The Detroit Lions have plenty of diverse needs to fill in the draft, but arguably, the spot fans should be focused on primarily is defensive end.
It's a very deep draft class at pass rusher, which is great news for Detroit given they could use another difference maker to pressure the quarterback. The first-round is likely to see multiple players selected, and a pair of interesting talents could be available later than expected due to injury concerns.
ESPN insiders Field Yates and Matt Miller included two nuggets in a piece recapping the latest draft buzz (paywall) that could impact the Lions directly. Yates reports that Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell could slide into the late first-round due to his ongoing labrum recovery.
"Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell's labrum recovery is something teams are still sizing up," writes Yates. "It's not because the injury is complex or an overly concerning procedure, but Campbell had the surgery right after the combine. Teams are still working to get as much information as they can about how ready Campbell will be for training camp or even the regular season. At full strength, I believe he's a top-20 player in this class, but don't be surprised if he slides into the late first or early second round."
Not only is Campbell a player to watch for the Lions, but Georgia edge Mykel Williams is as well. Miller believes that due to an inconsistent pre-draft process fueled mostly by health questions, Williams could also fall into the area where Detroit selects in the first-round.
"Edge rusher Mykel Williams played through an ankle injury suffered early in the season and told reporters at the combine he was at 60% in-season. Williams' disappointing showing at Georgia's pro day, which included a 4.75-second time in the 40, has scouts wondering just how healthy he is right now. Williams was expected to rise throughout the predraft process because of his athletic tools, but his range is all over the place. The latest intel says he's likely to be selected in the final third of the first round."
The presence of either player on the board when the Lions pick would be a big development. The Lions need to have the chance at selecting as many elite talents as possible.
Detroit Lions could be in perfect position to catch a break with injured pass rushers
The Lions have been in uncharted territory picking later in the draft, but with this challenge comes opportunity. Much like last season when cornerback Terrion Arnold slipped down the board allowing Detroit to trade up, the franchise could be prepared to catch another break with either injured SEC star.
Both Campbell and Williams wouldn't be rumored to slide if they didn't have health questions dogging their draft viability. While the Lions haven't made a big-ticket offseason acquisition at edge, they have Aidan Hutchinson returning from injury as well as a motivated Marcus Davenport and an evolving threat in Levi Onwuzurike. That could be enough depth to allow the Lions to take a gamble on a sliding talent.
If Brad Holmes doesn't like either Campbell or Williams, the Lions can still benefit from their presence on the board. It's possible that other teams will covet the players and potentially offer a premium to select them and prevent a slide into the second-round. In that scenario, the team could add draft selections while still possibly getting a player they like.
Either way, this update about the already deep edge position is fantastic news for the Lions. It shows why the 2025 draft is likely to offer Detroit plenty of options.