The Detroit Lions have been in desperate need of a dominant edge-rusher for quite some time now. With their defense struggling to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, it’s no surprise that the team has been linked to top pass rushers in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, instead of making an expensive trade for players like Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby, the Lions should consider drafting an edge-rusher with elite upside.
Garrett and Crosby are undoubtedly talented players, but their price tags may be too high for the Lions to justify. Garrett, the first overall pick in the 2017 draft, has been a force for the Cleveland Browns, recording 42.5 sacks in just four seasons. Meanwhile, Crosby, a fourth-round pick in 2019, has already racked up 17 sacks for the Las Vegas Raiders. Both players have proven themselves to be elite pass rushers, but the Lions may not be able to afford the cost of acquiring them.
With that in mind, the Lions should turn their attention to the draft and focus on finding a young, talented edge-rusher with the potential to become the next Garrett or Crosby. And luckily for them, this year’s draft class is filled with promising pass rushers.
One name that stands out is Kwity Paye from the University of Michigan. Paye is a physical specimen, standing at 6’4” and 272 pounds with impressive speed and strength. He has shown flashes of dominance during his time with the Wolverines, recording 11.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in his last two seasons. Paye’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect with the potential to develop into a top-tier edge-rusher in the NFL.
Another player to keep an eye on is Jaelan Phillips from the University of Miami. Phillips has had a tumultuous college career, transferring from UCLA to Miami due to injuries and off-field issues. However, when he was on the field, he showed why he was once the number one recruit in the nation. In just one season with the Hurricanes, Phillips recorded 8 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, showcasing his explosiveness and pass-rushing abilities. If he can stay healthy and focused, Phillips has the potential to be a game-changing edge-rusher in the NFL.
The Lions could also look to the University of Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari, who has been rising up draft boards with his impressive performances. Ojulari is a relentless pass rusher with a quick first step and a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. He finished his college career with 15 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss, and his motor and work ethic make him an attractive prospect for any team in need of a pass rusher.
By drafting one of these young, talented edge-rushers, the Lions would not only save themselves from making an expensive trade, but they would also have the opportunity to develop a player with elite upside. These prospects have the potential to become the cornerstone of the Lions’ defense for years to come, and their impact could be felt immediately.
Furthermore, drafting an edge-rusher would also allow the Lions to address other needs in the draft, such as their secondary or offensive line. With the seventh overall pick, the Lions have the opportunity to add a game-changing player to their roster, and they should not pass up on that chance by making an expensive trade for a pass rusher.
In conclusion, while the idea of acquiring Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby may be tempting, the Lions would be better off drafting an edge-rusher with elite upside. The potential of young, talented players like Kwity Paye, Jaelan Phillips, and Azeez Ojulari is too great to ignore, and the Lions should take advantage of this deep draft class to address their need for a dominant edge-rusher. It’s time for the Lions to invest in their future and build a strong defense that can compete with the best in the league.
