By Blessing 
The Best EDGE Prospect Fits for the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions have been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl for two years now. But to finally break through, they need to shore up their defense—starting with the EDGE position. It’s no secret that the Lions’ top priority in the 2025 NFL Draft is landing a game-changing pass rusher. The challenge? By the time they’re on the clock with the 28th overall pick, the best prospects could already be gone.
Will Detroit Get an Elite EDGE?
Most mock drafts predict that the top EDGE defenders—Abdul Carter, Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, Shemar Stewart, and Mike Green—will be long gone before the Lions make their selection. That means General Manager Brad Holmes may need to pivot to other talented prospects who, with the right coaching and development, could grow into dominant starters.
Experts Predict James Pearce Jr. to Detroit
Draft projections vary, but ESPN’s Mel Kiper and other analysts believe the Lions could end up selecting Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. in the first round.
James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee (6’5”, 245 lbs.)
Pearce is coming off a stellar college career, earning First-Team All-SEC honors for the second straight year. In 2024, he recorded 24 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and led Tennessee with 13 tackles for loss. At just 21 years old, he’s one of the younger prospects in the draft.
Pearce’s long frame and explosive first step make him a nightmare for opposing linemen. However, his leaner build raises concerns about his ability to hold up against stronger tackles.
Beyond his on-field skills, there are some off-field concerns. In December, Pearce was arrested for disobeying police orders during a traffic stop. He was cited for speeding and driving on a suspended license, though the charges were later dropped after he paid fines and provided a valid license. Still, questions remain about his maturity and work ethic.
Detroit has already dealt with the fallout from Jameson Williams’ gambling and PED-related suspensions, which slowed his development. With the Lions in win-now mode, they can’t afford to take on another player who might struggle with off-field discipline. Pearce has the talent, but is he worth the risk?
Fit Grade with Lions: B-
Other Top EDGE Prospects for the Lions to Consider
If Holmes decides to pass on Pearce, there are several other intriguing pass rushers who could be excellent fits in Detroit.
Donovan Ezeiruaku – Boston College (6’2”, 248 lbs.)
Ezeiruaku was a force at Boston College, winning the 2024 Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s best defensive end. He also earned First-Team AP All-American honors, was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and led the conference with 16.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
Though he lacks elite speed and is slightly undersized for an outside linebacker, Ezeiruaku’s agility and aggressive playstyle make him a disruptive force. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein raved about his potential, stating, “His play demeanor, skill, and athletic talent are the underpinnings of a productive starter with three-down value.”
Pairing Ezeiruaku with Aidan Hutchinson could give the Lions a lethal mix of power and finesse on the edges.
Fit Grade with Lions: B+
Nic Scourton – Texas A&M (6’4”, 280 lbs.)
If Detroit wants a bigger-bodied EDGE with raw power, Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton could be the perfect fit. He made waves at the NFL Combine, earning a comparison to Trey Hendrickson from Zierlein, who said, “Scourton’s size, demeanor, and rush talent give him a chance to become a productive three-down starter off the edge.”
Scourton’s strength lies in his ability to counter blockers with quick spin moves and raw explosiveness. In 2024, he racked up 37 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble. An AFC regional scout described him as a relentless competitor: “He plays his tail off and he’s always in the middle of everything.”
While Scourton isn’t the fastest rusher in this class, his ability to read and react to offensive linemen makes him a major disruptor. Given Detroit’s need for better pass rush depth, he could be a great addition.
Fit Grade with Lions: B+
Jack Sawyer – Ohio State (6’4”, 260 lbs.)
If the Lions are looking for a power-based EDGE who thrives under pressure, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer is worth a look. He was the hero of the Buckeyes’ Cotton Bowl win, strip-sacking Texas QB Quinn Ewers and returning the fumble for an 83-yard touchdown.
Sawyer shines in big-game moments. During OSU’s playoff run, he recorded 4.5 sacks and six QB pressures. He’s a strong, force-based rusher who uses his hands effectively and has a high football IQ. Though he lacks elite bend and speed, his relentless motor makes up for it.
As a two-time team captain, Sawyer has drawn praise from coaches for his leadership and work ethic. Those qualities could make him an ideal fit in Detroit’s locker room.
Fit Grade with Lions: B
Josaiah Stewart – Michigan (6’1”, 249 lbs.)
Stewart might not have the prototypical size for an NFL EDGE, but what he lacks in bulk, he makes up for in pure aggression. After transferring to Michigan from Coastal Carolina, he made an immediate impact, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors with 71 tackles, 14 sacks, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
Stewart’s relentless style of play makes him exciting to watch. Zierlein compared him to Azeez Ojulari, stating, “Despite a lack of size and length, the right ingredients are in place for Stewart to become an impactful starter within his first few years in the league.”
Detroit has already hosted Stewart for a Top-30 visit, a sign they’re seriously considering him. His high-energy approach could make him a solid rotational piece early on.
Fit Grade with Lions: B+
Landon Jackson – Arkansas (6’6”, 264 lbs.)
At 6’6” and 264 pounds, Landon Jackson is a physical specimen. Originally starting his college career at LSU before transferring to Arkansas, he bulked up by 40 pounds and became a force in the SEC. Over the last two seasons, he tallied 93 tackles, 13 TFLs, 13 sacks, a forced fumble, a blocked kick, and three pass defenses.
Jackson posted an 86 athleticism score at the Combine, ranking second among all EDGE defenders. His length and strength make him a dominant run defender, which could complement Hutchinson’s pass-rush skills. However, Detroit may prefer a more explosive pass rusher given their defensive struggles last season.
Fit Grade with Lions: B
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the Lions’ stacked roster, Brad Holmes can focus on drafting players who truly fit Detroit’s identity. While Pearce Jr. might be the favorite, there are plenty of other talented EDGE defenders who could thrive in Detroit’s system.
With Holmes’ proven ability to find draft gems, Lions fans should be excited about what’s to come in 2025.