This offseason, there's been just one hole for the Detroit Lions to address that they just plain haven't: their need for a second pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. It's necessary to add to their EDGE depth to both allow him to ease back into NFL action and to take the load off of him as he's coming off of a major leg injury.
Unfortunately, that's just not been a priority for Detroit - unless you count them drafting Boise State pass rusher Ahmed Hassanein. He could work his way up the depth chart and end up being their answer at this hole, but right now, it just looks like they're hoping Hutchinson can return to his pre-2024 injury form to make up for their lack at the position.
They also have another solution at their pass rush position sitting on their roster, although he's not exactly reliable: Marcus Davenport. The soon to be 29 year old veteran has dealt with a lot of injuries in his career, only playing in six total games over the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and Lions.
And yet, it seems like the Lions' coaching staff remains hopeful in his ability to not just bounce back, but to have a career year with Detroit. That seems pretty short sighted for a typically realistic unit.
Davenport expected to step up in a big way in 2025
In an interview with OnSI's John Maakaron, Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said that Davenport's only obstacle is staying healthy - his play, according to Sheppard, completely justifies a major investment from Detroit's coaching staff this season.
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"We all know the only obstacle for Davenport is the health and availability. It's never had anything to do with his play," Sheppard explained. "I'm talking about since he first hit the scene as a first-round pick for the Saints. It's never been his play, it's always been the availability piece. Like it is for every player. And he's had some setbacks in his career, but I've watched that player take no days off this offseason."
It'd be huge if Davenport could get back to the type of production he was giving with the New Orleans Saints early in his career, where he seasons with 4.5, six, and nine sacks. That's on par with what we saw from veteran Za'Darius Smith in 2024, so if he can replace his production on the line, that's saving Detroit money and a roster spot.
But, it just feels like a huge risk for them to take.