Detroit Lions Eye Reliable Edge Rusher in Ben Raven’s Second 2025 NFL Mock Draft

As the 2025 NFL draft approaches, the Detroit Lions are gearing up to further bolster their defense, with an eye on adding a reliable edge rusher to their ranks. In Ben Raven’s second 2025 mock draft, the Lions are projected to select Jared Ivey, a dynamic pass rusher out of Mississippi, with the 60th overall pick in the second round.

This selection reflects the Lions’ continued commitment to fortifying their defensive line and addressing one of the team’s primary needs—pass rush. While the Lions have made strides in recent seasons, their defense still has areas that need improvement. A disruptive edge rusher like Ivey could help elevate Detroit’s defense and make a significant impact in the coming years.

Jared Ivey: A Rising Star with a Dynamic Playing Style

Jared Ivey, a standout from the University of Mississippi, is known for his explosive speed and agility as an edge rusher. He possesses the raw athleticism and quickness that allows him to be a force off the edge. Ivey’s ability to get after the quarterback has made him a standout prospect, and his potential to disrupt plays from the defensive line has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike.

However, Ivey’s game isn’t without its challenges. He has a “feast-or-famine” playing style, meaning that while he is capable of delivering explosive plays, he also faces inconsistencies, particularly in run defense. His tendency to focus more on rushing the passer rather than stopping the run may limit his immediate versatility in all situations. Despite this, Ivey’s ability to apply pressure on quarterbacks is what makes him an attractive option for a team like the Lions, who are looking to enhance their pass rush.

The Perfect Complement to Aidan Hutchinson

For the Lions, pairing Ivey with second-year standout Aidan Hutchinson could create a dynamic duo on the edge of the defensive line. Hutchinson, who was selected second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most promising pass rushers. His well-rounded game includes strong run-stopping abilities and a relentless pursuit of quarterbacks.

Ivey’s speed and raw athleticism would complement Hutchinson’s more well-rounded skill set, allowing the two to create havoc on opposing quarterbacks. With Hutchinson’s ability to disrupt both the passing and running game, Ivey’s strengths as a pure pass rusher could mitigate his weaknesses in run defense, giving the Lions a powerful and diverse defensive front. Together, they would form a formidable pass-rushing tandem that could make life difficult for NFC North quarterbacks.

Lions’ Defensive Strategy and the Importance of the Draft

The Lions have been steadily building a competitive roster under the leadership of General Manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. After years of rebuilding, Detroit is now aiming to strengthen its defense to complement an offense that has shown promise in recent seasons.

In 2024, injuries took a toll on the Lions’ defense, leaving gaps in their pass rush and overall defensive performance. This led the team to focus on upgrading their defensive line in the 2025 draft. Selecting a player like Ivey would not only inject much-needed youth and energy into the defensive front but also offer a long-term solution to the Lions’ edge rusher problem.

The team’s focus on the draft reflects their philosophy of building through smart, strategic selections that provide both immediate impact and long-term potential. While Detroit has plenty of young talent, especially on offense, the defense remains an area that needs further development to compete with the top teams in the NFC.

Brad Holmes’ Strategic Approach to the Draft

One of the key elements of the Lions’ draft strategy under Brad Holmes has been flexibility. Holmes has shown that he is willing to make selections based on value, rather than just addressing the most obvious need on the roster. This approach has enabled the Lions to pick up talented players who might not have been expected to fall into their laps.

While edge rusher is a clear area of need, Holmes may also look at other positions depending on how the draft board shakes out. However, based on current projections and team needs, selecting an edge rusher like Ivey in the second round seems to be a logical move.

Why Ivey Makes Sense for Detroit

Jared Ivey offers a blend of athleticism, potential, and upside that fits Detroit’s overall strategy. The Lions are a team on the rise, and adding a pass rusher who can make an immediate impact on third downs and passing situations would give the defense a much-needed boost.

Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, has emphasized the importance of creating pressure up front to help the secondary. With Ivey’s ability to disrupt the quarterback, he could immediately become a go-to option in passing situations, giving the Lions the type of dynamic edge rusher they have lacked in recent years.

Furthermore, the Lions are looking for players who can contribute not just in 2025, but beyond. Ivey’s potential to grow into a more complete player, especially with coaching and development at the professional level, makes him an intriguing long-term investment.

The Lions’ Future Outlook

The selection of Jared Ivey in the second round of the 2025 draft would signal the Lions’ continued commitment to improving their defense. By pairing him with Hutchinson, Detroit would be taking a proactive step toward creating a disruptive defensive line that can dominate in the NFC North and in the broader NFC playoff race.

While much of the focus has been on the offense, Detroit’s ability to fortify its defense, particularly with a top-tier pass rusher, could be the missing piece that propels them to the next level. With Ivey on board, the Lions would significantly improve their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and, in turn, make the defense a more formidable unit.