Detroit Lions NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Experts Focus on Pass-Rushing Help tone for their future success.
With a core of young talent and a coaching staff that continues to build on a promising foundation, the Lions have an opportunity to make a significant impact in the draft. While they have a number of needs to address, the consensus among experts is clear: the Lions are in dire need of pass-rushing help.
Detroit’s defense has made strides in recent years, but one area that still requires significant improvement is the pass rush. Although the Lions have talent along the defensive line, the lack of a consistent, elite pass-rusher has held them back from becoming one of the league’s premier defensive units. Quarterbacks are often given too much time in the pocket, which has allowed opposing offenses to flourish. For a team looking to compete in a tough NFC North division and make a deep playoff run, addressing this issue in the draft is a top priority.
The Lions’ pass-rush woes were most apparent in the 2024 season, where they ranked 20th in the league in sacks, with just 35 total. While they have some promising pieces on their defensive front, such as Aidan Hutchinson, who had a standout rookie season, and Romeo Okwara, who’s been solid when healthy, the lack of a dynamic, game-changing rusher on the edge has been a glaring weakness. The Lions need someone who can disrupt the quarterback consistently and turn the tide in critical moments of the game. With this need front and center, the experts in the mock draft landscape have increasingly focused on potential pass-rushing prospects for Detroit.
Multiple mock drafts have highlighted the potential for the Lions to use their first-round pick—currently slotted at No. 6 overall—to select a pass-rusher who can make an immediate impact. This focus on the pass rush is in direct response to the reality that no NFL team can expect to compete at the highest level without a dynamic edge rusher capable of altering the course of a game. Here, we’ll dive into some of the most commonly projected players that could fill this role for the Lions and explore why experts are honing in on the pass rush as the team’s top draft priority.
One of the most frequently mentioned names in connection with the Lions is Will Anderson Jr., the Alabama edge rusher who has been a force in the SEC over the past few seasons. Anderson’s combination of size, speed, and power makes him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Anderson is an explosive athlete who can bend the edge and disrupt the quarterback with relentless effort. He finished his college career with 34.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to consistently pressure the quarterback and change the course of a game. His high motor, excellent hand technique, and ability to collapse the pocket have made him a favorite for teams looking to add an elite pass rusher.
For the Lions, Anderson would represent an immediate upgrade to their pass rush. His versatility to line up as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a traditional 4-3 defensive end would give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn flexibility in scheming up pressure packages. Anderson’s ability to impact the game on all three downs, whether rushing the passer or setting the edge against the run, would make him an ideal fit for Detroit. His pedigree as a top-tier SEC pass rusher provides the kind of leadership and toughness the Lions need to elevate their defense to the next level.
If Anderson is off the board by the time Detroit picks at No. 6, another intriguing option for the Lions is Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech. Wilson, like Anderson, possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism that allows him to be a disruptive force along the defensive line. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 275 pounds, Wilson has the physical tools to be a dominant edge rusher at the next level. He possesses elite burst off the line of scrimmage and shows the ability to close quickly on quarterbacks. Wilson is also known for his ability to disrupt passing lanes and bat down passes, making him a multifaceted threat.
One of the standout aspects of Wilson’s game is his ability to develop new techniques and refine his skill set. In his time at Texas Tech, he improved his pass-rush moves year after year, showing his commitment to becoming a complete edge rusher. With continued development under NFL coaching, Wilson has the potential to become a top-tier pass rusher for the Lions, and he would fit well in Detroit’s defense, which has historically valued versatility and multi-dimensional players.
Another name frequently linked to Detroit is Lukas Van Ness from Iowa. Van Ness, who comes in at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, is a powerful, athletic rusher with the kind of length that allows him to challenge blockers and make life difficult for quarterbacks. He has a refined pass-rush plan that includes a devastating bull rush, making him particularly effective against offensive tackles who struggle with strength. While Van Ness may not have the same raw speed as Anderson or Wilson, his power and technical skills make him a dangerous pass-rusher who could provide an immediate boost to Detroit’s defense.
The Lions’ defensive front has shown flashes of dominance, but the consistency has been lacking. A player like Van Ness, with his polished skills and powerful rush, could be the missing piece in terms of setting the tone along the defensive line. Van Ness could come in and contribute immediately, providing a complementary edge rusher opposite Hutchinson, giving Detroit a dynamic duo capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
In addition to these edge rushers, another intriguing option for the Lions comes in the form of Myles Murphy from Clemson. Murphy is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both inside and on the edge, giving the Lions flexibility in how they deploy him. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Murphy has the ideal size and strength to be an impact player against both the pass and the run. While Murphy is not considered the most polished pass rusher compared to Anderson or Wilson, he has shown the ability to generate pressure through a combination of strength and technique. His upside as a disruptive player is high, and the Lions could benefit from his ability to play multiple positions along the line.
Murphy’s flexibility would allow the Lions to move him around and create mismatches in pass-rush situations, whether he lines up inside on passing downs or on the edge in a 3-4 defense. As a young player with tremendous physical tools, Murphy could develop into the type of game-changing pass rusher that Detroit has been lacking.
While addressing the pass rush has been the most common theme among experts in their mock drafts for Detroit, the Lions also have other positions of need to consider. With the team’s offensive line solidified and the running back position featuring one of the most dynamic young players in the NFL in Jahmyr Gibbs, the focus on defense remains paramount. The Lions also have needs at cornerback and linebacker, but adding a game-changing pass rusher should be the focal point of their first-round strategy.
A consistent and impactful pass rush is essential for any team looking to compete for championships, and for the Lions, it’s clear that this is their most pressing need in the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether they end up selecting Anderson, Wilson, Van Ness, or Murphy, the key to Detroit’s success will be finding a player who can disrupt the quarterback consistently and elevate the play of the entire defense. With a strong defense in place, the Lions could position themselves as a true contender in the NFC, and the right pass-rusher could be the difference between a good team and a great one. As the draft draws nearer, expect the focus to remain on finding that difference-maker on the edge, with many eyes on the pass-rushing class as the Lions look to make their mark in the upcoming season.
