As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, speculation about the Detroit Lions’ first-round strategy is heating up. One of the biggest questions surrounding the team is how they will address their pass rush, particularly finding a strong complement to Aidan Hutchinson. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently proposed an aggressive move: trading up from No. 28 to grab a premier edge rusher.
Barnwell noted that while trading all the way up for top-ranked edge rusher Abdul Carter might be unrealistic, the Lions could still make a significant leap into the mid-teens to secure someone like Mike Green (Marshall) or Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M). Both prospects have the potential to be game-changers, giving Detroit a long-term solution opposite Hutchinson.
The need for a second dominant edge rusher has been apparent for some time. The Lions have tried multiple options opposite Hutchinson, but none have truly solidified the role. Given Hutchinson’s upcoming contract extension, investing in a young, high-upside pass rusher now could provide the team with cost-effective production in the long term.
A trade-up would signal the Lions are going all-in on building an elite defensive front, something that has been a priority under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes. The question is whether Detroit values an edge rusher highly enough to sacrifice draft capital or if they’ll take a more patient approach. Either way, expect the rumors to keep swirling as Draft SZN continues.
NFL Analyst Proposes Bold Lions Trade for Edge Rusher in 1st Round
