By Adeniyi Precious 
The Detroit Lions are in a pretty good spot heading into the NFL Draft. Thanks to smart roster building by GM Brad Holmes, there aren’t many glaring holes to fill. But one area still needs attention: the pass rush.
After Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury last year, the Lions struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Now, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicts they’ll address that issue in the draft, selecting Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the No. 28 pick.
Pearce Could Be the Answer
Kiper believes Pearce is the missing piece on the other side of Hutchinson. “Pearce could be the answer opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” he wrote in his March 18 mock draft. The Lions had trouble finding a steady pass rusher last season, even after trading for Za’Darius Smith, who managed just four sacks in eight games.
Pearce’s college numbers don’t pop off the page—7.5 sacks in 2024—but his 19% pressure rate ranked second in the FBS. He’s got the explosiveness and strength to keep offensive tackles on their toes, and Kiper thinks he could be a key to Detroit’s Super Bowl push.
Other Draft Options?
If they don’t go with Pearce, the Lions might stay closer to home. USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz suggests they could take Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant instead. Grant is a 6-foot-4, 331-pound wrecking ball who could help reinforce the interior D-line, especially with Alim McNeill recovering from an ACL tear.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy isn’t convinced the Lions have a long-term solution at edge rusher. They re-signed Marcus Davenport, but injuries have plagued him—he’s played only six games in the last two seasons.
What’s Next?
With Hutchinson coming back, Detroit’s defensive line should improve. But to truly contend, they need a reliable pass rusher opposite him. Whether it’s Pearce, Grant, or another name, the Lions are looking to get stronger in the trenches.
Who do you think they should draft?