The Detroit Lions failed to get over the hump to their first Super Bowl in 2024 after a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Washington Commanders. Now, general manager Brad Holmes will look to reload for another run in 2025.
One of the top priorities for the Lions this offseason is beefing up the pass rush. The Lions have a fantastic foundation with Aidan Hutchinson, but Marcus Davenport is likely gone and Za’Darius Smith is a possible cap casualty.
Even if Smith returns, he’s going to be 33 this year and only has one more year left on his current contract. So, on top of possibly needing a starter and more depth for next season, the Lions also need a long-term solution opposite Hutchinson.
With that in mind, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso predicts the Lions will use their No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to grab Smith’s eventual replacement in Marshall edge rusher Mike Green.
“Green needs to add weight and power to his game — the rest of his profile looks first-round caliber,” Trapasso wrote. “The burst and flattening ability are tremendous.”
Green exploded onto the scene as one of the premier pass-rushers in college football in 2024 with 17 sacks, which was the most in the FBS. His breakout campaign should garner first-round consideration for the Marshall product, although The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler sees him as a Day 2 talent.
“Overall, Green is a highly productive and intriguing prospect who currently projects as an immediate contributor to an NFL defense,” Fowler wrote in his scouting report for Green. “His ability as a pass rusher paints an initial picture of his potential for production, but his athletic profile inside a creative defensive structure will allow Green to make an impact in a variety of ways.”
Drafting Green would check multiple boxes for the Lions.
Not only can he serve as the much-needed depth the Lions are looking for in 2025, he can also be the heir-apparent to Smith, who we think the Lions will hold on to barring general manager Brad Holmes being able to make a massive splash via trade or free agency.
Landing in Detroit would be ideal for Green, who would have much more time to get acclimated to the NFL game thanks to having a pair of veterans in front of him.
Considering his draft history, it’s always very difficult to predict what Brad Holmes will do in any spot. But it’s safe to assume he’s going to have his eye on edge rushers early on in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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