After a couple of weeks of free agency, the Detroit Lions have one major need heading into the 2025 season: upgrading their second edge rusher spot. Besides that, they could use help at right guard after Kevin Zeitler left, but they might be ready to hand that role over to Christian Mahogany, who had some solid starts last season. With so few urgent needs, the Lions are in a good position to look ahead and plan for the future during this year’s NFL Draft.
With a young and talented core, they don’t have many big concerns down the line, but Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine thinks the Lions should start planning for a potential future without linebacker Alex Anzalone. Anzalone has been a key part of the Lions’ defense for the past four seasons, racking up 254 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 27 pressures over 2022 and 2023. He was also a captain last season, but missed some time due to injury. Still, he played 91% of snaps when healthy and totaled 63 tackles in just 10 games.
However, with Anzalone turning 31 in September and his contract expiring after 2025, the Lions could look to get ahead of his possible departure. Ballentine suggested two linebacker prospects: Danny Stutsman from Oklahoma and Barrett Carter from Clemson. Stutsman was named a consensus All-American in 2024, posting 100+ tackles for three straight seasons. Carter earned First Team All-ACC honors with 82 tackles, including 11 for loss. Both are expected to be picked on day two or three of the draft, making them a great fit for the Lions to start preparing for the future of their defense.
