The Detroit Lions have decisions to make when it comes to the 2025 draft, and the biggest situation to watch is whether the team decides to draft a pass-rusher early.
So far, the depth of this year's edge class has been a hot topic, leading many to wonder if the Lions will look elsewhere for help earlier in the draft because they might be able to land a great pass-rusher later. While some see that as a possibility, others can't ignore the obvious talent at the position.
Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer is aware of the players who will present themselves to the Lions, and wonders if the team won't be able to ignore the major talent available even if some of it comes with question marks.
Breer was asked in a mailbag what the plan for the Lions at pick No. 28 could be, and he admitted that Detroit could go for an edge, specifically citing Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. and Marshall's Mike Green as players who will be intriguing despite red flags.
"I’d say there’s a good chance that we see Detroit dip into the deep supply of edge rushers in this year’s class to find a bookend for Aidan Hutchinson long-term, and give the team a little insurance as Hutchinson works back from last year’s injury.
"Who could be there? A bunch (Abdul Carter, Jalon Walker, Shemar Stewart, Mykel Williams, et al.) will be long gone before the Detroit Lions get on the clock at 28. I’ll be interested to see whether they’d roll the dice on someone such as Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. or Marshall’s Mike Green, who have character flags, rather than maybe going with a safer play such as Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku. Detroit’s been disciplined with this stuff over the past four years. As a result, they have the infrastructure in place that may allow for a gamble."
In the past, the Lions haven't picked character risks under Brad Holmes, notably passing on Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter during the 2023 draft. Carter has stayed out of trouble early with the Philadelphia Eagles and is a difference-maker, perhaps proving the Lions should look closer at a borderline player to gain a talent.
With an older roster, the time could be now for such a gamble.
Brad Holmes likes what he sees from draft class at defensive end
No matter which players have been evaluated, the Lions like what they see in the edge market. In his final press conference before the draft, Holmes conceded the quality depth at the position which will afford the franchise plenty of opportunity when it selects next week.
"I think there's some good players at that position. I won't get into specifics or details of the actual players, but rather (I'll say) I know some will go before our pick (and) some might be available at our pick," he said. "Just like previous questions I fielded, (there) might be an opportunity to trade back and then that position is there. But yeah, there's some good football players there."
Whether the Lions decide to draft a player with question marks like Pearce or Green, the presence of those talents could still benefit Detroit. Should another team covet either, the Lions could cash in on a trade down and land a difference-maker later in a deep draft.
If the Lions stay at No. 28 and either name is there, it will be interesting to see if Breer is right and the franchise decides it is ready to jump at a talent with a potential character flaw.
