As the draft process winds to a close, mock projections have begun to tighten when it comes to the Detroit Lions. Most expect the team will select a guard or a defensive end with pick No. 28.
While the Lions have cast a wide net in the pre-draft process, it seems more likely that the franchise will prioritize the trenches when they hit the clock. In the lead up to the draft, there's been a discussion about some underrated areas of need that the team may decide to target.
Pro Football Focus and Dalton Wasserman put together a surprise mock draft, and when it came to Detroit's pick, they had South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders as the move thanks to his pass rush abilities from the middle of the line.
"It’s widely expected that Detroit will target edge help early in the draft, but if no edge prospect stands out at No. 28, they could pivot to the interior. South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders, who earned an 81.9 pass-rush grade in 2024, offers disruptive ability from the inside and could be a strong complement to D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill. He may start as a passing-down specialist but has the tools to grow into an every-down contributor."
In a four-year career with the Gamecocks, Sanders put up 9.5 sacks, 109 tackles and 18 tackles for-loss. Those numbers prove how active he can be up front, and would help the Lions achieve another level of versatility with their defensive line.
Alim McNeill's injury situation may press Detroit Lions into drafting defensive tackle
This offseason, the Lions have already upgraded the middle of their defense. Detroit signed the underrated Roy Lopez to beef up the interior, and with that move in mind, it wouldn't be a shock to see another player added to the group.
Arguably the biggest reason this is the case? McNeill's injury situation. Late last season, Detroit's top defensive tackle was lost to a torn ACL, and it doesn't seem likely he will be ready for training camp. While the Lions have tackle depth, adding one of the top interior prospects in the draft with pass rush ability could change things for everyone, allowing a buffer for the start of the season.
Brad Holmes discussed his additions along the defensive line this offseason, and while he seemed happy with the moves thus far, he left the door open for another addition to boost the group's overall depth.
"We feel good where we're at. To be able to get (Roy) Lopez, he's more of a first and second down run defender. To able to have him and still have a DJ Reader, we feel pretty good. We're actually getting kind of heavy on the defensive line. Not saying that any position would be ignored, but so far, I feel like we've had success and we're going to continue to field depth because I think you saw last year how important that part is."
With the defensive end class one of the deepest in recent memory and Holmes always looking for competition, it's wise to remember how a player like Sanders could boost the interior when the draft comes along.