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Detroit Looks to Bolster Its Defense in the First Round
With the 2024 season officially in the books following the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory, all eyes now turn to the upcoming NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions, coming off a strong season, hold the 28th overall pick and are in a prime position to strengthen their roster. While general manager Brad Holmes has shown a willingness to move up or down the board, early mock drafts suggest a clear trend—Detroit could be prioritizing defense.
Pass Rush Reinforcements Take Center Stage
One of the most common projections for the Lions is Marshall edge rusher Mike Green. NFL analysts Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks, Eric Edholm, and Joel Klatt all see Green as a perfect fit for Detroit’s defensive scheme.
Why? The Lions’ pass rush struggled down the stretch, especially with Aidan Hutchinson battling injuries. Green, known for his speed and relentless pursuit, could immediately provide much-needed help. As Edholm put it, “He has a Lions-y intensity and can be worked into the rotation early.”
Other experts, including Cynthia Frelund and Ryan Wilson, see Jack Sawyer from Ohio State as another potential pass-rushing addition. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Sawyer possesses the physical traits Detroit covets on the edge.
Cornerback a Secondary Focus
While the Lions could target a pass rusher, some analysts believe the team may opt for a defensive back. Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State) and Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) are two names frequently linked to Detroit.
With Carlton Davis possibly leaving in free agency, the Lions may need a new top-tier corner to pair with last year’s first-round pick, Terrion Arnold. Thomas, a press-coverage specialist, fits the mold of a physical corner, while Morrison has shown elite man-to-man skills.
Interior Help Still in Play
Despite the defensive emphasis, a few analysts predict Detroit could look to strengthen its offensive line. With veteran guard Kevin Zeitler hitting free agency, players like Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona) and Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) could be in the mix at No. 28.
Field Yates highlighted Zabel’s toughness, saying, “He plays like a Lion.” That grit and versatility could appeal to Holmes, especially if Detroit prioritizes protecting Jared Goff in the passing game.
Holmes’ History and Potential Surprises
One interesting pattern in Detroit’s draft strategy under Holmes has been his tendency to select Alabama prospects. That could bring Jihaad Campbell (Edge/LB) into the conversation, as Dan Parr noted.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. sees Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. as a potential pick, praising his pass-rush skill set and upside. With 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, he has the production to warrant first-round consideration.
Final Thoughts: Defense Leads the Way
While there’s always room for surprises, the early mock drafts overwhelmingly point toward the Lions reinforcing their defense at No. 28. Whether it’s an edge rusher like Green or Sawyer, a cornerback like Thomas or Morrison, or even a versatile defender like Campbell, Detroit seems set on adding firepower to its defensive unit.
With free agency still to come, the Lions’ needs could shift slightly, but for now, expect defense to be the priority when they’re on the clock in April.