The Detroit Lions have likely set up their draft board behind the scenes, and one of the most important position groups to watch will be defensive end.
Detroit still needs a pass rusher this offseason. Having not added an external veteran to the mix despite looking around, that means there is likely to be a draft pick at the position fairly early in 2025. Depending on what happens, though, a different position could certainly be on the radar in the first-round.
If that is the case, can the Lions find a value down the board at edge in the second-round? The answer could be yes according to Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski. In looking at several alternatives at every position in the draft, Sobleski identified some of the top pass rushers that could fall down the board. In his mind, Princely Umanmielen represents a top alternative.
"Edge-rushers are hard to peg because their value usually runs higher than their tape indicates, and the NFL will overlook certain deficiencies if a prospect has the traits to be a consistent pass-rusher."
"Donovan Ezeiruaku is an excellent example. The B/R Scouting Department has the nation's second-leading sack artist firmly graded as a second-round talent."
"The Boston College product is not an explosive athlete and needs to be better against the run, but he's a smooth pass-rusher who knows how to get to opposing quarterbacks. As a result, he could end up in the first round."
"Similarly, Ole Miss' Princely Umanmielen has the physical traits teams are searching for and the upward trajectory to project him as a double-digit sack artist at the next level. He posted a 91.5 pass-rush grade and 22 percent win rate last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He also needs to improve against the run."
The edge rusher class has been touted as deep this year, which is great news for the Lions. Theoretically, it could allow them to employ a best player available strategy in the first-round, selecting a player from a position they may perceive as a bigger need that is not as deep.
In this scenario, the Lions would be lucky to land either Ezeiruaku or Umanmielen in the second-round. interestingly, Umanmielen represents a fantastic fit for the franchise.
Princely Umanmielen offers Detroit Lions another underrated fit down draft board
The Lions could choose to look at another position early in the draft, which would allow them to wait and see who slips down the board in the second-round. There are likely to be plenty of potential options. In that scenario, though, Umanmielen could represent the best fit for the franchise given his tools and traits.
While playing in college, Umanmielen put up 136 tackles and 25.5 sacks. He came on strongest suiting up for Ole Miss in 2024, where he posted 37 tackles, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. At 6 foot 4, Umanmielen has the kind of size that the Lions will like in an edge rusher. His strong senior year shows that he is ready to take the next step when he gets to the NFL.
As the draft process concludes, it may be wisest to remember the underrated names at defensive end. It's a deep position, and the Lions could get an elite player like Umanmielen further down the board than in a normal draft year.