The Lions’ top priority in the 2025 NFL Draft is finding an EDGE defender. But by the time the Lions are on the clock, the best prospects may be off the board.
The Best EDGE Prospect Fits For Detroit Lions
Most NFL mock drafts predict elite EDGE prospects Abdul Carter, Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, Shemar Stewart, and Mike Green will be gone before the Lions are on the clock with the 28th pick. General Manager Brad Holmes may not get his top-rated choices. However, this draft is filled with other attractive EDGE candidates who can eventually become “plus starters” with targeted coaching and development.
Expert EDGE Prediction for the Lions
Although draft projections differ wildly, several experts, including Mel Kiper, predict the Lions will draft Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. with their first-round pick.
Tennessee Volunteers EDGE- James Pearce Jr., 6’5” 245 lbs.
Named First-Team All-SEC for the second consecutive year, Pearce had 24 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and led the Vols with 13 tackles-for-loss in 2024. Declaring for the draft after his junior year, Pearce is one of the youngest players at 21.
Gifted with a tall, rangy build and explosive speed, Pearce is impressive off the line. Although his height is an advantage, Pearce’s lack of body mass can be problematic regarding his physical strength.
Perhaps of more concern, there are questions concerning his character. Arrested last December, Pearce was charged with disobeying police orders after being stopped for speeding and driving on a suspended license. Although the charges were eventually dropped following payment of fines and production of a valid driver’s license, questions linger regarding his attitude, work ethic, and maturity.
Jameson Williams’ gambling and PED suspensions led to a longer-than-desirable REI for the Lions. It took three years for Williams to demonstrate his value to the team and pay dividends. After two years of coming tantalizingly close to the Super Bowl, the Lions are in a “win-now mode” and can’t afford any undesirable behavioral suspensions. Pearce has the talent and the measurables, but signing another immature but highly gifted athlete may not be the Lions’ best move.
Fit Grade with Lions B-
Other Top EDGE Prospects For Lions To Consider
Boston College EDGE-Donovan Ezeiruaku
6’2” 248 lbs.
Highly-regarded Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku could be an excellent fit for the Lions. Awarded the Ted Hendricks Trophy as the nation’s top DE in 2024, Ezeiruaku was voted First-Team AP All-American, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-ACC. In 2024, he recorded 16.5 sacks, 20.5 TFLs, and three forced fumbles. Named a team captain, Ezeiruaku was one of the top EDGE defenders in the conference.
Although he lacks explosive speed and is considered “slightly undersized” as an outside linebacker, Ezeiruaku plays aggressively. He is extremely agile and can bend to deflect blockers. Lance Zierlein declared, “His play demeanor, skill, and athletic talent are the underpinnings of a productive starter with three-down value.”
While his smaller frame might not be ideal, Ezeiruaku could be a nice complement for Aidan Hutchinson, who provides brute strength and power rush capability.
Fit Grade with Lions B+
Texas A&M EDGE-Nic Scourton, 6’4″ 280 lbs.
One of the best fits for the Lions is Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton. Forgoing his senior year to declare for the draft, Scrouton had an impressive combine showing, prompting NFL analyst Lance Zierlein to compare him favorably to Trey Hendrickson. “Scourton’s size, demeanor, and rush talent give him a chance to become a productive three-down starter off the edge.”
Capable of disrupting blockers with his spin moves, Scourton has an explosive pass-rush ability. He recorded 37 tackles last year, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble. An AFC regional scout recently described Scourton, “He plays his tail off and he’s always in the middle of everything.” A smart and powerful defender, Scourton plays with a lot of aggression and in-your-face swagger. While not the fastest at his position, he mirrors his opponents’ moves and counters to disrupt their efforts.
The strongest element of Scourton’s game is his pass rush capability, which is a specific area of need for the Lions.
Fit Grade with Lions B+
Ohio State University EDGE-Jack Sawyer, 6’4″ 260 lbs.
If Holmes is seeking a power-based EDGE capable of making big plays, OSU standout Jack Sawyer could also fit the bill. Sawyer, the hero of the Buckeyes’ Cotton Bowl victory, strip-sacked Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, causing him to fumble. Capitalizing with a brilliant scoop and score, Sawyer ran it back 83 yards for a touchdown.
Sawyer plays with intensity and functions at his best under high-pressure big game scenarios. He was credited with 4.5 sacks and six quarterback pressures during OSU’s 4-game championship playoff series. A strong force-based rusher, Sawyer uses his hands well and demonstrates solid instincts. Although he lacks speed and bendability, he can keep his feet moving and remain out of reach. A two-time captain, Sawyer drew high praise from former coordinators for his work ethic and leadership skills.
Fit Grade with Lions B
Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart, 6’1″ 249 lbs.
At first glance, Josaiah Stewart does not look like your prototypical EDGE. However, what he lacks in size and bulk, he makes up for in fierce aggression and an unrelenting contact effort. Described as an explosive, strong player who is fun to watch, Stewart is eager to get in there and mix it up. Stewart made an immediate impact by transferring to Michigan as a junior from Coastal Carolina. Twice recognized as the Big-Ten Defensive Player of the Week and named to Second Team-All Big Ten, Stewart logged 71 tackles with 45 solo, 14 sacks, two pass defenses, and two forced fumbles.
Stewart did well at the combine and made a great impression with his style of play. Zierlein compared him favorably to Azeez Ojulari and stated, “Despite a lack of size and length, the right ingredients are in place for Stewart to become an impactful starter within his first few years in the league.”
Stewart feels like a solid fit for the Lions and was one of the prospects Detroit invited for a top-30 visit.
Fit Grade with Lions B+
Arkansas EDGE -Landon Jackson, 6’6″ 264 lbs.
At 6’6″ and 264 pounds, Arkansas EDGE rusher Landon Jackson cuts an imposing figure. An aggressive player with physical strength and high energy, Jackson began his college football career at LSU, transferring to Arkansas in his junior year. After adding 40 pounds of bulk to his frame, he recorded 44 tackles (13.5 TFLs) and 6.5 sacks in 2023. He was named First-Team All-SEC. The following year, he was Second-Team All-SEC with 49 tackles (9 TFLs), 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a blocked kick, and three pass defenses.
Jackson scored an overall grade of 6.35 at the combine. His athleticism score of 86 ranked number two among all participating EDGE defenders. Playing with Hutchinson, the two would be fierce bookends. The strongest part of Jackson’s game is his run defense; the two could play complementary roles. Given the Lions’ expert coaching and record for player development, Jackson is potentially a good fit for Detroit. However, following last year’s struggles, Detroit needs to improve the pass defense. Holmes may prefer a stronger pass rusher.
Fit Grade with Lions B
One of the benefits of having a stacked and talented roster like the Lions is that Holmes can focus on adding athletes who truly fit the team’s player profile. Given his genius for drafting, this should make for a very exciting 2025 draft.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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