By Blessing 
It’s no secret what direction the Detroit Lions might take in the 2025 NFL Draft — and recent events have only made it more apparent. After releasing veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith last week, the team’s need for help on the edge has become even more urgent.
That’s why ESPN’s longtime draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. sees Detroit bolstering its defense with a fresh face off the edge. In his latest mock draft, Kiper has the Lions selecting Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the 28th overall pick.
“To get past their playoff hump, having a steadier presence rushing the passer on the other side of Hutchinson is key,” Kiper wrote. “Pearce had just 7.5 sacks in 2024, but his 19% pressure rate was second in the FBS. He keeps offensive tackles guessing with his burst and strength.”
That high pressure rate speaks volumes about Pearce’s potential, even if the sack numbers don’t immediately jump off the page. The Lions have one of the league’s top young edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson, but pairing him with another explosive threat could take this defense to a new level — especially after falling short in critical moments late last season.
Pearce certainly brings the physical tools to make an impact right away. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he has a long, athletic frame and a relentless motor. Over three seasons at Tennessee, he tallied 19.5 sacks and 75 total tackles, showing steady growth and a knack for getting into the backfield.
And it’s not just Kiper who sees the fit. Pro Football Focus also projected Pearce to Detroit in a recent mock draft released after the NFL Combine, suggesting that there’s a growing consensus around this pick.
With the draft just weeks away, it’s clear that pass rush is front of mind in Detroit — and James Pearce Jr. could be the kind of game-changer they need to finally break through in the postseason.