By Blessing 
The NFL Draft is always a rollercoaster—full of bold choices, fresh faces, and teams taking high-stakes swings. And if ESPN’s 2025 NFL Nation Mock Draft is any indication, the Detroit Lions might be doing a bit of all three this year.
Eric Woodyard, the NFL Nation reporter who covers the Lions, shared his prediction for Detroit’s first-round pick, and let’s just say—it definitely got people talking. Woodyard believes the Lions will select James Pearce Jr., the electric edge rusher out of Tennessee, with the 28th overall pick.
On the surface, this might seem like a smart move. Pearce is a natural pass-rusher with freakish athleticism and sky-high upside. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear this is anything but a safe selection for Detroit GM Brad Holmes.
On-Field Monster, Off-Field Mystery
Let’s talk about the talent first. Pearce is no slouch.
He earned first-team All-SEC honors twice and has even drawn comparisons to none other than Lawrence Taylor—yes, that Lawrence Taylor. Pearce explodes off the edge, has impressive bend and agility, and finished his college career with 19.5 sacks. He lived in backfields, routinely giving quarterbacks nightmares in the SEC.
But here’s the kicker: off-the-field concerns.
There have been whispers about Pearce’s maturity and coachability, and those issues have reportedly raised red flags with several NFL teams. It’s the kind of baggage that can make teams hesitate, even if the talent screams “top 10 pick.”
Why the Lions Might Be Ready to Take the Leap
And yet, there’s a reason this pick makes sense for Detroit.
The Lions have spent the last few seasons building one of the NFL’s most respected locker rooms. With Dan Campbell’s gritty leadership and Brad Holmes’ calculated approach, the team has created a culture rooted in accountability and toughness. That’s the kind of foundation that might allow them to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player like Pearce.
They also happen to need a pass-rusher.
Aidan Hutchinson is coming back from a tough season-ending injury, and Marcus Davenport, who re-signed on a one-year deal, might not be a long-term answer. Bringing in Pearce would give Detroit another dynamic presence off the edge—someone who could complement Hutchinson and elevate the team’s pass rush to scary new levels.
Is It a Risk? Absolutely. Could It Pay Off? No Doubt.
Woodyard certainly believes the reward outweighs the risk. In his ESPN breakdown, he wrote:
“The Lions tackle a major need by adding an elite prospect at edge rusher. Pearce models his game after Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection who can help generate pressure alongside Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson, who is set to make his return after last year’s season-ending injury against the Cowboys.”
There’s no denying the upside. If Pearce lives up to his potential and buys into Detroit’s system, he could be one of the steals of the draft. But if the concerns are legit and he doesn’t pan out, the Lions could find themselves regretting this pick for years to come.
Final Thoughts
To be fair, Holmes has earned the benefit of the doubt. His recent draft record includes gems like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch—players who’ve quickly become cornerstones in Detroit.
But this pick? It’s not a sure thing. Pearce is more of a lottery ticket than a lock. If he hits, Detroit’s defense could become something truly special. If he doesn’t… well, fans and critics alike won’t forget the risk.