The Detroit Lions boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, yet they remain a fascinating team to follow this offseason.
With a favorable salary cap situation and several positions needing reinforcement, Detroit must be strategic in free agency. Key areas of concern include edge rusher, cornerback, and potentially the offensive line. While they are expected to address some of these needs through free agency, the draft will likely play a crucial role in rounding out their roster.
A recent Athlon Sports mock draft by Luke Easterling projects the Lions selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton with the 28th overall pick. Scourton, who was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2024, didn’t post his most dominant numbers last season, recording just five sacks at A&M. This was a dip compared to his standout 2023 campaign at Purdue, where he led the Big Ten with 10 sacks.
Scourton’s draft stock is heavily tied to his potential rather than his most recent stats. At just 20 years old, he possesses impressive athleticism and room for further development.
In the second round, the mock draft predicts the Lions selecting Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos. Unlike Scourton, Amos comes with a more proven track record. He earned All-SEC honors and demonstrated strong coverage skills, allowing just a 51.6% completion rate when targeted and securing more interceptions than touchdowns allowed.
If Detroit manages to land an established pass rusher in free agency, they may be able to take a chance on Scourton’s upside in the first round. However, if they fail to add veteran help, his past production at Purdue could make him one of the more promising edge rushers available late in the first round. Pairing him with Amos could provide a well-rounded boost to the Lions’ defense.
