The Lions are expected to select a 6’4 and 17-sack edge rusher in the draft to run alongside Aidan Hutchinson.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, teams are continually looking to enhance their roster, and the Detroit Lions are no exception. After a promising 2022 season, the Lions made significant strides toward building a competitive squad. As they look toward the 2023 NFL Draft and beyond, their defense remains a top priority, especially the edge rusher position. Pairing a dominant edge rusher with Aidan Hutchinson, who was selected second overall in the 2022 draft, would give the Lions a fearsome duo capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks for years to come.
This article will explore why selecting a 6’4, 17-sack edge rusher in the draft could be the right move for the Lions, how it complements Hutchinson’s skill set, and the broader implications for the defense.
The Lions’ Defensive Needs
The Detroit Lions’ defense has long been a weak point for the franchise, and while there has been improvement, especially under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, there’s still a lot of work to be done. The Lions finished 2022 with one of the worst pass defenses in the league, and despite Hutchinson’s stellar performance in his rookie season, it was clear that the team needed another pass rusher to complement him.
Hutchinson showed flashes of greatness as a rookie, finishing with 9.5 sacks and 52 pressures. His relentless motor and ability to disrupt plays made him an instant leader on the defensive line. However, the Lions’ defense, as a whole, struggled to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The addition of a second elite pass rusher would drastically improve the Lions’ pass rush and overall defensive play.
Adding a 6’4, 17-sack edge rusher would provide the Lions with a dynamic pairing that would make them a legitimate threat to quarterbacks in the NFC North and beyond. This prospect would bring elite athleticism, pass-rush ability, and high-level playmaking that could elevate the Lions’ defense to the next level.
Why a 6’4, 17-Sack Edge Rusher?
When discussing edge rushers in the NFL, size, strength, and speed are all crucial factors. The ideal edge rusher in today’s game needs to possess the physical tools to overpower offensive linemen, the agility to change direction quickly, and the motor to chase down quarterbacks from every angle.
A 6’4 frame is the perfect size for an edge rusher. This height provides the player with the leverage to engage offensive linemen effectively while also being tall enough to disrupt passing lanes and get their hands up in the quarterback’s line of sight. Additionally, a 6’4 player will have the length to create separation from blockers and the power to disengage from them when necessary.
The prospect of a 17-sack season is incredibly appealing, especially in a division like the NFC North, where teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have historically relied on solid offensive lines and strong quarterbacks. A pass rusher capable of producing those kinds of numbers has the potential to single-handedly alter the course of a game. If the Lions are able to select this caliber of player, they would be addressing one of their biggest defensive weaknesses.
Additionally, the 17-sack total suggests that this player has the ability to create chaos consistently. Whether it’s through straight-up pass rushes, spin moves, or utilizing a combination of speed and strength, this player is likely to be a game-changer for the Lions’ defensive front.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Role and How a 6’4, 17-Sack Edge Rusher Complements Him
Aidan Hutchinson had an impressive rookie year, showing that he is well on his way to becoming one of the league’s premier edge rushers. His combination of power, technique, and high football IQ made him a nightmare for offensive tackles across the league. Hutchinson’s relentless pursuit and ability to rush from both the outside and the interior of the line make him a versatile threat.
However, Hutchinson can only do so much on his own. He needs help. Double teams often stifle his impact, and while he still managed to rack up 9.5 sacks, he could have been even more dominant with another elite pass rusher alongside him. This is where the addition of a 6’4, 17-sack edge rusher comes into play.
With Hutchinson already drawing attention from offensive lines, a second elite pass rusher would force opponents to make tough decisions. If the Lions had another player capable of dominating the line of scrimmage, opposing offenses would have to account for both edge rushers, potentially opening up more opportunities for Hutchinson. The two players could feed off each other, combining their talents to apply relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
One of Hutchinson’s strengths is his ability to set up other rushers for success. He is very disciplined in his approach and has shown an ability to control the line of scrimmage while keeping his eyes on the quarterback. A 6’4, 17-sack edge rusher, with similar skill sets or a different approach, could capitalize on this by exploiting the attention Hutchinson garners. The complementary skill sets of the two would allow for dynamic pressure schemes and different angles of attack.
For instance, if the Lions were to line up both pass rushers on the same side of the line, the sheer force of their combined pressure could force the quarterback into the pocket or induce mistakes. Alternatively, the Lions could utilize stunts and twists to confuse offensive linemen and create mismatches.
The Importance of Pass Rush in the NFL
In the modern NFL, having a strong pass rush is paramount to success. Quarterbacks are the focal point of every offense, and disrupting their rhythm is one of the most effective ways to limit an offense’s effectiveness. The best pass rushers, such as Aaron Donald, T.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett, can take over games, affecting both the offensive line and the quarterback’s decision-making process.
For the Lions, pairing a 6’4, 17-sack edge rusher with Hutchinson would provide them with a formidable pass-rushing duo that could take pressure off the secondary. If the Lions can consistently pressure quarterbacks, it makes the job of their defensive backs much easier. A quarterback under duress is far more likely to make mistakes, and this could lead to more turnovers and fewer successful plays for opposing offenses.
Additionally, a strong pass rush creates more opportunities for the entire defense. When opposing quarterbacks are constantly under pressure, they are more likely to rush their throws, which can lead to errant passes and turnovers. A strong edge rusher can force quarterbacks to throw into coverage or take sacks, effectively stalling drives and giving the offense more opportunities to score.
Drafting Strategy and Fit
When looking at the NFL draft, selecting a player with the potential to dominate in the pass rush is a top priority for many teams, including the Lions. The 2023 NFL Draft will likely feature a number of talented edge rushers, and selecting a player who can immediately contribute is crucial. With Hutchinson already providing a solid foundation, adding a player with a proven track record of producing at a high level could accelerate the Lions’ defensive growth.
It’s important for the Lions to not just draft an edge rusher based on physical traits alone, but also on fit. They need someone who can adapt to their system, learn from veterans like Hutchinson, and contribute right away. A 6’4, 17-sack edge rusher with a high motor, excellent technique, and the ability to work within a scheme would be a perfect fit alongside Hutchinson.
Additionally, the timing is crucial. The Lions are in a position where they are building a competitive team, and the window for success is open. By drafting a dominant pass rusher now, they give themselves the best chance to compete for the NFC North title and ultimately make a deep playoff run.
The Lions’ Future Defense
The Detroit Lions are on the rise, and adding a 6’4, 17-sack edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson would be a massive step toward building a dominant defense. The Lions have already shown they can be competitive offensively, but to make the leap into contender status, their defense must improve. A pass rush that can consistently pressure quarterbacks will give the Lions a strong foundation to build on.
With Hutchinson and a talented new edge rusher, the Lions could form one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Not only would this improve their ability to disrupt opposing offenses, but it would also allow their secondary to excel in coverage and create turnovers. The selection of a top-tier edge rusher in the upcoming draft is a move that could pay dividends for years to come, setting the Lions up for sustained success and positioning them as legitimate contenders in the NFC.