Lions Bet Big on Controversial Pass Rusher in ESPN Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is all about rolling the dice—and in ESPN’s 2025 NFL Nation Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions may be betting big on a boom-or-bust talent.

According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Detroit could be eyeing Tennessee pass rusher James Pearce Jr. with the No. 28 pick. On talent alone, it’s a home run. Pearce is explosive, productive, and has the kind of game-breaking speed off the edge that scouts love. He’s a two-time first-team All-SEC pick and some evaluators have even thrown out comparisons to Lawrence Taylor.

Yeah… that Lawrence Taylor.

But Pearce’s stock has taken a hit because of off-field concerns. Reports about maturity and coachability have spooked some teams. That’s why a top-10 talent could slide all the way to the Lions late in the first round.

Here’s where Detroit comes in. The Lions have built one of the strongest cultures in the league. Between Dan Campbell’s leadership and a veteran locker room, this is one of the few teams that might be able to handle a player with some baggage.

And it just so happens that they need another pass rusher. With Aidan Hutchinson coming back from injury and Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal, adding Pearce could be a huge boost to the defense—if it works out.

Woodyard summed it up like this: “The Lions tackle a major need by adding an elite prospect at edge rusher… Pearce can help generate pressure alongside Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson.”

No doubt, it’s a gamble. But if Brad Holmes pulls the trigger, it’ll be because he believes the culture can shape the player. If that bet hits, the Lions could end up with one of the biggest steals in the draft.