The Detroit Lions have several significant needs to address following their disappointing playoff departure last season, one of which is a lack of depth in the pass rush.
The Lions struggled when top edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending fractured leg in October, with no other player approaching Hutchinson’s 7.5 sacks up to that time. The Lions attempted to find a reliable pass rusher to line up opposite Hutchinson in free agency and the NFL draft, but have yet to uncover a star among the group.
That might change in a few weeks, with one insider believing the Lions will use their first-round pick on one of the most promising players in this year’s crop.
Lions finally get help.
Colton Pouncy of The Athletic anticipated that the Lions will spend their 28th overall choice on Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, who is coming off a phenomenal final college season.
“[Ezeiruaku] was highly productive in his final year at Boston College with 16.5 sacks,” according to Pouncy. “He possesses long arms and should be able to compete in the running game. Most significantly, he can easily win a one-on-one match. The Lions should look to add pass rushers, particularly after their depth was challenged last season. Here’s a young person who can help.”
Pouncy remarked that the lack of depth was clearly visible last season, with Josh Paschal only functioning as a rotational piece, Marcus Davenport only appearing in two games, and soon-to-be free agency Za’Darius Smith “closer to the end of his career than the beginning.”
This is where Ezeiruaku comes in,” Pouncy said, implying that the rookie may make an impact for the Lions in 2025.
According to NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein’s pre-draft research, Ezeiruaku has the potential to develop into a good NFL starter in the coming years, citing his advanced physical qualities.
“He’s quick off the snap, using bend and agility to win at the top of the rush or make stops in the backfield,” Zierlein told ESPN. “His hands take minor advantages and transform them into significant ones, and he has a number of ways to test protection, though he’s still learning how to design his strategies. Ezeiruaku’s play temperament, skill, and physical ability provide the foundation of a competent starter with three-down worth.”
Lions are expected to make another big move on defense.
The Lions have additional defensive needs, especially in the secondary, where starting cornerback Carlton Davis III is poised to become a free agency. Davis may have already hinted at his intentions by praising head coach Dan Campbell during an interview on the “Slightly Decent” podcast.
“He’s a real one,” Davis stated. “He’s my favorite head coach—I’m not gonna lie—that I’ve ever played for. That is why I was out there attempting to break my jaw for him.
The Lions are attempting to move on from their disappointing divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders, in which their defense allowed 45 points.