The Detroit Lions have been criticized by some for largely ignoring the edge position this offseason, but in spite of that, they still beefed up their defensive line.
Detroit added from the inside out, fortifying defensive tackle with Tyleik Williams in the draft as well as Roy Lopez in free agency. Alim McNeill will eventually return in 2025 off an ACL injury, so in the meantime, the theme for the Lions was making sure they were covered in the middle.
According to Brad Holmes, that's part of a philosophy he subscribes to as general manager. Speaking with Chris Long on his "Green Light" podcast, Holmes revealed that he believes the middle of the defense is the most important spot, and the franchise accomplished heavy lifting at the position.
"If you're not good in the middle, I mean, I don't care what you have on the edges and at corner. If you're not good in the middle, it's hard," Holmes said. "That's a hard life, so that's why we were really happy to get Tyleik (Williams) to really fortify that middle, along with DJ Reader coming back. We're able to get Levi Onwuzurike back in free agency, and while we're having Alim (McNeill) come back too, we were able to sign Roy Lopez."
Theoretically, Holmes is right. If a defense can't stop the run and set the tone up front, it makes it tough to do anything else. To that end, if the Lions stay solid in the middle, they have a better chance to control games on their terms, even at the edge spot.
Brad Holmes praises Lions' depth at edge rusher for 2025 season
While Holmes focused on beefing up the defensive middle, he believes the franchise has also done enough to create pocket pressure. The main reason? The Lions bring back one of the best rushers in the game.
"Aidan (Hutchinson) looks great. He's been out there in OTA's, really didn't expect anything else. You never truly know. You don't have a crystal ball, but just knowing how that guy's wired and how he attacks things and how in tune he is with his body, it did not surprise me. He looks explosive. He's changing direction. He looks really good."
In addition to Hutchinson, the Lions also kept several players that played an important defensive role for their roster in 2024 in free agency. They also drafted a player the franchise believes can become a hidden gem rushing the passer as soon as this coming season.
"We brought back Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal. He was playing really good football for us before he got hurt. Hopefully he gets better luck on his side. He's been out there and I would say he looks just as good. His body is feeling great, his body looks great and he had a good summer as well. We brought Al-Quadin Muhammad back that we signed last year who logged some good snaps for us, played good football. He plays hard, he's physical, he'll set edges."
He added, "He plays with a lot of effort. We were able to draft Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth-round. He's got some work to do from a developmental standpoint just like they all do, but he's not some fish out of water. When you look at his production, he had the most in terms of sacks and pressures combined the past two years out of all the edge rushers in that class. (It) just so happens he plays with his hair on fire as well. So, we feel good about where we're at (with) that position."
Add it up and Holmes certainly seems to feel as if the Lions have enough to succeed up front. Whether that means Detroit is out on another edge rusher remains to be seen, but if a move isn't made, this is likely why.
