Brad Holmes addresses Detroit Lions' lack of edge rusher pick in NFL draft

Three rounds have come and gone for the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL draft and the team has yet to address its biggest offseason need at edge rusher.

With their first-round pick, the Lions opted to take defensive lineman Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State. Then, in the second and third rounds, the Lions took Georgia guard Tate Ratledge and Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, respectively with the latter being one of the more surprising picks in this year's draft.

While the Lions had needs along the defensive line and at guard, their need at wide receiver paled in comparison to the one along the edge, where the Lions still don't have a starting-caliber player across from Aidan Hutchinson. Also, Detroit needs more depth.

As you'd expect, general manager Brad Holmes was asked about the lack of an edge rusher pick through three rounds when he took the podium on Friday night.

"I wouldn't say it's a disappointment because we got guys we love," he said, before noting that the team tried to trade up for an EDGE, but it simply didn't work out. "We picked the highest-rated player, regardless of position."

"We're not gonna chase a position," Holmes added. "The guy has to be a good player that we love."

With no new edge rusher over the first three rounds, the Lions are going to be fully dependent on free agency and/or a trade to address their need.

Ideally, the Lions trade for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, but don't hold your breath for that after Holmes revealed last month that the team couldn't even afford Za'Darius Smith's $11 million or so salary.

Holmes has previously left the door open for a reunion with Smith, but Smith may have to take a pay cut in order for that to happen. Considering he wasn't OK with that the first time around, we wouldn't suspect that anything has changed.

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