One EDGE Rusher Lions Could Select in Every Round of NFL Draft

Evaluating potential EDGE targets for Detroit Lions.

UCLA v USC / Ryan Kang/GettyImages

The Detroit Lions ranked in the bottom half of the league in sacks last season. 

Though the organization has one of the league’s blossoming edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson, the unit elsewhere struggled to put consistent pressure on quarterbacks. 

Detroit addressed the position in free agency by signing Marcus Davenport, but adding youth would also be wise for the organization as it evaluates what it has in players such as Josh Paschal. 

Here is one pass rusher the Lions could draft in every round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Round 1

Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Latu has the potential to be an elite rusher at the NFL level. He has a deep array of moves and counter-moves that allow him to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. 

The area that impeded his progress was his medicals, as he was once set to medically retire while playing at Washington. He was able to revive his career, however, after transferring to UCLA. 

With 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons, he’s proven to be a strong contributor. His abilities would fit nicely opposite of Hutchinson on Detroit’s front line. 

UCLA Football Pro Day / Ric Tapia/GettyImages

Round 2

Bralen Trice, Washington

Trice has been mocked between the first and second rounds throughout the pre-Draft process, with his value dropping as of late. He has shorter arms than the average top-tier prospect, but he makes up for that with good production and good intangible skills. 

The Lions struck gold with Hutchinson, who was viewed similarly to Trice from an arm-length perspective. As the Michigan product proved, there are ways to still succeed despite this set-back. 

Trice helped propel Washington to a national championship appearance and contributed in the run game along with his pass-rush prowess. With some development, he’ll be a solid contributor quickly in his NFL career. 

2023 Pac-12 Championship - Oregon v Washington / Ric Tapia/GettyImages

Round 3

Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State

One of the risers within the pre-Draft process is Kamara, who excelled at the Shrine Bowl this offseason. His development in college was gradual, as he saved his best for last with a 13-sack performance in his final collegiate season. 

Kamara had an exceptional 91.2 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023. In two separate games last year, he recorded double-digit pressures. 

The defender has an excellent bend around the edge and is also steady in the run game, as he earned a 72.2 PFF run-defense grade. There’s a high ceiling with this player, and he projects nicely at the next level. 

Colorado State defensive lineman Mohamed Kamara (8) grabs a fumbles and runs the ball into the end zone. / HELEN COMER/The Daily News Journal / USA

Round 4

The Lions do not currently own a fourth round pick

Round 5

Braiden McGregor, Michigan

If the Lions want to revisit Michigan prospects, McGregor could be a good addition. He has a high motor and drew natural comparisons to Hutchinson for similarities in both their work ethic and style of play. 

One of the top prospects in his recruiting class, McGregor never compiled eye-popping stats but was a strong member of the Wolverines’ deep defensive rotation. He’s a superb athlete who will be able to showcase those skills in a rotational role early in his career. 

Michigan v Penn State / Scott Taetsch/GettyImages

Round 6

Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian

Hunt is an intriguing prospect given his background. The FCS product began his career at Cornell as a safety before transferring to Houston Christian. There, he packed on weight and switched positions. 

Over the last two seasons, Hunt totaled 13.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He offers an intriguing athletic profile along with some coverage skills with his safety background. The Lions have taken small-school prospects in the past, such as James Houston, and could benefit from taking another chance on Hunt. 

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Christian defensive lineman Jalyx Hunt (DL34) works out at the NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7

Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas

Jeffcoat began his collegiate career at Missouri, where he played four seasons before transferring to Arkansas for his final campaign. He served as more of a traditional defensive end with pass-rushing capability but will likely assume edge duties at the next level. 

He had 8.5 tackles for loss in his final campaign with the Razorbacks, a sign that he continues to grow. Jeffcoat is a strong, sturdy defender who controls the line of scrimmage with power. 

The defender will need to continue developing as a run defender, and he doesn’t have the same explosiveness as the elite prospects in this year’s class. However, his quickness and athleticism are worthy traits of taking a flyer on late in the Draft.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat (DL38) works out at the NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports