The Detroit Lions face the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round this weekend, determined to extend their 2024 season.
However, it’s never too early to consider how they might improve their roster during the offseason.
While the Lions are projected to have ample cap space, the draft might remain their best avenue to address one of their key weaknesses.
A recent article highlighted a two-time All-SEC edge rusher as a potential solution. Pro Football Focus analysts Jordan Plocher and Josh Liskiewitz identified Mississippi’s Princely Umanmielen as an ideal target for Detroit in the 2025 draft.
Although the Lions finished the season allowing the seventh-fewest points in the NFL, there are still areas requiring improvement.
One major issue is their ability to sack opposing quarterbacks. Despite a solid 26.2% pressure rate, the Lions managed only 37 sacks, tied for ninth-least in the league.
A significant factor has been Aidan Hutchinson’s absence since Week 5 due to a leg injury.
Detroit traded for Za’Darius Smith in November to help compensate, but he’ll be a free agent after the season, leaving the Lions without a complement to Hutchinson.
Umanmielen could fill that void effectively. In 12 games with Ole Miss, he recorded 10.5 sacks, adding to the seven he logged at Florida the prior season.
Umanmielen could fill that void effectively. In 12 games with Ole Miss, he recorded 10.5 sacks, adding to the seven he logged at Florida the prior season.
Over the last two years, PFF credited him with 108 pressures, making him a strong draft prospect for the Lions.
