The Detroit Lions haven’t selected an edge rusher in the first round of the NFL Draft since Aidan Hutchinson. Over the last four years, the Lions have mostly paired Hutchinson with veteran free agents.
On Monday, though, ESPN’s Matt Miller argued why Detroit should strongly consider investing their top pick in edge rusher again.
In his latest mock draft released this week, Miller slotted Auburn DE Keldric Faulk to the Lions at No. 17.
“Frequent readers of mock drafts know that the Lions are often projected to use high picks on pass-rushing defensive linemen to draw attention away from Aidan Hutchinson. They’ve resisted that urge in recent drafts, picking run-stopping defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round last year. But this could be the time for the Lions to finally add a defensive end with the talent to draw attention from both interior linemen and offensive tackles,” wrote Miller.
“Faulk has the versatility to play inside or outside at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, and the power he generates would keep offensive lines honest. His two sacks last season were a disappointment after a seven-sack campaign in 2024, but Faulk has fans around the league who see him as an ideal hybrid defensive lineman.”
Faulk was the fourth edge rusher off the board in Miller’s newest mock. PFF’s Trevor Sikkema and BR also have Faulk as a top 20 prospect in the upcoming class.
Lions Predicted to Complement Aidan Hutchinson With ‘Ideal’ High Upside DE in 2026