of attack, according to NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein. Although Thomas has gained a lot of muscle over the years, he is still overwhelmed and pushed around by large, downhill blockers. He’s more dangerous on the go, sneaking into openings and breaking edges before they’re set.
As the team was one of the slowest in the league last year to get to the quarterback, Detroit could be seeking for pass rushers with greater speed and explosiveness.
He is an explosive speed rusher who can either shave the edge closely or generate unexpected push with leverage and speed-to-power conversion. He must hone his hand skills in order to generate opportunities and use quick pass slides to defeat lengthy, athletic tackles. As an odd-front edge, Thomas should gain from more alignment since he has the opportunity to start in a starting role during his first two seasons.
Thomas is now ranked among the top 50 choices for the next draft by many.
