The Detroit Lions’ offseason has been marked by significant changes, including the departure of key defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. These shifts have left fans anxious about the team’s trajectory, especially after a promising period of stability and success.
In his latest mock draft, analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projects that the Lions will select an edge rusher with their first-round pick. This choice is seen as a potential turning point, offering the team a much-needed boost after a series of challenging events. The selection is anticipated to complement the efforts of standout players like Aidan Hutchinson, who is likely sharing this development with his peers.
To address roster needs, the Lions have been active in free agency. Notably, they signed cornerback D.J. Reed from the New York Jets to strengthen their secondary. Additionally, tight end Shane Zylstra has agreed to terms to re-sign with the team for the 2025 season. These moves are part of the Lions’ strategy to reinforce their lineup ahead of the upcoming season.
As the draft approaches, all eyes are on the Lions’ decisions, hoping they can capitalize on these opportunities to build a competitive team for the 2025 season.
It’s a nervy offseason to be a Lions fan.
After two or three years of stability and, you know, actually winning, things have gone a little differently over the past few months. The home divisional loss to Washington was a brutal start to the offseason, and losing both Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson just a few weeks later certainly didn’t help.
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“Super Bowl window” is kind of misleading – title contention in the NFL is more of a snapshot than a window – but it’s hard to avoid the creeping feeling that the Lions may have missed theirs. Now that the defense has to retool after losing Glenn and, like, half their 2024 starters, all eyes are on what Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell do with the first pick of next month’s draft.
Mel Kiper doesn’t seem like one for suspense, which probably explains why he got into the business of draft pick predicting. And I’m sure glad he did, because his latest mock draft dropped on Tuesday afternoon and in it, the Lions’ actually get a break from an offseason full of bleak news. Kiper projects a first round edge rusher for Detroit, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Somewhere, Aidan Hutchinson is sending it to all his friends with the side-eye emoji.
Lions’ build elite edge rushing team with first round pick in latest 2025 NFL mock Draft
The Detroit Lions are actively addressing their edge rusher position to bolster their defense alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Analysts suggest that selecting an edge rusher in the upcoming draft would provide a significant boost to the team’s pass-rushing capabilities.
Several prospects stand out as potential fits for the Lions:
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Abdul Carter (Penn State): At 6-3, 250 pounds, Carter is considered one of the top edge rushers in the draft, known for his speed, power, and array of pass-rush moves.
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Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College): Ezeiruaku impressed with 16.5 sacks in the 2024 season, showcasing a diverse set of pass-rush techniques and quickness.
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Josaiah Stewart (Michigan): After transferring from Coastal Carolina, Stewart recorded 14 sacks at Michigan, demonstrating effective bull rush moves and zone-coverage skills.
In free agency, the Lions have focused on retaining key players and making strategic additions. They signed cornerback D.J. Reed to strengthen their secondary but have not yet added new edge defenders, possibly due to salary cap considerations and a strategic approach to roster building.
Enhancing the edge rusher position is crucial for the Lions to improve their pass rush and overall defensive performance in the upcoming season.
