Despite missing 12 games due to a broken fibula and tibia in his left leg, Aidan Hutchinson still managed to lead the Detroit Lions in sacks this season with 7.5. No other player had more than four sacks, and the only one to reach that mark, Za’Darius Smith, was with the Lions for only eight games after being acquired at the trade deadline.
This suggests that improving the pass rush will be a priority this offseason. While Smith is likely to return, the edge rusher group could see a deeper overhaul, especially considering the financial commitments tied to Smith.
In many early 2025 mock drafts, the Lions are expected to target an edge rusher with their first-round pick at No. 28. While this is a common and logical prediction, it remains to be seen if this is the direction the team will ultimately take.
Two New Mocks Have Lions Taking Same Edge Rusher
Both Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire and ESPN’s Mel Kiper have the Lions selecting the same player at pick 28: Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
“Even with Aidan Hutchinson (leg) returning next season, Detroit can’t afford to let this Super Bowl window close because their pass rush still lacks the necessary firepower. The Lions finished tied for 23rd in the NFL with 37 sacks this season, and they ranked 25th in pass rush win rate at 35.4%. Injuries took a toll on the defense, but there weren’t enough playmakers to begin with, even after the midseason trade for Za’Darius Smith.”
“Pearce still needs to add some muscle to his 6-5 frame, but his speed could make an immediate impact in Detroit. He combines different pass-rush moves and consistently pressures the quarterback, with 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons.”
– Mel Kiper, ESPN.com
There was a time when Pearce was considered a likely top-10 pick for the 2025 draft, but his production dipped slightly this past season. That said, he still put up solid numbers and didn’t see a dramatic drop in his performance.
Pearce’s Stats:
2023: 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 52 quarterback pressures, Pro Football Focus’ 12th-highest graded edge rusher
2024: 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 55 quarterback pressures, Pro Football Focus’ 27th-highest graded edge rusher
Though Pearce could stand to add some weight (currently 243 pounds), he has shown his ability as both a pass rusher and a run defender in the demanding SEC. Brad Holmes has a history of favoring Saban-era Alabama players, but Pearce, a Tennessee product, could be a strong fit for the Lions’ needs if it comes down to it.
