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The Detroit Lions have become a model of smart roster construction under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, but as they chase sustained NFC contention, the need for fresh talent—especially on the defensive front—remains constant. With Aidan Hutchinson anchoring one edge and the team recently investing in the trenches, Detroit’s 2026 NFL Draft focus could once again center on finding a dynamic pass rusher to complement their star and bolster depth. Here are three prospects the Lions should be tracking closely throughout the 2025 college football season.
Few prospects in the 2026 class have generated as much buzz as Rueben Bain Jr., who enters his third season at Miami as one of the nation’s premier edge defenders. Bain made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2023, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, demonstrating a blend of power, quickness, and advanced pass-rush technique that fits the Lions’ prototype for physical, versatile edge defenders.
In 2024, Bain battled injuries, limiting his production to nine games, 23 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. However, when healthy, he’s a disruptive force with an explosive first step and the ability to win with both speed and strength. At 275 pounds, Bain possesses the size and physicality Detroit covets, and his relentless motor and leadership qualities have drawn comparisons to top NFL pass rushers.
Miami’s new defensive coordinator, Corey Hetherman, is expected to deploy Bain more aggressively in 2025, prioritizing upfield disruption. If Bain returns to his freshman form and stays healthy, he could cement himself as a top-10 pick and an ideal complement to Hutchinson in Detroit’s evolving front seven. NFL Mocks and CBS Sports have already identified Bain as a likely first-rounder, and his ability to impact both the run and pass makes him a perfect fit for the Lions’ defensive philosophy.
Another edge defender who should be firmly on Detroit’s radar is Tyreak Sapp from Florida. Sapp is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign, where he notched seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss, earning an elite 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus—ninth-best among all FBS edge rushers. At 6-foot-3 and 272 pounds, Sapp is built for the NFL, with the strength to hold up against the run and the quickness to win as a pass rusher.
Florida EDGE Tyreak Sapp (@SappTyreak) is a blast to watch.
Known for his pass rush juice, but his run defense doesn’t get talked about enough.That LSU game? Absolute teach tape.
Sapp will be a mismatch on the interior in both facets of the game at the next level.#GoGators… pic.twitter.com/Ljzwh38b8p— Bryan (@BGauvin23) May 21, 2025
Sapp’s game is defined by his heavy hands, strong anchor against double teams, and a developed pass-rush toolbox that includes a powerful bull rush and effective cross-chop move. He’s a reliable tackler who excels at diagnosing plays and...
