Lions Land Aidan Hutchinson’s ‘Running Mate’ in Mel Kiper’s Mock Draft: Detroit’s Pass Rush May Finally Be Complete

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The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s most compelling stories since head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes took over in 2021. After decades of mediocrity, the franchise has undergone a total identity shift — now built on grit, physicality, and a locker room culture that demands accountability. But even with the team’s meteoric rise — from NFC North cellar dwellers to conference championship contenders — one glaring hole has remained: the lack of a consistent pass-rushing presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

That may finally change in 2025.

In Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft for ESPN, the long-time draft analyst projects that the Lions will select Alabama EDGE rusher Dallas Turner with the No. 29 overall pick. It’s a pick that could send shockwaves through the NFC — because it gives Hutchinson the elite “running mate” he’s been missing.

“If Turner is still on the board, this is a home-run pick,” Kiper wrote. “He’s one of the most explosive pass rushers in this class and could thrive next to a star like Hutchinson.”

Let’s break down why this pick would be so monumental — and how Turner could elevate Detroit’s defense to Super Bowl caliber.

The Lions’ Pass Rush: Great, But Not Great Enough

Aidan Hutchinson has been everything Detroit could’ve asked for when they took him No. 2 overall in 2022. In just two seasons, he’s notched 21.5 sacks, earned Pro Bowl honors, and become the face of the franchise. But even with his dominance, the Lions finished the 2024 season ranked just 25th in team sacks and 29th in pressure rate.

The reasons? A lack of consistency from the opposite EDGE position.

James Houston flashed in 2022 but was injured for most of 2023 and limited in 2024. Josh Paschal is solid against the run but not a dynamic pass rusher. Charles Harris is a veteran but no longer impactful. And while interior rushers like Alim McNeill and rookie Brodric Martin have improved, they’re not enough to carry the entire front.

Bottom line: Hutchinson has been doing too much on his own.

With offenses scheming away from him, using chips, double teams, and rollouts, the Lions need another weapon to force opposing lines into pick-your-poison scenarios.

Enter Dallas Turner.

Who Is Dallas Turner?

Dallas Turner, a 6-foot-4, 247-pound EDGE rusher from Alabama, was one of the most feared defenders in college football during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Originally a five-star recruit from Florida, Turner emerged as a dominant force in the SEC and capped off his college career with:

• 12.5 sacks (2024)
• 17 tackles for loss
• 4 forced fumbles
• Numerous highlight-reel plays against elite offensive lines

Turner blends elite athleticism with versatility. He’s capable of lining up as a 4-3 defensive end, a 3-4 outside linebacker, or even dropping into coverage. His rare combination of bend, burst, and closing speed makes him a nightmare on passing downs. His tape against Georgia, Texas, and Ole Miss showed he can win with speed around the edge, convert speed to power, and chase plays sideline-to-sideline.

At the NFL Combine, Turner ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and posted elite numbers in the vertical and broad jump, cementing his status as one of the top athletic freaks in the draft.

Why Turner Is the Ideal Fit Opposite Hutchinson

1. Explosiveness Off the Edge

Turner’s first step is electric. While Hutchinson wins with hand usage, strength, and technique, Turner is more of a speed rusher — capable of getting around the tackle before he can get set. That contrast is key. It allows the Lions to stress both sides of an offensive line with different skill sets.

2. Positional Flexibility

Aaron Glenn’s defense has continued to evolve, with multiple fronts and exotic pressures. Turner gives Detroit the flexibility to deploy him as a stand-up rusher or with his hand in the dirt. On third downs, imagine this front:

• EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson
• DT: Alim McNeill
• DT: Brodric Martin
• EDGE: Dallas Turner

That’s a NASCAR-style rush package with power and speed on both edges — something Detroit hasn’t had in years.

3. Relieves Pressure on Hutchinson

Perhaps the most important benefit: Turner’s presence means Hutchinson can’t be double-teamed every snap. If teams try, Turner will feast. If they don’t, Hutchinson remains a problem. It’s a pick-your-poison setup that could mirror what the Eagles had with Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat or what the 49ers have in Nick Bosa and Chase Young.

Dan Campbell’s Culture Match

You can’t talk about any Lions draft pick without considering the “grit factor.” Does he love football? Will he grind in practice? Does he fit the locker room?

Turner checks every box.

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban praised Turner’s leadership and motor, calling him “one of the most committed players I’ve coached.” Turner’s relentless pursuit and willingness to play through pain at Bama fits perfectly with the no-nonsense, lunch-pail identity that Campbell has built.

He’s not just a baller. He’s a Dan Campbell guy.

What the Experts Are Saying

Todd McShay (ESPN):

“If Turner falls to Detroit, it’s a no-brainer. He’s a top-15 talent, but positional runs at QB, OL, and WR might push him down. Detroit would get a steal.”

Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network):

“I love the Hutchinson-Turner pairing. It would finally give Detroit that bookend pass rush.”

Bruce Feldman (The Athletic):

“Turner’s explosiveness is unmatched. I spoke to multiple SEC coaches who said he was the hardest guy to block last year.”

Potential Concerns and How Detroit Mitigates Them

Turner’s primary knock has been consistency — he’ll disappear in stretches, and sometimes he gets washed out in the run game against power blockers. But with the Lions’ rotation and depth, he won’t need to play 80% of snaps right away.

Under the guidance of Aaron Glenn and DL coach John Scott Jr., Turner can refine his technique and build strength in Detroit’s elite strength program. His ceiling? Pro Bowl edge rusher.

What This Means for Detroit’s 2025 Outlook

After falling just short of the Super Bowl in 2024, the Lions are entering 2025 with legitimate championship expectations. They re-signed Jared Goff, retained key pieces like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell, and continued building the secondary through free agency.

But a defense that finished in the bottom third of the league in sacks needed juice. Turner provides it.

Suddenly, a pass rush that was overly reliant on Hutchinson now has balance, firepower, and unpredictability.

Possible Draft Scenarios

Detroit currently holds the 29th overall pick. Turner is projected to go between picks 15-25, depending on team needs and draft runs. If the Lions truly covet him, they may need to trade up a few spots. That’s a move Holmes has made before, trading up for players like Jameson Williams in 2022 and Brian Branch in 2023.

If Turner isn’t available, other EDGE names that could make sense:

• Chop Robinson (Penn State): Similar traits, even faster 40-yard dash
• Laiatu Latu (UCLA): Most polished rusher in class, but with medical red flags
• Jared Verse (Florida State): Power rusher with NFL-ready frame

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

The Lions aren’t rebuilding anymore. They’re hunting championships. And the way to do that in today’s NFL isn’t just by scoring points — it’s by closing out games with relentless pass rushers who take over in the fourth quarter.

Turner, paired with Hutchinson, could become one of the NFL’s top pass-rush duos within two seasons. That’s how you win in January. That’s how you sack Jalen Hurts on 3rd and long. That’s how you make Brock Purdy or Dak Prescott uncomfortable. And maybe — just maybe — that’s how Detroit finally brings home a Lombardi Trophy.

In Mel Kiper’s mock draft, the Lions might’ve landed the missing piece.