Edge Rushers Lions Could Target in 2024 NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions' pass-rush effort has been up and down throughout the 2023 season.
Certain games, such as wins over Atlanta and Las Vegas, saw the team post several sacks and dominate opposing offensive lines. Yet, in three games this season, they were held without a quarterback takedown.
Second-year rusher Aidan Hutchinson has flashed superstar potential, but opposing offensive lines have keyed on him plenty. As a result, the thought of getting him a legitimate running mate has become enticing.
With that in mind, here's a look at five intriguing edge rushing 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could fit with the Lions.
Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Latu has enjoyed a strong season with the Bruins, but this season wasn't always guaranteed. After suffering a neck injury at Washington in 2021, Huskies' then-coach Jimmy Lake announced that Latu had retired.
However, he entered the transfer portal and found his way to UCLA, where he has logged 21.5 sacks in 23 games. He possesses elite quickness and a knack for getting to the quarterback, along with the ability to a sure-tackling ability that has produced 18.5 tackles for loss this season alone.
Concerns about his longevity as it relates to his injury could hurt his draft stock, though his production as of late has seemed to counter those misgivings. He has played in all 23 games possible over the last two seasons, so durability hasn't been a concern.
Latu's abilities as a rusher would fit perfectly, be it off the edge or as Detroit's SAM linebacker.
Chop Robinson, Penn State
Robinson's Nittany Lions didn't defeat Michigan Saturday, but the edge rusher played a huge role in forcing the opposing Wolverines to abandon their pass game. Early in the game, he proved to be a force working against Michigan right tackle Karsen Barnhart.
He notched a 91.3 Pro Football Focus pass rush grade for his performance, which included three pressures. In total, Robinson has 22 pressures in eight games this season.
He's been consistent throughout the season, securing three sacks and five tackles for loss. His athleticism is a problem for offensive tackles, a trait that signals success at the next level.
Bralen Trice, Washington
Trice is powerful. His strong frame, measured at 6-foot-4, 274 pounds, lends itself to strong bull-rushes and being a factor in both the pass and run game.
With 54 pressures on the season, there's evidence of his ability to be a difference-maker in rush situations. Additionally, his physicality allows him to provide pop on the ground.
Trice can continue to develop his ability to bend around the edge, a skill that sets apart elite edge rushers. However, his pure physicality and power will allow him to play a big role in the future.
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
A physically imposing end, Tuimoloau has been a standout each of the last two years for the Buckeyes. Time will tell if he follows the career trajectory of the Bosa brothers from Ohio State, but he's carved out a nice niche.
He has 5.5 sacks and uses his length to be a factor in the pass game with seven career passes defensed. Tuimoloau also is an exceptional athlete, giving the Buckeyes a solid anchor on the edge.
As Tuimoloau continues to grow, he'll need to add to his repertoire of counter moves. His athleticism and speed, though, create plenty of optimism about the type of player he can be at the professional level.
Princely Umanmielen, Florida
Umanmielen has just recently begun to pick up buzz after strong performances against Arkansas and South Carolina. The junior has gotten better in each season of his career, as evidenced by the increased statistical output from year to year.
That ability to develop will make him an appealing prospect, as he likely still has plenty of room to grow. He has 40 pressures through 10 games this season, already 13 more than he had all of last season.
Umanmielen, at 6-foot-5, has a lean frame and long strides to match. His bend around the edge will continue to develop, and he will likely continue to rise up draft boards through the pre-draft process.
