The Detroit Lions have been among the best teams at the league at identifying and developing homegrown talent.
However, the looming contract extensions for the likes of safety Brian Branch, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and tight end Sam LaPorta, among others, have been roadblocks to general manager Brad Holmes and the Lions filling one of the most glaring needs on the roster with the kind of difference-making talent that could push the franchise through to a Super Bowl.
That could change during the NFL Draft.
NFL Draft 2026: Could the Lions finally add another elite pass rusher?
Detroit Lions, Brad Holmes, NFL Draft
Detroit Lions Executive Vice President & General Manager Brad Holmes speaks to the press about their season, how it ended and what’s next at the Detroit Lions headquarters and training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Even since Aidan Hutchinson’s arrival, the Lions have struggled to add a complementary pass rusher on the other side of the line, which seemingly has lowered the ceiling for Detroit.
NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks believes that the Lions may be ideally positioned to add another explosive homegrown edge rusher early in the draft, selecting Miami’s Akheem Mesidor with the No. 17 pick.
“The Lions need to find a complementary edge to alleviate some of the pass-rushing burden onAidan Hutchinson" data-link="/players/aidan-hutchinson/" data-slug="aidan-hutchinson">Aidan Hutchinson,” Brooks writes. “Despite his advanced age (turns 25 in April), Mesidor is perfect for the role as a high-motor defender with a loaded toolbox.”
Mesidor posted 12.5 sacks last season, and could have significant upside from there, in the Lions’ defensive scheme.
Landing a double-digit sack threat on a rookie scale would provide the elite production Detroit craves while preserving the long-term financial flexibility needed to keep their young core intact for a sustained championship window.
NFL Draft
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) signals teammates as he runs onto the field for a play against Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, November 2, 2025.