The Detroit Lions’ defensive line has been a key area of focus for the franchise, especially after finishing the 2023 season. While the team has made strides in improving its roster, including solidifying the offensive side of the ball, there remains a noticeable gap in the pass-rushing department. With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, many experts and analysts are beginning to speculate on how the Lions should approach the selection process—particularly with regard to the edge rusher position.
In recent seasons, Detroit has faced difficulties when it comes to generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While some teams have benefitted from a single standout pass rusher, the Lions have struggled to find a true top-tier edge player. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly clear that they may need to draft more than one edge rusher in the upcoming draft. This is especially true considering the long-term goals of the franchise, which include building a defense that can complement its high-powered offense. In this piece, we’ll explore the factors that make multiple edge rusher selections a plausible and even necessary strategy for the Lions.
I. The Importance of a Strong Pass Rush in Today’s NFL
Before diving into why the Lions may need to draft multiple edge rushers, it’s essential to understand the role that a strong pass rush plays in the modern NFL. As offenses continue to evolve, the importance of pressuring quarterbacks cannot be overstated. A well-executed pass rush can disrupt an entire offensive game plan, causing quarterbacks to rush their decisions, make errant throws, or even take sacks.
1. Quarterbacks Are More Mobile Than Ever
Today’s quarterbacks are more mobile than at any point in history. The rise of dual-threat quarterbacks—such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson—has shifted the way defenses need to approach pass rushing. In the past, a defensive line could be content with relying on traditional pocket-passing quarterbacks who could be sacked easily when pressured. However, mobile quarterbacks present a different challenge because they can extend plays with their legs or evade pressure altogether.
This means that edge rushers must not only have speed and power but also an ability to change direction, maintain pursuit angles, and finish plays. Teams that lack strong edge rushers will find it difficult to contain these mobile quarterbacks, as they will often escape the pocket and extend drives with their athleticism. The Lions have seen this firsthand with teams like the Minnesota Vikings (Kirk Cousins) and Green Bay Packers (Aaron Rodgers), who can extend plays in critical situations. This is where multiple edge rushers can make a big difference in closing the gap.
2. Elite Pass Rushers Are Essential for Playoff Success
NFL teams that contend for Super Bowls consistently rely on elite pass rushers to complement their offense. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles have built dominant defenses around elite edge rushers, who are often game-changers. These players are capable of dominating games, especially in critical moments such as the postseason.
In Detroit’s case, having a dynamic edge rusher would elevate the entire defense. The Lions, while showing flashes of promise in 2023, need to invest in their defensive line to become a consistent playoff team. Just as their offense can put up points in bunches, a robust pass rush would help them stifle opposing quarterbacks and elevate the overall defensive unit.
II. Current State of the Lions’ Edge Rusher Position
To understand why the Lions could benefit from multiple edge rusher selections, we must first take a look at their current roster. The Lions’ defense has shown improvement under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, but there are still notable holes to fill—specifically at edge rusher.
1. Ainsley White and James Houston
The Lions have some promising young talent on their roster, most notably Aidan Hutchinson, who had a stellar rookie campaign in 2022. However, Hutchinson cannot carry the load on his own, and there are still concerns about the Lions’ ability to generate consistent pressure from the opposite edge. Players like James Houston have flashed potential but have been inconsistent and don’t yet project to be reliable starters week-in and week-out.
Moreover, while Detroit has invested in free agents and drafted players in recent years, they’ve yet to establish a deep, dynamic pass-rushing unit. The Lions need more than one reliable edge rusher if they intend to make noise in the playoffs and build a defense capable of shutting down high-powered offenses.
2. Lack of Depth
Although the Lions may have a few promising options, their depth at edge rusher remains a significant concern. Injuries, underperformance, or natural regression could leave the Lions thin at the position, forcing them to rely on unproven commodities. Depth is particularly critical in today’s NFL, where defensive linemen are rotated frequently, and matchups against offensive tackles with elite pass blockers require fresh legs.
A lack of depth on the edge also creates an opportunity for teams to exploit mismatches. If the Lions are unable to rotate fresh pass rushers, opposing offensive lines will be able to key in on the few threats the Lions have, minimizing their impact on the game. Drafting multiple edge rushers would provide Detroit with much-needed depth and versatility along the defensive line.
III. The 2024 NFL Draft Class
The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talented edge rushers, making it an ideal opportunity for the Lions to bolster their pass rush. Whether they select an edge rusher in the first round or wait until later rounds, there are options that could help the team significantly improve.
1. Top-Tier Talent
There are several standout edge rushers in the 2024 draft who could immediately contribute to the Lions’ defense. Players like Will Anderson Jr., Jared Verse, and Myles Murphy are considered some of the top prospects at the position. These players possess elite athleticism, refined technique, and the ability to rush the passer from a variety of alignments. They are capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact, which is crucial for a team like Detroit that’s looking to make the playoffs sooner rather than later.
2. Depth at Edge Rusher
While the Lions may look at the top-tier prospects in the draft, they don’t have to exclusively target first-round edge rushers. The depth of talent in this class means that the Lions could potentially address the position in multiple rounds. A player who might not be a top-10 pick could still have the potential to develop into a starter or rotational piece, offering the Lions the chance to improve both the immediate and long-term outlook of their defensive line.
With the NFL’s increasing emphasis on passing, edge rushers are more valuable than ever, and teams are finding success by adding multiple pieces to the mix. Given the quality of talent available, the Lions could secure a pair of edge rushers—one early and one later in the draft—to bolster their defense.
IV. Scheme Fit and Versatility
Another reason why the Lions could draft multiple edge rushers is due to the versatility of the players they could select. Defensive coordinators today demand versatility from their players, especially edge rushers, who must be able to rush from both the outside linebacker and defensive end positions. The Lions’ defense, under Aaron Glenn, has frequently employed multiple schemes and formations, meaning they could use a variety of pass rushers depending on the situation.
1. Rushing from Multiple Angles
One of the key attributes of modern NFL defenses is the ability to rush the passer from multiple angles. By drafting two edge rushers, the Lions would have the opportunity to create mismatches with offensive tackles. Having more than one strong edge rusher would allow the Lions to employ stunts, twists, and various blitz packages to keep quarterbacks off balance. Additionally, fresh legs on the field can help generate pressure throughout the game, ensuring the Lions maintain a constant threat on the edge.
2. Complementing Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson’s success in his rookie season showed that he is a budding star and a player that offensive coordinators must account for. However, as is often the case with young pass rushers, Hutchinson will need help to maximize his effectiveness. Drafting one or two complementary edge rushers would allow Hutchinson to focus on his strengths and avoid being the sole target of offensive game plans. By bringing in another edge player who can create pressure on the opposite side, Detroit would have a much more dynamic and unpredictable pass-rushing unit.
V. Long-Term Strategy
While the Lions could certainly benefit from adding one edge rusher in this draft, selecting two players could provide them with the long-term stability needed to maintain a competitive defense over the next several years. Even if the team selects a first-round edge rusher, adding a second player in a later round ensures that Detroit has depth and options as they look to compete with top-tier teams in the NFC.
In the NFL, a strong pass rush is a fundamental pillar of a successful defense. As the Lions look to build a team that can compete for championships, bolstering their edge rusher position should be a top priority. With the 2024 draft offering a wealth of talent at the position, Detroit has the opportunity to secure not just one, but two high-caliber edge rushers to enhance their defense.
By selecting multiple edge rushers, the Lions can address both immediate needs and long-term goals. With improved depth, versatility, and a more dynamic pass-rushing unit, Detroit will be better equipped to compete in the NFC and potentially return to playoff contention. The decision to take multiple edge rushers could prove to be a turning point for the franchise, allowing them to build a defense capable of taking on the high-powered offenses of the modern NFL.
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