Detroit Lions Could Still Add Two EDGE Rushers to Improve Defense

Lions may not be done building along the defensive line. Read why Detroit may add more than one EDGE rusher prior to the start of 2020 season

John Maakaron | Mar 31, 2020

After the initial free agency acquisitions, many are assuming that Detroit will look to sure-up the defensive line by securing a defensive end with elite pass rushing skills in the 2020 NFL draft.

Those familiar with Matt Patricia's defensive scheme understand the current plan likely involves utilizing newly acquired linebacker Jamie Collins along with Jarrad Davis, Jahlani Tavai and Austin Bryant to play opposite of Trey Flowers.

While some may be content with relying on players already on the current roster, Detroit could benefit from acquiring more help for the defensive line.

Detroit could look at inexpensive targets like Brooks Reed or Benson Mayowa, or they could target available free agents like Everson Griffen or Kamalei Correa.

If general manager Bob Quinn and Co. have an eye for improving the defensive line via the draft, there are several high-end EDGE rushers Detroit could target.

Important to note, Lions defensive line coach Bo Davis was the defensive line coach at Alabama from 2014-15. So, there is likely some familiarity already in place with Anfernee Jennings.

If the Lions were to select Curtis Weaver in the draft, he would likely provide an instant, much-needed boost in the pass-rush department.

During the 2019 season, Weaver finished among the nation's leaders with 18.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. It resulted in him taking home the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award.

Not only was Bradlee Anae highly productive in college, but his skills translated well to the Senior Bowl, too.

He was graded as the second-best player in the game by PFF. He accumulated five quarterback pressures and three sacks on just 16 pass-rush snaps.

Securing more help for Flowers should remain a high priority for the Lions ahead of the 2020 season.

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Published Mar 31, 2020

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!