And honestly? It’s a move that adds up.

Edge Rusher Remains a Priority Despite Hassanein Pick

Despite the buzz surrounding their 2025 draft class, the Lions left many scratching their heads by waiting until Round 6 to address the edge position—eventually selecting Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein, a high-upside but raw talent. While Hassanein brings energy and an intriguing motor, expecting major Year 1 production may be optimistic.

Meanwhile, Aidan Hutchinson, who missed much of 2024 due to a broken leg, was still the only defender on the roster to notch more than four sacks—a clear indicator of both his talent and the Lions’ lack of pass-rushing depth.

It’s a gap that general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are fully aware of—and one that draft analysts like Reid and Matt Miller have zeroed in on.

Introducing Cashius Howell: A Promising Future Prospect

So, who is Howell? He’s a name to watch in 2025.

The Texas A&M defender played a secondary role behind standouts Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton last season, but made headlines with a standout showing in the Las Vegas Bowl, where he tallied a sack and an interception. NFL scouts are drawn to his explosive first step and functional strength, and if he sees more playing time this fall, his draft stock could soar.

Adding Howell to a lineup featuring a healthy Hutchinson would go a long way toward improving a Detroit defense that finished just 26th in total sacks last year.

Holmes’ Vision: Building for the Long Haul

General manager Brad Holmes has consistently shown he values steady team-building over headline-grabbing moves. Still, securing a long-term bookend pass rusher alongside Hutchinson would be a strategic—and potentially transformative—investment.

If Howell’s growth continues in 2025 and he plays his way into the first-round conversation, the Lions might just find themselves with an ideal mix of value and need at the end of Round 1