In recent years, whenever the topic has come up (and it has come up a lot), Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has lamented just how hard it is to acquire another good edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
Lions fans aren't necessarily asking for a massive move to add another good edge rusher, like trading for Maxx Crosy or Myles Garrett. But it would be nice to see something more bold than signing Marcus Davenport, D.J. Wonnum, Payton Turner etc., or using a sixth-round pick and wishcasting it to turn out.
But Holmes would rather get defiant to Detroit media members that ask him about the perceived lack of priority on adding a more reliable second edge rusher. This offseason, he found a catchphrase to outline the excuse for not signing someone above Wonnum or Turner ("financial constraints") and used an hour-long podcast interview to get that message out there.
New mock draft would have Brad Holmes sending a covert message to a segment of Detroit Lions fans
In his latest mock draft, Emmett Matasovsky of SI.com has the Lions taking Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 17 overall. At No. 50 overall, the pick was an edge rusher who is easy for Lions' fans to clamor for.
"Round 2, Pick 50—EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF"
"Lawrence is a player who has been gaining some momentum in draft circles, and he provides an intriguing option in Detroit. With 19.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss over his last three seasons at UCF, Lawrence is a destructive force."
"He has improved each of the last three seasons, with a career-high 40 pressures during his last season in college. With his size, he could be an intriguing candidate to bump out to linebacker during camp. He did not have to play coverage much in college, with less than 40 career snaps."
The Lions don't currently have a third-round pick this year, but in the fourth round at pick No. 118 overall Matasovsky had them double-dipping already.
"Round 4, Pick 118 – EDGE Mikail Kamara, Indiana"
"Kamara is a player who has the heart and ability that matches with Detroit perfectly. Kamara followed Curt Cignetti from James Madison and burst onto the scene with the Hoosiers in 2024, with 10 sacks and 15 TFL."
"His numbers took a massive step back last season, with only a pair of sacks, dropping his draft stock. However, his pressure numbers remained high, and the Hoosier was a dominant force on the field during the run to a National Title, including blocking a punt in the championship game."
READ MORE: Lions' pick at 17th overall could be a lead-pipe lock if latest intel is true
After a cornerback (Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin), an offensive tackle (Isaiah World, Oregon) a quarterback (Cade Klubnik, Clemson) and an offensive lineman (Matt Gulbin, Michigan State), Matasovsky seemingly went with the best player available at pick 213 in the sixth round.
"Round 6, Pick 213—EDGE George Gumbs Jr., Florida"
"Another EDGE selection for Detroit, this one being the most athletic of the trio in George Gumbs Jr. The Gator started his career at Northern Illinois as a tight end, but moved to the defensive side of the ball and fought his way into the SEC."
"Gumbs recorded five sacks in 2024, but only 2.5 last year. However, he has the athleticism and newness to the position that gives the rangy prospect a high ceiling, which is what general managers and coaches are looking for in the later rounds of the draft."
Over five previous drafts as Lions' general manager, Holmes has taken three edge rushers and two of them were in the same draft (Hutchinson and Josh Paschal). Three in a single draft would be something regardless, but it would definitely have a "you asked for it, here it is" vibe from Holmes if it comes to fruition later this month.