Missed Opportunity on the Edge: Unpacking the Lions’ Draft Trade Intentions
The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Detroit Lions make several intriguing moves, ultimately adding a mix of offensive and defensive talent to their roster. However, a recent report has shed light on a potential trade that didn’t materialize, one that suggests the Lions were keenly interested in bolstering their pass-rushing prowess. According to sources embedded within the Jacksonville Jaguars’ draft room, Detroit was one of two teams, alongside the Los Angeles Rams, actively vying for the Jaguars’ third-round pick, No. 70 overall. The player believed to be the target of this interest? Louisville edge defender Ashton Gillotte.
This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the Lions’ draft strategy. While they eventually selected Boise State edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round, the reported pursuit of Gillotte indicates a desire to address their need for a dynamic pass rusher much earlier in the draft. Edge rusher was widely considered one of the Lions’ most pressing needs heading into the 2025 draft. Despite the presence of Aidan Hutchinson, who is returning from a leg injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2024 season, and the hope that veteran Marcus Davenport can overcome his injury struggles, the Lions lacked consistent pressure from the opposite side. The departure of Za’Darius Smith in free agency further exacerbated this need.
Ashton Gillotte emerged as an intriguing prospect throughout the pre-draft process. His collegiate production at Louisville was noteworthy, amassing 26.5 sacks and 41 tackles for loss in his four seasons. Standing at a formidable 6-foot-3 and possessing impressive athleticism, Gillotte profiled as a potentially disruptive force off the edge in the NFL. His blend of size and agility seemingly made him an ideal fit for the Lions’ defensive scheme.
The details of the potential trade offer from the Lions to the Jaguars further illuminate their strong interest in Gillotte. Jacksonville was initially offered three total Lions third-round selections in exchange for the 70th overall pick, a 2025 fifth-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick. This significant offer underscores the value the Lions placed on acquiring a player of Gillotte’s caliber. However, the trade ultimately fell through due to a combination of factors.
As the draft unfolded, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Gillotte with the 66th overall pick, just four slots ahead of the Jaguars’ pick. This selection reportedly took the Rams out of the running for the trade. Subsequently, the Jaguars amended their offer to the Lions, swapping their 2025 fifth-round pick for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Despite this adjustment, the Lions hesitated, and ultimately, the deal did not materialize. With their allotted time dwindling, the Lions pivoted and traded up to select Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.
The fact that the Lions were willing to part with significant draft capital, including future third-round picks, highlights their urgency to find a difference-maker at the edge position. While they eventually added Hassanein, a player with impressive production in college, his sixth-round selection suggests he may be viewed as more of a developmental prospect. The pursuit of Gillotte indicates a desire for a more immediate impact player to pair with Hutchinson.
The Lions’ draft ultimately focused on adding talent across various positions. In the first round, they selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, bolstering their interior defensive line. The second round saw them add Georgia offensive guard Tate Ratledge, fortifying their offensive line. The trade-up for TeSlaa in the third round added an intriguing athletic profile to their receiving corps. Later rounds saw the additions of LSU guard Miles Frazier, Hassanein, and a pair of defensive backs from Georgia in safety Dan Jackson and receiver Dominic Lovett.
While the Lions addressed several needs throughout the draft, the missed opportunity to acquire a potentially impactful edge rusher like Gillotte could linger. The reliance on Hutchinson returning to full health and Davenport staying on the field carries a degree of risk. Whether Hassanein can develop into a consistent pass-rushing threat remains to be seen.
Looking ahead, the Lions’ need for edge-rushing depth and talent remains a key area to monitor. General Manager Brad Holmes acknowledged that the team is still actively looking for ways to improve their roster, and the edge position is certainly not off-limits for potential future additions via free agency or trade. The 2025 draft provided a glimpse into the Lions’ intentions, and while they ultimately went in a different direction, the pursuit of Ashton Gillotte underscores the ongoing importance of finding a formidable presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions will undoubtedly continue to explore avenues to strengthen their pass rush as they aim to build a defense capable of complementing their high-powered offense.
