The Detroit Lions’ offseason needs are relatively short, and general manager Brad Holmes has demonstrated a willingness to move around the draft board. While trading for a top edge rusher like Myles Garrett is unlikely, the Lions may consider trading up in the draft to secure a top prospect. According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, the Lions are one of eight teams that should aggressively try to trade up in the 2025 draft.
Davenport suggests that Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton could be a prime target for the Lions. Scourton is considered one of the more NFL-ready edge prospects in the class and has drawn comparisons to longtime Saints star Cameron Jordan. Despite having only five sacks last season, Scourton had 14 tackles for loss and 37 total tackles, earning First Team All-SEC honors. His pass rush repertoire and physical build (6-foot-4, 280 pounds) make him a great fit for the Lions.
While Scourton may be the ideal target, the Lions’ primary goal is to find a suitable running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. If Holmes identifies a prospect he likes, the Lions shouldn’t hesitate to make a move to get him. The point is that the Lions need a complementary edge rusher to pair with Hutchinson, and if they can find the right prospect, they should be willing to trade up to secure him.
Scourton’s stats and accolades make him an attractive option for the Lions. He had 10 sacks, 50 total tackles, and 15 tackles for loss in 2023, and his quarterback pressures and hurries demonstrate his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. As the Lions consider their options in the draft, Scourton is definitely a prospect worth keeping an eye on.