The Detroit Lions still have a major question as it relates to their pass rush according to PFF, and a summer signing of a veteran player is needed to address the problem.
The Detroit Lions have addressed several of their offseason needs between free agency and the draft. But it’s impossible to check off every need in a significant way.
Pro Football Focus’ Zoltan Buday took a closer look at the top remaining question facing each team after the draft. For the Lions, it might be easy to predict.
With the Lions offense remaining intact, the team focused only on defense this offseason, and justifiably so. But while the additions at cornerback should have a significant impact, it is to be seen whether star edge defender Aidan Hutchinson got enough help in the pass-rushing department.”
“Detroit signed veteran interior defender D.J. Reader, but he is coming off a season-ending injury. Meanwhile, Marcus Davenport is trying to revive his career following a disappointing season in Minnesota.”
Adding Reader will help the Lions’ defensive front in multiple ways, and Davenport is expected to have a healthy resurgence. In the draft Mekhi Wingo was added, and he should be able to help. After missing most of last season, James Houston is practically a fresh addition to the mix off the edge.
Emmanuel Ogbah might be the best choice. In a limited role for the Dolphins last season (246 snaps), he had 5.5 sacks with 20 pressures (according to PFF). Before missing eight games in 2022, he had back-to-back seasons with nine sacks in 2020 and 2021. He missed the Chiefs’ postseason run in 2019, but he did get a ring and had 5.5 sacks in 10 games that season.
Whoever they may choose, the Lions should be looking for a veteran edge rusher to answer their remaining question on the defensive side of the ball.
