As the second week of 2026 NFL free agency unfolds, the Detroit Lions find themselves in an intriguing position with their edge rushers. Currently, they have Aidan Hutchinson, Ahmed Hassanein, and potentially Tyler Lacy, depending on how you interpret the depth chart.
The Lions haven't made any splashy moves to bolster their edge rushing lineup, and GM Brad Holmes might argue that such moves are easier said than done. However, completely overlooking the position when it's clear they need more depth and talent is a risky play.
At this stage, the Lions might be sifting through the remaining free agents to find an edge rusher. Even if they snag someone from the available pool, turning to the draft for a solid partner for Hutchinson seems inevitable.
Holmes has a chance to set things right if the perfect draft pick comes their way.
The Lions hold the No. 17 overall pick and could opt for the best available edge rusher. However, it's crucial they don't reach just to fill a need. If they wait, grabbing the best edge player in the second round seems like a strong possibility.
After the initial free agency wave, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski connected some underrated draft prospects with their ideal teams. Naturally, he linked an edge rusher to the Lions.
"Danielle Hunter serves as a model for a prospect who grows into a top NFL pass-rusher. Odafe Oweh, who didn't record a single sack in his final college season, became a first-round pick and just inked a $100 million deal. Malachi Lawrence boasts impressive physical tools and was more productive in college, even if not from a powerhouse program."
"The UCF standout notched 12 sacks over the past two seasons. For comparison, Hunter and Oweh had 11.5 sacks combined in college.
Lawrence earned first-team All-Big 12 honors last year with a career-high seven sacks. While his stats aren't jaw-dropping, his impact was evident."
The comparisons to Hunter and Oweh are fitting for Lawrence. He topped the Athleticism Score among edge rushers at the NFL Combine, and his 9.90 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) ranks 22nd among over 2,000 evaluated edge rushers since 1987.
Lawrence's Combine performance might see him drafted before the Lions' second-round pick at No. 50. Currently, they lack the draft capital to trade up for him.
Yet, if Holmes doesn't bring in a known name soon, he can make amends by selecting Lawrence at No. 50, should he still be available.