Detroit Lions fans who expect Brad Holmes to select a first-round EDGE might be doomed to disappointment. Instead, Holmes is likely to choose an offensive lineman or a starting safety with the 17th pick.
Fortunately, for the Lions and the fan base, the EDGE class is the deepest it\u2019s been in years. Plenty of talented NFL-ready prospects will be available in the second round when the Lions are on the board again at number 50.<\/p>\r\n
Last year, after leading the NFL in 2024 with a 15-2 record, Detroit failed to make the NFL playoffs. While the onslaught of season-ending injuries could be blamed for the Lions’ shocking early exit, the bottom line is that the 2025 team just wasn\u2019t good enough.<\/p>\r\n
In addition to needing another starting EDGE, the Lions have other position gaps to fill. The offensive line’s stability was completely disrupted last year by the loss of Frank Ragnow. As injuries further depleted the unit, less experienced players couldn’t provide the necessary coverage. Meanwhile, the secondary succumbed to an avalanche of injuries, and it became impossible to compensate for the simultaneous loss of multiple starters.
After losing key personnel to free agency, Holmes added depth in critical areas with low-cost one-year contracts. However, even after the addition of Cade Mays, Larry Borom, Juice Scruggs, and Ben Bartch, there is still a need for a strong starting left tackle.
The free agency acquisition of cornerback Christian Izien is promising. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the return of multiple secondary players, drafting another starting safety or cornerback has become critical.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Finding a complementary EDGE rusher who can pair with Aidan Hutchinson is a draft priority. Holmes did well, acquiring added depth with D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner. However, there is still concern that the Lions need to add a three-down EDGE who can rush the passer and stop the run. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Last year, the combined talents of Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad produced a league-leading 26.5 sacks. The two together seemed like the perfect pairing. However, Muhammad wasn\u2019t as effective in the run defense. That is an area in which the Lions\u2019 defense must improve. Detroit finished the year allowing an average of 114 rushing yards per game.
Holmes will be challenged to find a defensive end who can adequately defend the run and pressure the quarterback.<\/p>\r\n
Here are three strong EDGE prospects the Lions could target in the 2nd round:<\/p>\r\n
At 6\u20195\u201d and 255 lbs., the Missouri team captain has the physicality and power of a bull rusher. However, where Young has an advantage over some of his competition is his strong run game. According to his draft profile, Young \u201cshowcases incredible intelligence against the run.\u201d Taking advantage of his lengthy frame, he uses his hands to \u201ccreate separation and shed blocks.\u201d One blemish on his record may cloud Young\u2019s draft. Before transferring to Missouri for his junior year, Young previously played for the Michigan State Spartans. Playing against bitter rival Michigan, where Young posted seven tackles, he was one of a handful of players involved in a postgame tunnel brawl. The players involved were suspended from the program and charged with aggravated assault. Young\u2019s superiority as a run defender bodes well for his fit with the Lions and addresses a much-needed gap. Furthermore, after a significant career setback, he fought back. Young’s performance improved, and he displayed both maturity and leadership, suggesting he’s a good fit for the Lions’ culture. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n One of the more exciting prospects in the draft, Jacas is also among the most versatile since he plays the dual positions of linebacker and EDGE. At the Combine, his overall score of 75 ranked him ninth in a deep class of qualifying prospects. Zierlein concluded his review, \u201cHis field demeanor and play strength foreshadow a long career as an NFL starter.\u201d<\/p>\r\n As a junior in college, Jacas had a breakout year with 74 tackles, 8.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Named a team captain in his senior year, he exploded for a Big Ten-leading 11.0 sacks, which ranked sixth nationwide. Throughout his collegiate career at Illinois, Jacas recorded 183 tackles (97 solo), 27.0 sacks, 24 QB pressures, 2 PDFs, 7 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 50 games. His 27.0 career sacks lead the Big Ten and rank amongst the best in the nation.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n According to nfledraftbuzz.com<\/span><\/a>, Jacas\u2019 high school \u201cwrestling background creates a foundation that translates beautifully to the trenches.\u201d His strong hand skills give him \u201cleverage at the point of attack.\u201d In addition, Jacas delivers a \u201cconsistent effort on every snap; coaches trusted him with near every-down responsibilities as a senior.\u201d\u00a0 <\/span>Dual position versatility means that he can contribute against the run. However, Jacas has a limited repertoire of counters, which makes it easy for experienced tackles to predict his moves.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n While his technique may be lacking in some areas, what makes Jacas an attractive fit for the Lions is his versatility. A relentless motor and drive to finish suggest a highly coachable talent who can help refine his athletic finesse and develop more counter moves. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n At the Combine, an NFC scouting director reported, \u201cHe\u2019s smart, he\u2019s a great teammate, and he\u2019s really, really strong. Play-through-your-face type of guy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n Josephs, one of the more intriguing NFL EDGE prospects, might fly under the radar this season because he didn’t participate in any on-field testing drills at the Combine. Nonetheless, the 6’3″ 242 lb. senior from Kennisaw, GA presents an interesting blend of strong pass rush and run disruption skills. Although Joseph is small in stature compared to the prototypical NFL EDGE, he makes up for it in production. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n Starting all eleven regular-season games in his senior year, Josephs consistently delivered excellent performances from week to week. Recording more than 100 career tackles, he posted 32 pressures, 5.0 sacks, 23 hurries, two PDFs, and four hits in 2025. Proving his effectiveness against the run, Josephs recorded 20 tackles and three forced fumbles, including a 41-yard fumble return against Mississippi State. He ranked third in the SEC and 19th nationally with his\u00a090.0 pass rush PFF.com<\/a> grade.<\/span><\/p>\r\n According to Nfldraftbuzz.com,<\/a> Josephs’ “82-inch wingspan creates problems before the snap even happens, allowing him to strike offensive tackles at range while keeping his body clean from their punch attempts.” Posting a 4.68 40-yard-dash, he uses his explosive first step to maximum effectiveness, converting speed to power with his 34 1\/4-inch arm reach. Possessing a natural bend with an aggressive mean streak, Josephs’ determination in getting to the quarterback poses a genuine threat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n In any other year, Josephs’ elite combination of speed, impressive pass rush moves, and an 80-inch wingspan would<\/span> most likely project him as a late first-round pick. However, given the depth of this year\u2019s EDGE class<\/span><\/a>, he is expected to fall to the second round. Should that happen, Josephs could end up as a steal for whichever team drafts him.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein noted, \u201cYoung\u2019s physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade.\u201d
He also has the relentless motor of a competitor determined to finish, who doesn\u2019t back down. NFLdraftbuzz.com describes Young<\/a> as a project whose \u201cMotor never stops running. Consistently chases plays to the opposite side of the field and picks up effort sacks because he refuses to quit on a rush.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
The regrettable incident prompted Young\u2019s transfer to the SEC. However, it proved to be an opportunity for a fresh start. His production kicked into high gear, and over the next two seasons, Young compiled a record of 83 tackles (34 solo), 9.0 sacks, five PDFs, and three forced fumbles.<\/p>\r\nFit for Detroit:<\/h4>\r\n
Gabe Jacas<\/a> -LB\/EDGE Illinois\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
Fit for Detroit:<\/b><\/h4>\r\n
Joshua Josephs-<\/a>Tennessee EDGE<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
<\/h4>\r\n
Fit for Detroit:<\/b><\/h4>\r\n