The NFL Combine has officially wrapped up, and for teams like the Detroit Lions, the edge rusher workouts were must-watch television. With Al-Quadin Muhammad set to hit free agency and trade talks reportedly cooling around Maxx Crosby, Detroit could be forced to address its pass rush through the draft. This is Part 1 of a two-part breakdown combining 2026 NFL Combine testing numbers with 2025 PFF production to identify the biggest EDGE standouts — and how they would fit in Detroit.

1. Malachi Lawrence (UCF)

Malachi Lawrence was one of the most explosive athletes in Indianapolis. At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds with 33 5/8-inch arms, he tested like a prototype modern edge defender. Lawrence ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash (third fastest among EDGE), posted a 1.59 10-yard split (third best), and jumped 40 inches in the vertical (second best) with a 10-foot-10 broad jump (second best). His 86 athleticism score ranked first among edge rushers via Next Gen Stats, producing a 6.23 prospect grade and a total score of 73 (11th overall).

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Production backs up the testing. In 2025, Lawrence earned an 80.1 overall PFF grade across 470 snaps. His 89.5 pass-rush grade was elite, compared to a 66.2 run-defense mark. He totaled seven sacks, 40 pressures, 30 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and two batted passes.

Lions fit: Lawrence’s first-step burst and elite explosiveness would pair well opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit’s defensive front thrives on speed-to-power transitions and wide alignments. Lawrence’s athletic profile suggests immediate third-down value, with room to develop into a three-down disruptor.

2. Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)

Cashius Howell entered the combine with strong production and left having validated his burst. At 6-2, 253 pounds, Howell ran a 4.59 40 (fifth among EDGE) but truly stood out with a 1.58 10-yard split — the fastest in the group. His 9-foot-7 broad jump ranked 15th, but his short-area explosion showed up on tape.

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Next Gen Stats awarded Howell a 6.38 prospect grade. He earned a 74 production score (12th), 74 athleticism score (10th), and a total score of 77 (eighth overall).

In 2025, Howell posted an 81.2 overall PFF grade, including a dominant 90.3 pass-rush grade and 73.6 run-defense grade over 591 snaps. He recorded 12 sacks (sixth most nationally), 41 total pressures, 27 quarterback hurries and two batted passes.

Lions fit: Howell’s elite first-step quickness would be valuable in Detroit’s attacking front. His 1.58 split signals immediate penetration ability, ideal for stunts and twists defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn favors. Howell’s combination of pass-rush production and respectable run defense makes him one of the cleaner scheme fits.

3. T.J. Parker (Clemson)

Clemson Tigers edge rusher T.J. Parker may not have posted the flashiest testing numbers, but he delivered one of the most balanced profiles. At 6-4, 263 pounds with 33 1/8-inch arms, Parker ran a 4.68 40 (11th), posted a 1.61 10-yard split (tied for fifth), jumped 34 inches in the vertical (12th), and recorded a 10-foot broad jump (ninth).

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Next Gen Stats gave Parker a 6.29 prospect grade, along with a 74 production score (11th), 76 athleticism score (fifth), and 78 total score (sixth among EDGE).

On the field, Parker earned an 80.7 overall PFF grade in 2025, including a 74.6 pass-rush grade and 77.5 run-defense grade over 548 snaps. He finished with six sacks, 11 quarterback hits and 41 total pressures.

Lions fit: Parker’s frame and run-defense consistency make him a potential early-down complement. Detroit’s defense emphasizes setting the edge and maintaining gap discipline. Parker’s 77.5 run-defense grade suggests he could contribute immediately while refining his pass-rush arsenal.

Detroit needs another difference-maker opposite Hutchinson. Lawrence brings elite explosiveness. Howell offers premier get-off and production. Parker supplies balance and physicality. If the Lions address EDGE early in the draft, these three combine standouts should be high on their board.