Hutchinson remains one of the league’s elite edge defenders, ranking No. 5 at the position in PFF’s post-season views with a 91.9 rating, and he totaled a career-high 14.5 sacks last season. The Lions rely heavily on him to handle the pass rush, leaving the rest of the unit searching for additional impact.
Detroit has nine picks and, while the edge class is deep this year, experts say it would be wise to address the position sooner rather than later. The team also lost 11.0 sacks from Al-Quadin Muhammad after he signed with Tampa Bay, creating a tangible production gap opposite Hutchinson. The obvious impulse is to add an edge to complement Hutchinson and stabilize the defense.
Brad Holmes has consistently emphasized a best-player-available approach, noting that rosters change year to year as contracts expire and new needs emerge. That philosophy could push an edge down the board if Hutchinson’s counterpart isn’t available when Detroit’s No. 17 pick comes around, making the decision more complex than simply drafting for need.
Still, NFL analysts and team observers argue that pairing Hutchinson with a true second edge is a high-priority upgrade for Detroit. The combination would bolster the Lions’ ability to pressure quarterbacks and rotate pass rushers, addressing a long-running topic of debate among Lions fans and executives alike.
Given the depth of this draft class and the current roster changes, this could be a pivotal year for Detroit to land its No. 2 edge. If Holmes sticks to BPA at No. 17, the team may need to be proactive—potentially advancing selections or trading up—to ensure they don’t miss a premier edge rusher who can support Hutchinson for years to come.
In summary, Detroit’s 2026 draft strategy faces a crucial crossroads: continue prioritizing tackle early while not sleeping on edge depth, and consider bold moves to secure a complementary edge that ensures Hutchinson isn’t carrying the load alone.
