5 later-round edge rushers the Detroit Lions could target in 2022 NFL Draft

2. Micheal Clemons, DE, Texas A&M

Clemons had a good final season at Texas A&M, with seven sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss. Chris Trappaso of CBS Sports pointed to his immediate readiness to play heading into the combine.

"Clemons looks like he’s already been in an NFL strength and conditioning program. While he may not have 15-sack upside, he’s ready to play on the edge in the pros tomorrow, and his measurements and workout should indicate that to everybody."

At a glance, Clemons has shades of Trey Flowers in his physical profile and game. For an added Lions’ tie, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has Romeo Okwara as the comp.

1. DeAngelo Malone, OLB/DE, Western Kentucky

Malone is one of “my guys” down the board in this year’s draft. A two-time Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year (2019 and 2021), he quite simply creates negative plays for offenses (48.5 tackles for loss and 25 sacks over his final three seasons at Western Kentucky).

Malone is a little light (243 pounds), and concerns about his level of competition in college will be too obvious. But the scouting report from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com points to strength at the point of attack that belies that lack of heft, and he could be scheme-versatile as an outside linebacker/edge guy in a 3-4 or an outside linebacker in a 4-3. In any case the Lions should be intrigued no matter here, regardless of what else they do to add (or retain) edge rushers.