Feb. 28, 2026, 11:15 p.m. ET
The Detroit Lions were one of the first NFL organizations that ESPN and other national media outlets linked as a “natural would-be” trade contender for Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
With a reported Raiders asking price of multiple first-round picks and a player, that might be too steep for the Lions to pull the trigger on. But, the Lions’ perceived interest in a star pass rusher like Crosby speaks to Detroit’s need to add help opposite All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson.
NFL Network’s Charles Davis recently mocked Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor to the Lions with overall pick No. 17. That’s in line with another NFL Network mock draft from Daniel Jeremiah in January.
Mesidor could certainly be available for the Lions at pick No. 17 and Detroit’s NFL combine activity indicates some interest in the Hurricanes star. Per Crunch Time Sports, Mesidor revealed that he had a formal meeting with the Lions at the NFL combine.
The 6-foot-3, 259-pound edge rusher shared his admiration for Lions head coach Dan Campbell and said he would love to play for Campbell.
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“He reminds me a lot of coach (Corey) Hetherman. Very intense. So, it would be amazing to play under him,” Mesidor said.
Mesidor totaled 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles last season. The Ottawa, Ontario, native registered 5.5 sacks throughout the Hurricanes’ four-game College Football Playoff run.
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