The Detroit Lions came into the 2025 draft with a major percieved need at defensive end, but it was a need that went unfilled through the first two days of the process.
Finally, the Lions grabbed rising pass rusher Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth-round, but the rookie will have a lot to prove before working his way into the rotation no matter how much he may embody the team's culture.
The decision to forgo the defensive end spot early lends to the idea there will be another move to fortify the spot in the next phase of the offseason. Brad Holmes didn't seem to reject the notion of hunting for more help up front when he spoke after the draft.
"it's an ongoing, non-stop, relentless climb for building a roster. So there's not a position that's off limits. We're always trying to look to get better. Sometimes, there's not better out there past the current starters you have. Maybe there's not better available versus the current depth you have. We're always trying to look for better. I definitely would not be doing my job if I did not continually look at every single avenue, which we'll continue to do for sure."
After being traded to the Lions in 2024, Smith embraced the team's culture and put up solid numbers. He posted four sacks after coming from the Cleveland Browns, giving the Lions some much-needed punch at defensive end. This season, he would add the perfect amount of production and veteran leadership to Detroit's roster.
There's no question that the next move the Lions should make is finding a way to bring Smith back. Interestingly enough, Detroit could have the inside track to him after the draft.
Detroit Lions' signing of Jackson Meeks adds interesting wrinkle to Za'Darius Smith situation
The Lions made an intriguing move in the undrafted free agent market, choosing to sign Meeks, formally a backup wide receiver at Georgia. He starred at Syracuse where he put up seven touchdowns in 2024, opening plenty of eyes.
Theoretically, the Lions could have signed any wide receiver. Given they drafted Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett, they could have ignored the position. Instead, they decided to bring in Meeks, who is coincidentally the nephew of Smith. Quickly, Smith congratulated him on joining the Lions.
Depending how much Smith values playing with family, this could be a move that leads him back to the Motor City. Certainly, getting the chance to compete on the same team with his nephew is interesting late in Smith's career. It could give the Lions an advantage in a possible negotiation.
Either way, Smith proved he can be a spark plug for the Lions in 2024. It would be wise for the franchise to give him another look to add the necessary depth to the pass rush that many believe is still lacking following the draft.
