Lions predicted to draft 6'4, 17-sack edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions won't have many holes to fill when they enter the 2025 offseason thanks to having one of the best rosters in the league. But, there is at least one area where they clearly need to make an addition.

That area is at edge rusher, where the Lions will need depth for 2025, and a long-term solution to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson, as veteran Za'Darius Smith is 32 years old and is only under contract for one more season.

With that in mind, The Athletic's Dane Brugler sees the Lions selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton at the end of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's Brugler's analysis of the projected selection:

"There should be a few options for the Lions to add key depth at edge rusher late in Round 1," he wrote. "Scourton has mostly Day 2 draft grades around the league, but he projects as a starter because of his ability to wear down blockers with a motor that doesn’t quit — something Dan Campbell (a former Aggie himself) would appreciate."

Scourton posted five sacks and 36 pressures during the 2024 campaign. The 2023 season was his best, though, as he posted a personal best of 10 sacks. In all, he finished his collegiate career with 17 sacks.

The Texas A&M product also offers plus run defense, as The Draft Network's Keith Sanchez pointed out in his scouting report. Sanchez considers Scourton a Day 2 pick but labels him a "winning starter."

“Nic Scourton is a powerful edge rusher who can consistently set the edge against the run while also making an impact rushing the quarterback," Sanchez wrote.

While the end of the first round might be too early to take Scourton based on the projections of some experts, we can never rule out the Lions being aggressive in landing Scourton if they really like him, so taking him at the end of Round 1 certainly isn't out of the question.

With Smith expected back in 2025, the Lions can afford to bring Scourton along slowly and have him serve as depth in Year 1.

After that, Scourton will hopefully be ready to take on the starting role opposite Hutchinson, and if he thrives, the Lions will be set along the edge for years to come, at least when it comes to their starters.