Mock Draft Roundup: Lions Target EDGE Complement for Hutchinson
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a roster brimming with promise, but like all NFL teams, they have a few holes to fill. One of the most glaring needs for the Lions is to further strengthen their pass rush, and the consensus in the mock draft world is that Detroit will look for an EDGE rusher who can complement the explosive Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson, the 2022 No. 2 overall pick, has already established himself as one of the league’s premier young pass rushers, but the Lions need a secondary force to create a more dynamic and relentless defensive line.
This roundup will explore various mock drafts that suggest different EDGE rusher options for the Lions, diving into potential fits, strengths, and why Detroit might target these players.
1. Jared Verse – Florida State
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 250 lbs
Jared Verse, a standout for Florida State, is one of the most frequently mocked players to Detroit in 2025. After transferring from Albany to Florida State, Verse’s raw power and athleticism were immediately evident, and he became one of the top EDGE prospects in the draft. What stands out most about Verse is his explosive first step, which allows him to quickly engage offensive tackles and disrupt the pocket. He’s also versatile, capable of playing both standing up and with his hand in the dirt, making him a great fit for Detroit’s defensive scheme.
Verse’s ability to create pressure without always needing to win with pure speed is a vital asset for the Lions. Paired with Hutchinson’s refined technique and relentless motor, Verse could offer a complementary skill set that allows the Lions to bring pressure from both edges. While Verse is still refining his pass-rush moves, his upside is undeniable, and his presence on the other side of Hutchinson could make the Lions’ defense much more formidable.
Why it makes sense for Detroit:
- Immediate pass-rush impact
- Ideal fit opposite Hutchinson
- High upside with room for further development
Fit in Detroit’s Defense:
Detroit runs a hybrid defensive front that values versatility. Verse would be able to line up in a variety of positions, from the traditional 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker in certain situations. His athleticism and ability to win with speed and power are key traits that would mesh well with Hutchinson’s technique-driven approach.
2. Myles Murphy – Clemson
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 275 lbs
Myles Murphy is one of the most physically gifted players in this draft class. At 6’5″ and 275 pounds, Murphy possesses the size, strength, and quickness that make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His 2024 season at Clemson showcased his ability to overwhelm offensive tackles with raw power and speed, while also displaying impressive hand technique to disengage from blockers. While Murphy isn’t the most polished prospect in terms of pass-rush moves, his natural athleticism and strength give him a high ceiling.
Murphy’s power at the point of attack would be an excellent complement to Hutchinson’s finesse and high motor. Murphy’s ability to collapse the pocket with his sheer size and strength would force quarterbacks into Hutchinson’s waiting arms. Moreover, the Lions could use Murphy on early downs to set the edge in the running game, making him an even more attractive pick.
Why it makes sense for Detroit:
- Provides power to complement Hutchinson’s finesse
- Strong against the run
- Ideal size and strength to contribute immediately
Fit in Detroit’s Defense:
Murphy would fit well in Detroit’s defense as an every-down edge rusher, capable of both pressuring the quarterback and setting the edge against the run. His ability to be a versatile weapon, especially in a 4-3 scheme, would allow the Lions to rotate him with Hutchinson and other pass rushers to keep fresh legs on the field.
3. Tyree Wilson – Texas Tech
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 275 lbs
Tyree Wilson is one of the most intriguing EDGE prospects in this draft. With a massive 6’6″, 275-pound frame, Wilson presents a combination of size, length, and athleticism that is rare among pass rushers. His length and ability to extend his arms and disengage from blockers make him a dangerous force in both the passing and running game. Wilson possesses a quick first step and the flexibility to turn the corner, traits that would be a perfect complement to Hutchinson’s style.
What separates Wilson from other EDGE prospects is his ability to convert speed to power. He can drive offensive tackles back into the pocket and create havoc in the backfield. If Detroit were to draft Wilson, they would gain another versatile rusher capable of dominating the edge and making plays in space.
Why it makes sense for Detroit:
- High-end length and athleticism
- Explosive first step
- Can immediately contribute to both the pass rush and run defense
Fit in Detroit’s Defense:
Wilson’s ability to both set the edge and generate pressure would make him an ideal fit in Detroit’s hybrid defense. With Hutchinson handling one edge, Wilson could come in as an equally dangerous counterpart, providing the Lions with a dynamic pass-rushing duo.
4. Nolan Smith – Georgia
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 238 lbs
Nolan Smith of Georgia is another high-ceiling prospect who would bring elite speed and explosiveness to the Detroit defensive front. Though slightly smaller than some of the other EDGE rushers in this draft, Smith’s ability to bend around the edge and turn the corner with unmatched flexibility is what makes him a top prospect. Smith has an elite first step and a relentless motor, making him a constant threat to quarterbacks in both pass-rush and coverage situations.
What stands out about Smith is his high football IQ and his ability to read plays quickly, which is vital for playing in a dynamic defense like Detroit’s. While he may not have the size of some of the other top EDGE prospects, his speed, intelligence, and relentless energy make him a perfect fit for a defense that thrives on versatility and pressure.
Why it makes sense for Detroit:
- Elite speed and flexibility
- High motor and football IQ
- Could contribute as a situational rusher or off-ball linebacker in certain schemes
Fit in Detroit’s Defense:
Smith would be a situational rusher in the Lions’ defense, especially on passing downs where his speed would be an asset. He could also contribute as a linebacker in coverage, adding another layer to Detroit’s pass-rush strategy. His versatility would allow defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to get creative with alignments.
5. B.J. Ojulari – LSU
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 250 lbs
B.J. Ojulari, the younger brother of NFL standout Azeez Ojulari, is a player who fits the mold of a modern, speed-based edge rusher. He has impressive quickness and is particularly dangerous when coming off the edge, where he uses his agility to get around offensive tackles. Ojulari’s skill set is one of a high-motor pass rusher who can win with speed, agility, and relentless pursuit.
Ojulari’s combination of burst and bend is exactly what the Lions need to complete their pass-rush rotation. While he may need to add more strength to his frame, Ojulari’s high ceiling as a pass rusher makes him an enticing option to pair with Hutchinson.
Why it makes sense for Detroit:
- Quick burst off the edge
- Can win with speed and agility
- High motor and potential for growth
Fit in Detroit’s Defense:
Ojulari would fit into Detroit’s defense as a rotational rusher who could contribute immediately in third-down situations and passing downs. His agility and bend would give the Lions a different type of pass-rushing threat compared to the power-oriented style of Hutchinson.
