If Brad Holmes can locate a top edge rusher on Day 2, he could further solidify his legacy.
Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, has been a pivotal figure in reshaping the team since his arrival in 2021. Known for his astute player evaluation and commitment to building a competitive roster, Holmes’ efforts have begun to bear fruit, with the Lions showing signs of improvement and reestablishing themselves as a force in the NFC North. However, there’s still work to be done. One area that remains a potential point of weakness is the Lions’ pass rush, particularly at the edge rusher position. Holmes has done a great job addressing various needs through free agency and the draft, but if he can secure a top-tier edge rusher on Day 2 of the upcoming NFL Draft, it could further cement his reputation as one of the league’s most effective talent evaluators and builders.
The importance of the edge rusher position cannot be overstated in the modern NFL. With passing attacks becoming more potent and offensive lines becoming more refined, the ability to pressure the quarterback is often the key to success. Quarterback pressure is disruptive, creating sacks, hurries, and forced errors, all of which can drastically affect the outcome of a game. For the Detroit Lions, who have struggled at times to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, finding a solution to this problem is critical. Holmes has done well to address other areas of the team, but a dynamic, game-changing edge rusher could take this defense to the next level.
One of the reasons why securing an edge rusher on Day 2 of the draft is so significant is the value that can be found in this part of the draft. In many instances, Day 1 is reserved for the consensus top players, often quarterbacks, skill position players, or premier offensive linemen. As a result, top-tier edge rushers may be selected early in the first round, but history has shown that plenty of high-quality pass rushers are still available in the second and third rounds. It’s important to note that the NFL Draft is not a perfect science, and while top-10 picks are generally more likely to pan out, there are still plenty of diamonds in the rough.
Holmes has already shown his ability to unearth talent on Day 2 of the draft. His selection of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round of the 2021 draft is a perfect example of how Holmes has an eye for finding value in the mid-rounds. St. Brown has blossomed into one of the most reliable and productive receivers on the roster, far exceeding expectations for a fourth-round pick. His ability to identify players who may not be viewed as first-round talents but have the potential to excel at the NFL level speaks to Holmes’ draft acumen.
If Holmes can apply the same approach to the edge rusher position, he could find a player who provides immediate impact and becomes a cornerstone of the defense for years to come. There are a few key elements that make this endeavor realistic for the Lions. First and foremost, the NFL Draft has evolved over the years, with edge rushers often being found at various points in the draft. The pool of edge rushers in any given draft class is deep, with different players bringing unique skill sets to the table. Some are explosive athletes who can bend the edge and get after the quarterback, while others are stronger, more physical players capable of overpowering offensive linemen. By selecting a player who fits the team’s needs and defensive philosophy, Holmes could fill the void at edge rusher with a player who can make an immediate impact.
Beyond just finding a talented player, Holmes also has the benefit of an improved roster around the edge rusher position. The Lions’ defensive line, while still a work in progress, has shown signs of growth. Players like Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, and Isaiah Buggs have the potential to be disruptive on the interior, and this could create opportunities for an edge rusher to thrive. A strong interior defensive line helps collapse the pocket, allowing edge rushers to attack the quarterback with more space and fewer blockers. The synergy between the interior and exterior rushers is crucial for creating consistent pressure, and adding a quality edge rusher on Day 2 could complete this unit.
Additionally, the Lions’ coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, has shown an ability to develop players and get the most out of their talent. Glenn, who has experience as both a defensive back and a defensive coordinator, has been tasked with improving the Lions’ defense, and his ability to scheme pressure is critical. While the Lions have struggled at times to generate consistent pass rush, they have made strides, and adding a talented edge rusher would give Glenn another tool to use in his defensive arsenal. The Lions already have a strong secondary, and pairing that with a potent pass rush could create a defense that is capable of causing chaos for opposing quarterbacks.
Another factor to consider is the current state of the NFC North. The division has long been known for its physicality and ground-and-pound style of play, but in recent years, the balance has shifted more toward the passing game. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears all feature quarterbacks who can make plays with their arm, and all of them are capable of taking advantage of a defense that can’t generate consistent pressure. If the Lions want to compete for the division title and potentially make a deep playoff run, they need to be able to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. This is where a dynamic edge rusher could make a significant difference, as they would be tasked with getting after quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Kirk Cousins, and Jordan Love (or whoever is under center for Green Bay).
The Lions’ defensive line as a whole has been better in recent years, but they’ve still had trouble finishing off plays. While they have been able to generate some pressure, they have not been able to consistently take down quarterbacks. This is where a top-tier edge rusher would change the game. Whether it’s a speed rusher who can bend around the edge or a physical specimen who can overpower blockers, a proven pass rusher would give the Lions defense the final piece it needs to become elite.
The potential upside of finding a standout edge rusher on Day 2 of the draft is immense. The Lions have the ability to develop a young, dynamic player who could be a fixture on the defensive line for years to come. It is also worth noting that edge rushers, even those drafted outside of the first round, can make an immediate impact. There are countless examples of second- and third-round edge rushers who have gone on to have long, productive careers. Whether it’s players like Shaquil Barrett, Maxx Crosby, or Yannick Ngakoue, these players all entered the NFL as Day 2 selections and have made significant contributions to their teams. With proper development and a good fit within the defense, a Day 2 edge rusher could not only provide immediate help but also become a long-term solution for the Lions.
If Brad Holmes is able to secure a top edge rusher in the upcoming draft, it would further solidify his legacy as a general manager. His ability to identify and select talent in the draft has already been proven, and adding a premier pass rusher to the defense would be another example of his skill as a team builder. The Lions’ defense would be better equipped to compete with some of the top offenses in the league, and the entire roster would benefit from the added pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The path to securing a top edge rusher on Day 2 is not without its challenges. It will require Holmes to continue his excellent scouting and evaluation, as well as his ability to find players who can make an immediate impact. But with the Lions in a position of strength, with an improved roster and a solid coaching staff, the opportunity is there for Holmes to make another move that could define the franchise for years to come. If he can find that elusive edge rusher on Day 2, it would represent another step in the Lions’ journey toward becoming a legitimate contender in the NFC. The future is bright, and a top edge rusher could be the missing piece that elevates the team to the next level.
