In Bucky Brooks’ latest mock draft for NFL.com, the Detroit Lions are projected to make a significant move to bolster their defense. With the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions are expected to select EDGE Mike Green from Marshall.
Pass Rush Still a Major Need for Lions
Brooks notes that the Lions’ lack of pass rush down the stretch of the 2024 season could prompt general manager Brad Holmes to invest heavily in strengthening this critical area. “The lack of a pass rush down the stretch could prompt general manager Brad Holmes to invest heavily in this area, giving Aidan Hutchinson some support once he returns to health,” Brooks writes.
Hutchinson, who missed a large portion of the 2024 season with a fractured leg, is expected to return to full health by the start of the 2025 season. While Hutchinson is undoubtedly one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, it’s clear that the Lions can’t rely on him to carry the entire load. Adding a dynamic pass rusher like Mike Green would allow the Lions to significantly improve their defensive line and provide Hutchinson with the support he needs to excel.
Why Mike Green Could Be the Answer
Green, a natural quarterback hunter, is rapidly emerging as a top talent in the draft. With his speed and ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Green is an ideal fit for the Lions’ defense. Brooks highlights Green’s potential, noting that the young pass rusher is a force to be reckoned with and would be an asset to any team needing a boost in the pass-rush department.
For the Lions, Green could be the missing piece to create a more formidable defensive line, complementing Hutchinson and helping to take the team’s defense to the next level in the 2025 season. The addition of a player like Green would address one of the biggest needs on the roster and could have an immediate impact on the field.
As the 2025 draft approaches, Detroit will be keeping a close eye on how their pass rush develops and whether they can land the playmaker that will elevate their defense. Green’s selection would certainly go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.
