As the Detroit Lions recover from a disappointing 2024 season, they are focusing on the offseason to address several roster needs.
One of the key areas that requires attention is the edge rusher position, where the team seeks more depth and a long-term partner for Aidan Hutchinson. While Za’Darius Smith is expected to fill that role in 2025, he is 32 years old and will become a free agent in 2026.
The Lions may look to address this in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Newsweek’s Gavino Borquez predicting they will select Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton. Borquez shared his thoughts on the pick, stating, “The Lions must find an edge rusher to go opposite of star Aidan Hutchinson.” He continued, “Scourton possesses a rare combination of size, length and strength and power to make an impact at rushing the passer and defending the run.”
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 280 pounds, Scourton recorded 17 sacks during his college career, including a career-high 10 in 2023. However, his production dipped in 2024, finishing with five sacks.
In addition to his pass-rushing ability, Scourton is also a solid run defender capable of setting the edge. Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network sees him as a versatile player, writing, “Overall, Scourton has a unique blend of size, athleticism, and strength for an edge rusher. On the next level, he should be a versatile front-seven defender who can play EDGE but also reduce inside to an athletic hand-in-the-ground IDL.”
For the Lions, Scourton could provide depth in multiple positions during his rookie season while developing. If Smith departs in 2026, Scourton could step into a starting role opposite Hutchinson, assuming he meets expectations.
Even if the Lions draft Scourton, it would be wise for them to add a veteran to their edge rusher depth, as the 2024 season demonstrated the importance of having sufficient options.
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Dan Campbell reveals his one non-negotiable quality for Lions players
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has consistently demonstrated his aggressive approach, a mindset that dates back to his initial press conference when he famously declared he was ready to “break kneecaps.”
This competitive drive is something Campbell wants ingrained throughout his roster. It’s the one quality he prioritizes above all else when evaluating players.
“You got to be competitive,” Campbell explained. “That may be a no-(expletive) statement… but it’s hard to teach somebody to be competitive. You either have it or you don’t.”
This mentality has influenced the Lions’ moves in both free agency and the draft, highlighted by their selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round of 2023. It also reflects in the play of quarterback Jared Goff, who has flourished since joining Detroit in 2021.
The fiercely competitive Lions are now set to face a determined Washington Commanders team, which stunned the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, extending their winning streak to six games. Should Detroit’s competitive edge carry them past the Commanders on Saturday, they’ll host the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, facing either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles.
