The Detroit Lions have had a tough season, finishing with a disappointing record of 3-12-1. As they look towards the future, one of their biggest needs is at the edge-rusher position. With the NFL draft quickly approaching, the Lions have a decision to make: should they try to land Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby via an expensive trade, or should they focus on drafting an edge-rusher with elite upside?
Many experts and fans have been clamoring for the Lions to make a big splash and acquire either Garrett or Crosby. Both players have proven themselves to be dominant edge-rushers in the league, with Garrett recording 30.5 sacks in just three seasons and Crosby tallying 17 sacks in his rookie year. However, the cost of trading for either of these players would be significant, and it’s uncertain if the Lions have the assets to make such a move.
On the other hand, the Lions could choose to address their need at edge-rusher through the draft. This year’s draft class is filled with talented edge-rushers, and the Lions hold the third overall pick. With this high draft position, the Lions have the opportunity to select a top-tier edge-rusher with elite upside.
One player that has been linked to the Lions is Ohio State’s Chase Young. Widely considered the best edge-rusher in this year’s draft, Young is a game-changer on defense. He has the speed, strength, and technique to dominate at the next level, and his 16.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in his final college season are a testament to his abilities. Adding Young to the Lions’ defense would provide an immediate boost and give them a cornerstone player for years to come.
Another option for the Lions in the draft is LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson. While not as highly touted as Young, Chaisson is a versatile edge-rusher who can line up on either side of the defensive line. He has the speed and athleticism to get to the quarterback, and his ability to drop back in coverage adds an extra dimension to his game. Chaisson’s 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in his final college season show his potential to be a disruptive force in the NFL.
The Lions could also look to address their edge-rusher need in the later rounds of the draft. Players like Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa, Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos, and Florida’s Jonathan Greenard are all projected to be available in the second or third round and have the potential to be impact players in the NFL.
While trading for Garrett or Crosby may seem like the more attractive option, it’s important to consider the cost. The Lions would likely have to give up multiple high draft picks and possibly players to acquire either of these edge-rushers. This would leave them with fewer resources to address other needs on their roster.
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that either player would be able to replicate their success on the Lions’ defense. Garrett has been a standout on a talented Cleveland Browns defense, and Crosby benefited from playing alongside fellow edge-rusher Khalil Mack on the Oakland Raiders. It’s uncertain if they would have the same level of success on the Lions’ defense, which has struggled in recent years.
In contrast, drafting an edge-rusher with elite upside would not only provide the Lions with a talented player, but it would also allow them to keep their valuable draft picks and potentially address other needs on their roster. Additionally, a young and hungry player like Young or Chaisson could bring a new energy to the Lions’ defense and help turn things around for the team.
In conclusion, while the idea of acquiring Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby may be tempting, the Lions should seriously consider drafting an edge-rusher with their high draft pick. The potential cost of a trade for either player is too high, and there is no guarantee of success. On the other hand, drafting a top-tier edge-rusher would not only provide the Lions with a talented player, but it would also allow them to keep their valuable draft picks and potentially address other needs on their roster. The future is bright for the Detroit Lions, and selecting an elite edge-rusher in this year’s draft could be the key to their success.