The Detroit Lions are reportedly still in the market for a defensive end, but do they have an even bigger need right now?
With the recent report from the Detroit Free Press that the Detroit Lions are still reportedly in the market for a defensive end , it got me thinking a little bit. Is that even the biggest need for the Lions right now?
All offseason, the talk has been about adding a defensive end. Some of that discussion has been warranted. It is hard to trust Marcus Davenport to stay healthy this year, even though his injury last year was fluky and he represents the exact kind of player they want opposite Aidan Hutchinson. However, I do believe some of that conversation was inflated by moves that may have appeared possible at one point, but were never going to happen—like trading for Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, Shermar Stewart, etc.
And if you look at the Lions’ current situation, it could be argued that defensive tackle is actually a bigger need right now. With Levi Onwuzurike out for the year, Alim McNeill likely out for at least a month, and Mekhi Wingo’s return to be right around the start of the season, Detroit could see their defensive tackle room look something like this in Week 1: DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Pat O’Connor, and Roy Lopez. That means Detroit would likely have to start their first-round rookie, and their depth would be shaky. Beyond that, we’re talking players like Chris Smith, Raequan Williams, and UDFA Keith Cooper.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Which is a bigger need for the Lions: DT or EDGE?
My answer: I think it’s defensive tackle, but it’s very close. Obviously, if the Lions can get McNeill and Wingo back by mid-October, they’ll just have to weather the storm for six weeks or so, and they’ll at least be okay for the rest of the season. Still, though, I don’t see a lot of pass rush juice in that room. Wingo showed some flashes last year, but he’s still young, developmental, and he’ll be coming in cold with no training camp. McNeill can help in that department, but what percentage of himself is he going to be after a torn ACL? There is hope Williams can develop that part of his game, but how long will that take? Given the way the roster is set up for 2025, I don’t really have much optimism about the Lions creating interior pressure.
On the EDGE, there is at least some hope. If Davenport can stay healthy (yes, a big “if”), that solves a lot of Detroit’s problems. They’ll eventually get Josh Paschal back to help both the interior and edge. And, honestly, I’ve seen enough promising things from players like Nate Lynn and Isaac Ukwu to believe those players could step into rotational roles right now and be okay. And let’s not forget the likes of Al-Quadin Muhammad—who played well in spurts last year—and rookie Ahmed Hassanein—who is certainly developmental, but has the will to hit his ceiling.
This question doesn’t really have to be an either/or situation. The Lions could stand to upgrade both rooms. I just think defensive tackle doesn’t get enough attention.