The Detroit Lions are set to enter the 2025 NFL draft with a major need along the edge, where the team doesn't have an adequate starting or long-term option across from Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions had a solid starting option in Za'Darius Smith, but the team decided to cut him earlier this offseason, with general manager Brad Holmes admitting the team couldn't afford his $11 million or so salary in 2025.
Detroit did manage to re-sign Marcus Davenport, but he's no more than a shaky depth piece with his injury history.
With their lackluster situation on the edge, the Lions should have their sights set on an edge rusher in the 2025 NFL draft. Pro Football Focus' Josh Liskiewitz has the Lions taking one in a mock that sees Detroit trade up six spots in the first round with the Los Angeles Chargers to draft versatile Georgia linebacker, Jalon Walker.
- Lions receive: Pick No. 22 (Jalon Walker)
- Chargers receive: Pick Nos. 28 and 130
"Walker — a pass rusher with elite potential who can also play off the ball and, by all accounts, is of extremely high character — is an obvious Lions target. He recorded a 17.2% pass-rush win rate at Georgia last year and is expected to be selected much earlier than 22nd overall in the actual 2025 NFL Draft," Liskiewitz wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
According to the trade value chart, the Lions actually get the better of this deal, as their picks are worth 78 points less than Los Angeles' No. 22 overall selection.
Walker, who tallied 12.5 sacks over the last three seasons, including a personal best 6.5 in 2024, is a versatile defender who can play along the edge and as a traditional inside linebacker, although he should do most of his work off the edge at the next level. Walker has also been lauded for his high-quality character.
"Overall, Walker has all the physical tools needed to be a premier and impactful edge rusher. He also appears to possess the right mentality and temperament to become a culture-changer in an NFL locker room," The Draft Network's Keith Sanchez wrote.
As Liskiewitz notes, the vast majority of projections have Walker coming off the board earlier than this, so there's a good chance he won't be around in this spot. However, if Walker is, it's conceivable the Lions will get aggressive to land him.