The Detroit Lions have one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL in Aidan Hutchinson, but teams can never have too many good pass rushers and the Lions should still be looking to add to a group that includes newly signed veterans DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner, returning veteran Levi Onwuzurike and second-year pass rusher Ahmed Hassanein.
Detroit could look to add to that group via this month's NFL Draft and in the remaining waves of free agency. When it comes to adding via the draft, this year's class of edge rushers is one of the deepest in recent history.
NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah said in a recent national conference call this class is so deep teams will be able to find immediate help all the way into the early parts of Day 3 of the draft. Detroit currently has four picks in the first four rounds – Rd 1 (17), Rd 2 (50), Rd 4 (118), Rd 4 (128).
"We still have work to do, there's no secret there," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said at last week's Annual League Meetings when talking about the defense.
Campbell sees Onwuzurike playing the big end role in base defense at the five or four techniques but he can also kick inside to the three technique and maybe even see some snaps opposite Hutchinson in the nickel. Him staying healthy after missing all last year with a torn ACL is going to be a big factor in what role he can carve out.
Wonnum is a rush end, per Campbell. He's the player the Lions plan to put opposite Hutchinson in true four down.
"He's not like the big end in base that gets over a tackle with (linebacker Derrick) Barnes outside of him," Campbell said of Wonnum. "The guy plays the run, he's tough, he's physical, he's smart, he's versatile and he can get an edge every once in a while."
View photos of the top edge rusher prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey (31) rushes in during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas Tech defensive lineman David Bailey (31) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. rushes the Mississippi quarterback during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham gets a sack during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Michigan defensive lineman Jaishawn Barham (33) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Auburn defensive end Keyron Crawford rushes in during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Baylor and Auburn Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Auburn defensive lineman Keyron Crawford (34) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn St defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Penn State defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton (36) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) lines up against Ball State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Keldric Faulk runs drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height celebrates a defensive stop against BYU in the first half of a Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Romello Height (40) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) rushes during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (41) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Illinois defensive end Gabe Jacas in action against Washington during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Illinois defensive lineman Gabe Jacas (44) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs (19) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Central Florida defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) follows a play against Colorado during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (48) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor rushes in during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Michigan's Derrick Moore plays during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
American Team defensive end Derrick Moore (8), of Michigan, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton (22) works against Tennessee during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton (54) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) plays during an NCAA college football game between Clemson and SMU, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Clemson defensive lineman T.J. Parker (55) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese (20) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) follows the play during the second half against South Carolina in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (60) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Missouri defensive end Zion Young in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Missouri defensive lineman Zion Young (63) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
EDGE class draft strength: Depth. It's an extremely deep group. There are 10 edge rushers with first-round grades and 25 players total with grades in the first four rounds by NFL Draft Scout.
Jeremiah lists 10 edge rushers among his latest list of the Top 50 players available.
Lions edge rusher depth chart: Hutchinson, Wonnum, Onwuzurike, Turner, Hassanein.
Lions edge rusher draft priority: High. The Lions have five edge rushers currently on the roster but are always looking to add depth and competition to that position. Adding younger talent to the defense has been a priority for Detroit this offseason.
The Lions haven't selected an edge rusher in the first two days of the draft since taking Hutchinson in the first round (No. 2 overall) and Josh Paschal in the second (No. 46) in the 2022 NFL Draft. This is such a deep and versatile edge class that best available could match up with need for general manager Brad Holmes at some point early in this draft.
Five edge rushers who could fit the Lions:
1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
6-2, 263. Did not run 40-yard dash
The 2025 Ted Hendricks Award Winner as the best defensive end in college football, Bain is a productive, compact and strong edge rusher. He notched 20.5 sacks over his three collegiate seasons, including 9.5 last season. He had another five sacks in four playoff games, helping Miami reach the National Championship Game.
2. Akheem Mesidor, Miami
6-3, 259. Did not run 40-yard dash
Mesidor turned 25 this month, making him one of the older players in this draft class. He's got a first-round grade after recording 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks for Miami in his sixth collegiate season this past season. He doesn't see his age as a negative.
"You can call me a seasoned rookie," he said the NFL Scouting Combine. "I think I'm coming in more mature with a different approach, different mentality than a lot of younger guys. I think my age could be a plus."
View photos of NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah's updated ranking of his Top 50 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 1 QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
No. 2 RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
No. 3 LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
No. 4 EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
No. 5 EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
No. 6 WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
No. 7 EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
No. 8 CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
No. 9 S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
No. 10 OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
No. 11 OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
No. 12 WR Makai Lemon, USC
No. 13 OL Spencer Fano, Utah
No. 14 TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
No. 15 CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
No. 16 S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
No. 17 S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
No. 18 WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
No. 19 OT Blake Miller, Clemson
No. 20 OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
No. 21 WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
No. 22 OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
No. 23 EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
No. 24 EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
No. 25 CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
No. 26 OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
No. 27 WR Denzel Boston, Washington
No. 28 EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
No. 29 WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
No. 30 LB CJ Allen, Georgia
No. 31 EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
No. 32 LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
No. 33 DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
No. 34 CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
No. 35 OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
No. 36 DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
No. 37 DT Peter Woods, Clemson
No. 38 QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
No. 39 RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
No. 40 CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
No. 41 LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
No. 42 DT Caleb Banks, Florida
No. 43 CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
No. 44 CB Keionte Scott, Miami
No. 45 EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
No. 46 EDGE Malachi Lawrence. UCF
No. 47 OL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
No. 48 WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
No. 49 EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
No. 50 WR Germie Bernard, Alabama
3. T.J. Parker, Clemson
6-4, 263. 4.68 seconds 40-yard dash (1.61 10-yard split)
Parker has the kind of size the Lions like to deploy opposite Hutchinson at the big end while also possessing the versatility to slide inside. He's a powerful player on the edge with 29.0 tackles for loss and 16 sacks the last two seasons combined. He turned some heads with his performance at the Senior Bowl.
4. Malachi Lawrence, UCF
6-4, 253. 4.52 seconds 40-yard dash (1.59 10-yard split)
Terrific combination of size, length and explosiveness. He's got terrific athletic traits and his burst and chase speed jump out. Lawrence recorded 27.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks the last three seasons.
5. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
6-6, 276. 4.67 seconds 40-yard dash (1.68 10-yard split) – Pro Day
Faulk has an NFL frame and played up and down Auburn's defensive front. He's just 20 years old with a very high ceiling. He comes to the league with a nice toolbox of pass rush moves and is strong against the run.
