The Detroit Lions have an opportunity to strengthen their roster during the 2025 NFL Draft, which will take place from April 24-26.
Currently, Detroit has seven picks, including the 28th overall selection in the first round.
Given this, it wouldn’t be surprising if Lions general manager Brad Holmes opts to target an EDGE player to complement Aidan Hutchinson.
If Holmes goes this route, here are seven EDGE defenders that could be in the running for selection:
1.) James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, Pearce recorded 17.5 sacks over the last two seasons with Tennessee. He also set a career high with 43 quarterback hurries in 2024 and earned an 89.3 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. Pearce would be a solid pick for the Lions at No. 28 overall.
2.) Mike Green, Marshall
Green, who is 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, has been a frequent name in recent mock drafts for Detroit at No. 28. He has the versatility to be both a strong pass-rusher and run-stopper, backed by impressive numbers. Over the past two years, he accumulated 23 sacks and 53 quarterback hurries, along with a 91.4 pass-rush grade and a 90.2 run-defense grade in 2024. Green would complement Hutchinson well as an EDGE rusher for the Lions.
3.) Mykel Williams, Georgia
At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Williams is a highly athletic player capable of lining up at EDGE in different defensive schemes. However, he needs to improve his run-defense skills and consistency, as his college performance showed just 11 sacks and nine QB hits in 25 games. This inconsistency might lead the Lions to pass on him when the 28th pick arrives.
4.) Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
While Stewart (6-foot-6, 285 pounds) has impressive size and was named a third-team All-SEC selection in 2024, his pass-rush production was inconsistent in college. Though he excelled as a run-stopper (with an 88.2 run-defense grade in 2024), his pass-rush skills still need development. Given this, it might be better for the Lions to target Stewart on Day 2.
5.) Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
At 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds, Ezeiruaku had a breakout 2024 season, registering 14 sacks and 20 QB hits, earning first-team All-ACC honors. He received a 90.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a 90.4 pass-rush grade. Ezeiruaku is a strong candidate for Detroit’s late first-round pick, despite being projected as a Day 3 pick by some prior to 2024.
6.) Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, Stewart has explosive speed and NFL-level talent that could make him a strong EDGE presence for the Lions. He posted nine sacks and 20 QB hurries in 2024 and earned a 92.3 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. Though he’s been projected as a Day 2 pick, he could still be a good choice at No. 28 for Detroit.
7.) Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Sawyer has been a popular pick for Detroit at No. 28. He had a productive senior season, totaling nine sacks, 38 hurries, and 16 quarterback hits, along with a 90.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. However, Sawyer’s lack of elite athleticism and high-level quickness off the edge may limit his potential as a top-tier pass-rusher at the NFL level. It might be better for Detroit to select him with their second-round pick (No. 60 overall) rather than at No. 28.
