{"id":768103,"date":"2026-02-22T04:13:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T04:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/768103\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T04:13:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T04:13:25","slug":"2026-nfl-combine-lions-target-breakout-defenders-to-fix-their-d-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/768103\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NFL combine: Lions target breakout defenders to fix their D-line"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is the sixth of our prospect positional preview series for the Detroit Lions heading into the NFL combine, which kicks off next week in Indianapolis. Today: Defensive Line\/EDGE. Previously: Quarterbacks<\/a>,running backs<\/a>,tight ends<\/a>,wide receivers<\/a>,offensive line.<\/a><\/p>\n

Need?<\/p>\n

You had better believe it.<\/p>\n

To be clear, the Lions urgently need to improve the talent and depth of their offensive line this offseason. However, there is a strong case for prioritizing a defensive lineman\u2014possibly two\u2014for the interior and exterior. The Lions must address this early, on Day 1 or Day 2 of this year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

Alim McNeil returned to the Lions\u2019 lineup last season ahead of their bye week. From that point on, production was a mixed bag. After suffering a torn ACL in Week 15 of the previous season, it was clear McNeil was no longer the player who was building a reputation for terrorizing offenses. D.J. Reader played all 17 games for the first time. That was a positive, but he finished without a sack for the first time in three seasons. <\/p>\n

Levi Onwuzurike, one of the Lions\u2019 most versatile defenders, missed the entire season due to a torn ACL. Josh Paschal again missed significant time due to injury, specifically a lingering knee issue. Marcus Davenport also had a setback, playing only eight games this season due to a series of injuries, including a shoulder injury. <\/p>\n

Roy Lopez had a productive season in Detroit and expressed a desire to return. He\u2019s a free agent. And the icing on the cake of their issues in this area: Al-Quadin Muhammad, who turned in a career-high 11 sacks, is set to receive a huge payday.<\/p>\n

Due to decreased production, lack of availability, and the organization simply being priced out, it\u2019s very possible that several of those guys could be on their way out of Detroit.<\/p>\n

The Lions are (kinda) in good shape with Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams — who had a solid rookie season — and McNeill as the cornerstones of that unit. Still, with a significant overhaul possibly on the way, the Lions must urgently prioritize drafting an edge opposite Hutchinson in the first two rounds, then quickly add interior depth. These moves are essential, especially if McNeill\u2019s full offseason of training gets him back to form.<\/p>\n

Top Prospects:<\/p>\n

Arvell Reese, LB\/EDGE, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Projections have Arvell Reese as one of the top edge rushers in the draft. Last season at Ohio State, he tallied 35 tackles, 23 pressures, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. His performance earned him Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and Consensus All-American honors. At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, Reese is a dynamic athlete with few holes in his game.<\/p>\n

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)<\/p>\n

Just like Reese, you should expect Reuben Bain Jr. to be gone before Detroit picks. Bain Jr. is a workhorse, playing 897 snaps last season, mostly outside the tackle. He posted 30 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. If he\u2019s still there at No. 17, the Lions shouldn\u2019t overthink drafting this top pass rusher.<\/p>\n

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Along with Bain Jr., David Bailey was the top two in pressures last season, with 32 tackles, 23 hits, 15 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Bailey\u2019s 21.6% pass-rush win rate stands out in this year\u2019s draft. He played 555 snaps outside tackle last season. Bailey and Hutchinson could quickly disrupt opponents. Like the previous two prospects, Bailey may be selected in the top 10.<\/p>\n

Caleb Banks, DL, Florida<\/p>\n

This Southfield (MI) native might be available when the Lions make their first-round pick. That said, they shouldn\u2019t prioritize an interior defensive lineman over an edge rusher in the first round, though they need both. Caleb Banks is a big run-stuffer who can also generate inside pressure. McNeil took a step back last season, and with players exiting, the Lions could be a bit thin here. Banks could fill a void, but it\u2019s not a pressing need.<\/p>\n

Peter Woods, DL, Clemson<\/p>\n

At first glance, Peter Woods\u2019 2025 production was modest: nine tackles, two sacks, one pass deflection. Still, his pass rush win rate and run-stop rate were among the top for his position in this class. With Clemson having a down year, Woods\u2019 2024 numbers are the truest measure of his skills. In the right system, he can become a standout.<\/p>\n

Potential Lions Fits:<\/p>\n

Sorry, Ben. I must steal your thunder from your offensive line review. But all the above are potential prospects for the Lions. However, as most know, the draft is unpredictable, and it\u2019s only likely that one or two of those prospects are available when Detroit is on the clock.<\/p>\n

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Landing Cashius Howell provides a clear blueprint for the Lions: refine his edge discipline and run fits. He should also work on his hand usage and counters, using a deadly spin move that already aids his production. Howell\u2019s 12 sacks, 47 pressures, and 19.9% pass-rush win rate demonstrate his effectiveness in getting to the quarterback. Lining up opposite Hutchinson should create more one-on-one opportunities. <\/p>\n

This will allow his bend and closing burst to translate with his technique. It also gives his defensive IQ a chance to continue maturing.<\/p>\n

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn<\/p>\n

The idea here is simple: add a defensive talent with a huge upside. Even in a down year at Auburn, Keldric Faulk remained effective as a pass rusher and run defender, with numbers that reflect his potential as a disruptor. His ability to close on mobile quarterbacks and finish in space \u2013 an area where the Lions have struggled in recent seasons \u2013 makes him attractive. <\/p>\n

Faulk should be available at No. 17, but he\u2019s not dynamic enough for the Lions to take him that high. If he somehow slips into the second round, it will warrant serious consideration to move up and grab him.<\/p>\n

Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)<\/p>\n

Akheem Mesidor can bring the edge disruption the Lions need in their rotation. The former Hurricane finished last season with an elite pass rush win rate (20.8%). He recorded 13 sacks and 50 pressures, production that showcases his ability to affect the pocket. Though Mesidor played some snaps inside, his best work is outside the tackles. He uses his burst and leverage to win the edge and collapse the pocket. <\/p>\n

His effectiveness as a pass rusher and versatility would give the Lions another reliable threat opposite Hutchinson. It would also strengthen a rotation that has lacked consistent pressure.<\/p>\n

Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Detroit needs more size and sturdiness on the interior. Kayden McDonald can bring another run-defense presence, as shown in his metrics. He graded well as a run defender, as evidenced by a high run-stop rate (13.8%). McDonald has proven he can anchor, control gaps, and be a disruptor in rushing lanes \u2013 traits that would help stabilize the middle and keep linebackers clean. He can be a space-eater who strengthens early downs and short-yardage defense while adding rotational depth inside, which they might need if a few players exit.<\/p>\n

Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri<\/p>\n

With the Lions likely to address their offensive line needs in the first round, Zion Young could fit in Detroit as early as Round 2 on Day 2. At 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, Young has the ideal frame Detroit might want in a pass rusher. Last season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 20 tackles, plus two forced fumbles and two deflections. He excels as a pass rusher and run stopper, making him a potential steal for Detroit. <\/p>\n

While he\u2019s shown he can play multiple spots, Young\u2019s bread and butter is lining up outside the tackle. Before transferring to Missouri, Young played two seasons at Michigan State. Lions scouts may have gotten an early read on him to pair with his development.<\/p>\n

Sleepers to Watch:<\/p>\n

Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois<\/p>\n

Gabe Jacas would give Detroit a powerful, high-motor presence opposite Hutchinson, forming a gritty duo as a pass-rushing threat. His 12 sacks and 14.9% pass rush win rate demonstrate his ability to dominate one-on-one matchups when offenses slide protection toward Hutchinson. He\u2019s a versatile defender who can set the edge and carries explosive speed to collapse the pocket and prevent teams from double-teaming Hutchinson without consequences.<\/p>\n

Tim Keenan III, DL, Alabama<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no secret that Brad Holmes loves prospects from Alabama. Setting that aside, Tim Keenan III is a compelling later-round option for the Lions, who may need depth on the interior defensive line. He graded high as a run defender \u2014 an area where Detroit could improve. <\/p>\n

At 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, Keenan holds the point of attack well and absorbs double teams. This could free up linebackers and complement McNeil and Williams, along with Lopez or Reader if either returns. The Lions should consider moving up on Day 2 to snag him. If he slips to Day 3, it\u2019s a no-brainer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This is the sixth of our prospect positional preview series for the Detroit Lions heading into the NFL…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":768104,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2071],"tags":[1001,987,318,339,146,113,2506,29599,7,147,3850,49,6,1580,9],"class_list":{"0":"post-768103","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-detroit-lions","8":"tag-arkansas","9":"tag-auburn","10":"tag-college","11":"tag-college-sports","12":"tag-detroit","13":"tag-detroit-lions","14":"tag-detroitlions","15":"tag-fayetteville","16":"tag-football","17":"tag-lions","18":"tag-mens","19":"tag-ncaa","20":"tag-nfl","21":"tag-razorbacks","22":"tag-sports"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116112340238362814","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/768103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=768103"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/768103\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/768104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=768103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=768103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=768103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}