Exploring long-term setup of Detroit Lions' defense and where 2027 draft could offer help
Allen Park — Last week, we explored the long-term health of the Detroit Lions’ offense, taking an early, position-by-position look at the next wave of prospects expected to enter the 2027 NFL draft.
This week, we’re returning to evaluate how Detroit’s defense is built for 2027 and beyond.
Edge
The Lions are blessed to have one of the league’s truly elite edge rushers in the fold for the next several seasons after signing Aidan Hutchinson to a lucrative extension that runs through 2030. Through 56 career games, the soon-to-be 26 year old has 43.0 sacks. Further highlighting his impact, he’s topped 100 quarterback pressures his past two healthy seasons.
It’s the opposite edge that’s been a conundrum for Detroit. Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris fizzled out early in Hutchinson’s career, John Cominsky and Marcus Davenport’s tenures were marred by injury, and Josh Paschal never met expectations as a second-round pick, also partially due to durability.
Only Al-Quadin Muhammad delivered, at least from a pass-rushing perspective, but his age and deficiencies as a run defender discouraged the Lions from paying the raise he had earned when he hit free agency this offseason.
Instead, the team temporarily plugged the void in the starting lineup with DJ Wonnum and added Michigan’s Derrick Moore in the second round of the draft to bolster the rotation.
Whatever leftover snaps remain will likely go to either former first-round pick Payton Turner — one of several low-cost, low-risk signings the team made this offseason — or late-round selection Tyre West, who flashed an intriguing pass rush toolbox during his four years at the University of Tennessee.
The future of that spot hinges on Moore. He’s projected to begin his career as a reserve, spelling both Hutchinson and Wonnum, but if the rookie can develop reliability in the run game, there’s starting potential.
Regardless, the Lions are likely going to need more depth next season, even if 2025 sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein takes a significant developmental jump in his second season.
Odds the Lions draft an edge in the first three rounds in 2027: 30%