Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes may not believe in the concept of a “Super Bowl window,” but there’s no denying that the team’s list of offseason needs is relatively short. Holmes has also proven he isn’t afraid to be aggressive in the draft, moving up the board when necessary.
Acquiring an elite edge rusher like Myles Garrett seems unlikely, but with a deep 2025 draft class at the position, Detroit could find a quality immediate starter at pick No. 28—or even later at No. 60. However, if the Lions have their eyes on a particular player, Holmes has shown he’ll make the necessary moves to get him.
Trade-Up Target Could Be a No-Brainer for Detroit
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport recently listed eight teams that should aggressively pursue a trade-up in the 2025 draft, along with ideal targets for each. The Lions ranked No. 5 on his list.
“Detroit is coming off the most successful regular season in franchise history but suffered a disappointing playoff exit in the Divisional Round. One of the biggest reasons for falling short of a Super Bowl appearance was the lack of a consistent pass rush after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury.”
Given that need, Davenport suggests Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton as a prime trade-up candidate.
“Shemar Stewart may generate more pre-draft buzz, possibly leaving his teammate Nic Scourton available at No. 28. However, the 6-foot-4, 280-pounder could be worth trading up for, as he’s one of the most NFL-ready edge rushers in the class and has drawn comparisons to longtime Saints star Cameron Jordan.”
Scourton tallied 10 sacks, 50 total tackles, and 15 tackles for loss at Purdue in 2023 before transferring to Texas A&M. Last season, he recorded five sacks, 37 total tackles, and 14 tackles for loss while earning First Team All-SEC honors. His underlying numbers remain strong—he registered 36 quarterback pressures in 2024, just slightly down from 42 in 2023, with the same number of hurries (28).
With a well-developed pass rush arsenal and a physical profile that matches the Lions’ ideal edge rusher mold, Scourton has become a popular projection for Detroit in mock drafts.
Davenport sums it up best: while Scourton is an excellent fit, he’s not the only prospect worth targeting. If Holmes identifies an edge rusher he believes can complement Hutchinson, the Lions shouldn’t hesitate to move up and secure their guy.
