Pride of Detroit
Identifying which edge rushers the Detroit Lions should be keeping an eye on during the 2024 NFL Combine.
NFL Network kicks off its televised coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, February, 27 with the edge rushers, interior defensive linemen, and the linebackers.
So far in our series, we have previewed which quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackles, interior offensive linemen, and interior defensive linemen the Detroit Lions should be scouting, and in this article, we take a look at the edge rushers who should have the Lions’ attention.
The Lions return three defensive ends who held starting roles in 2024, including 2025 Defensive Player of the Year favorite, Aidan Hutchinson. Josh Paschal, and Za’Darius Smith—whose 2025 contract could put his roster spot in jeopardy. Beyond that, however, the Lions’ edge position cupboards are bare as only practice squaders Isaac Ukuw and Nate Lynn are under contract. Levi Onwuzurike, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, John Cominsky (injured in Training Camp), and Jonah Williams are all free agents.
When it comes to SAM linebacker, both the Lions and Derrick Barnes may be interested in a reunion, as the Lions struggled to fill his role after his injury. The unique demands of the SAM position exposed the shortcomings of his replacements—Trevor Nowaske (an exclusive rights free agent), Ben Niemann (unrestricted free agent), and James Houston (no longer with the team)—who ultimately proved to be square pegs in round holes.
One intriguing element of Kelvin Sheppard’s promotion to defensive coordinator is how, over time, it might influence the team’s approach to edge rusher prototypes. This could also organically happen as a philosophical adaption over time. Historically, Lions decision-makers have favored defensive ends with power and length—players who can stack blockers in run defense, crush the passing pocket, and occasionally kick inside on passing downs. Sheppard himself played alongside several of these types during his NFL career, including Mario Williams, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Ezekiel Ansah.
However, Sheppard also shared the field with elite speed and finesse rushers, like Robert Mathis and Cameron Wake. This begs the question: Could Detroit begin to see value in adding complementary lightning-quick pass rushers to diversify its front?
During on-field drills with edge rushers, the first thing you’re looking for is their ability to bend (ideally a 45-degree angle when turning a corner) as it is a key component to any pass rush. Beyond that trait, edge rushers also need to have balance through their rush and the ability to maintain that speed while executing pass rushing moves. Hand quickness and placement are paramount. So is eye/head location, as they should be keying on their target. The ability to convert speed to power is also vital in the Lions’ scheme, so keep an eye on how much force they generate when they make an impact with the blocking bags.
While several...
