The Detroit Lions are poised for another crucial draft in the NFL, and all signs point toward a significant selection in the form of a Michigan EDGE rusher. This choice could not only bolster their defense but could also set the tone for the franchise’s future. The Lions, coming off a season of mixed results, are in a position to turn things around with a smart, impactful pick that addresses a position of need.
The EDGE position is often the most game-changing role on defense. A player who can rush the passer consistently can completely alter the dynamic of a football game, creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and disrupting the offensive flow. The Lions have long struggled with this area of their defense, and as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight is firmly on the possibility that the team might look toward a Michigan EDGE rusher to fill that void.
Detroit Lions: A Franchise in Transition
The Detroit Lions have undergone significant changes in recent years, with new leadership, revamped personnel, and an evolving roster. Head coach Dan Campbell’s tenure has brought some renewed hope, injecting a level of energy and grit into a team that has long been at the bottom of the NFC North. While the offense, particularly the quarterback play of Jared Goff and the emergence of standout players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, has shown promise, the defense has remained an area of concern.
One of the glaring weaknesses has been the pass rush. The Lions have struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, and this has allowed opposing offenses to dictate the tempo of games. With an offense that is capable of putting points on the board, a more consistent pass rush would give the team a much-needed edge in close games.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions are positioned to make a significant move to improve this area. With a top pick, the Lions can afford to target a game-changing defensive player, and Michigan’s EDGE rushers are among the top candidates to fill that need.
Why EDGE Rusher is a Need for the Lions
The Lions’ defensive line has shown promise, but it has not been able to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks. While players like Aidan Hutchinson, who was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, have provided some help in this regard, more depth and talent are required. Hutchinson, the former Michigan standout, has the potential to be a star in the NFL, but he alone cannot carry the entire defensive line.
The Lions’ defense needs a second threat, someone who can complement Hutchinson and cause chaos on the opposing side of the field. In addition to needing help with generating pressure, the Lions also need an EDGE rusher who can impact games in multiple ways. Whether it’s by forcing fumbles, sacking the quarterback, or simply flushing him out of the pocket, the right EDGE player can completely change the way an offense operates.
Moreover, the NFC North division is home to high-level quarterbacks, including Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears and Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings, as well as an emerging star in Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers. A dominant pass rush is the best way to contain these quarterbacks and prevent them from controlling the game.
The need for an elite pass rusher is clear, and as the Lions look to bolster their defense, Michigan EDGE rushers are seen as prime candidates.
Michigan’s EDGE Rusher: A Rising Star
The University of Michigan has long been a breeding ground for top-tier football talent, especially along the defensive line. In recent years, Michigan has produced some of the best defensive players in the country, and the EDGE rushers emerging from the Wolverines’ program are among the most coveted prospects in the NFL Draft.
There are a number of talented EDGE players from Michigan who have the ability to make an immediate impact at the next level. These players are not just athletic; they also possess the technical skills and football IQ required to succeed in the NFL. Whether they excel in pass-rushing techniques, their ability to read offenses, or their relentless motor, these Michigan EDGE rushers are well-rounded and highly regarded by scouts.
The Lions’ front office is likely well aware of the impact these players could have on their defense. The 2025 NFL Draft class is expected to feature some standout EDGE rushers from Michigan, and the Lions could very well be eyeing one of these players as their next cornerstone defensive piece.
Top Michigan EDGE Rushers to Watch
Several Michigan EDGE rushers have caught the eye of scouts, each with their own strengths and potential to thrive in the NFL. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top candidates from Michigan’s roster who could be wearing the Honolulu Blue in the near future.
1. Jalen Harrell – Senior EDGE
Jalen Harrell is a powerful and relentless EDGE rusher who has emerged as one of the top defensive players in college football. Known for his ability to set the edge and rush the passer, Harrell’s strength and physicality make him a difficult player to block. He’s not just a one-trick pony; Harrell has also shown a remarkable ability to stop the run and engage in coverage when necessary.
What makes Harrell particularly intriguing to NFL scouts is his explosive first step off the line of scrimmage and his ability to bend around the edge. His speed and agility allow him to quickly close in on quarterbacks, and his raw power gives him the ability to knock offensive linemen off balance. If the Lions are looking for an EDGE rusher who can consistently generate pressure, Harrell is a name to keep an eye on.
2. Mike Morris – Junior EDGE
Mike Morris is a physically imposing EDGE rusher with excellent size and length. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing over 275 pounds, Morris is a difficult matchup for any offensive lineman. His ability to overpower blockers while also showcasing a variety of pass-rush moves has made him a versatile threat off the edge.
Morris has shown flashes of brilliance in his college career, particularly as a pass rusher. His motor never seems to stop, and he has the ability to wear down offensive tackles over the course of a game. Additionally, Morris is well-versed in multiple defensive schemes and can play both standing up or with his hand in the dirt, making him an ideal fit for the Lions’ defensive scheme.
With his combination of power, size, and athleticism, Morris has the potential to develop into a star at the next level. The Lions could benefit greatly from adding him to their defensive line, providing them with a versatile and disruptive presence off the edge.
3. Derrick Moore – Sophomore EDGE
Derrick Moore is a young, emerging talent from Michigan who has already shown glimpses of greatness. Though still early in his college career, Moore has all the physical traits that make him an enticing prospect. His speed and agility are exceptional for his size, and he has an innate ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm.
Moore’s pass-rushing skills are still developing, but he has shown an impressive ability to improve each year. With his physical tools and work ethic, he has the potential to become one of the top EDGE rushers in the NFL. For the Lions, drafting Moore would be a long-term investment, but one that could pay huge dividends as he continues to refine his game.
The Lions’ Defensive Scheme and Fit
When evaluating potential draft picks, it’s crucial to consider how a player fits into a team’s defensive scheme. For the Detroit Lions, their defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme emphasizes speed, physicality, and versatility along the defensive line. The EDGE rusher must be able to set the edge against the run, collapse the pocket on passing downs, and be a disruptive force in both one-on-one situations and in stunts or blitz packages.
A Michigan EDGE rusher could fit seamlessly into the Lions’ defense. Players like Harrell, Morris, or Moore would provide the speed, explosiveness, and toughness the Lions need on the edge. Whether they are used in a traditional 4-3 defensive front or in a more dynamic, attacking scheme, these players have the tools to thrive.
The Lions’ defense needs players who can create chaos and disrupt offenses. Adding a Michigan EDGE rusher would go a long way toward addressing that need and giving the defense the ability to impact the game on every snap. The franchise has had success with former Michigan players like Aidan Hutchinson, and bringing in another player from the same program could continue that trend of success.
The Detroit Lions are at a pivotal moment in their franchise’s history, and the 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to solidify their defense for years to come. The need for a dominant EDGE rusher is clear, and Michigan has produced several talented prospects who could fill that void. Whether it’s Jalen Harrell, Mike Morris, or Derrick Moore, a Michigan EDGE rusher would be an excellent addition to the Lions’ defense.
As the team looks to build a championship-caliber squad, adding a disruptive force on the edge could be the key to unlocking their full potential. For the Lions, the time to address their pass-rush issues is now, and a Michigan EDGE rusher could be the difference-maker they’ve been searching for.
Leave a Reply