Defensive linemen capable of rising up draft board
Outside of cornerback, the Detroit Lions’ most pressing need entering the 2024 NFL Draft appears to be along the defensive line. And even more specifically, the Lions are in dire need of an EDGE defender that can adequately supplement the production of Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson.
Detroit was lacking that EDGE running mate for Hutchinson in 2023, and it certainly affected the team’s pass-rushing efforts.
Subsequently, it is expected that Lions general manager Brad Holmes will address the position early on in this April’s draft.
Without further ado, here are four defensive line prospects that Holmes could target to fill the aforementioned void.
Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Kneeland, a Grand Rapids native, would be a solid Day 2 target for Holmes & Co. He produced a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, and his stock has been on the rise ever since.
Kneeland, who lined up at multiple positions during his time at Western Michigan (including at EDGE and downhill linebacker), displayed the ability to stop the run and get after the quarterback during his five seasons with the Broncos.
In 2023, the 6-foot-3, 275-pounder compiled 57 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He earned second-team All-MAC honors for his efforts, and also received an impressive 89.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Kneeland would provide Detroit with a steady contributor at EDGE opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Chop Robinson, Penn State
Robinson, standing in at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, seems like he has exactly what it takes to play for Dan Campbell. Equipped with a high-end motor, he seemingly never took a play off during his time at Penn State.
Additionally, he’s gifted with an explosive first step that makes him a tough assignment for opposing offensive linemen.
Robinson, who spent a lone campaign at Maryland before transferring to Penn State, posted 60 total tackles, including 20 for loss, 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in three collegiate seasons.
In each of his two seasons with the Nittany Lions, he earned Pro Football Focus overall marks north of 90.0 (90.6 in 2022 and 90.8 in 2023). He also amassed an impressive 52 quarterback hurries in 22 career games at Penn State.
Meanwhile, in his final campaign in Happy Valley, he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, and received a 92.3 pass-rush grade from PFF.
Robinson would provide the Lions with a perfect EDGE complement to Hutchinson, a fellow Big Ten product.
Darius Robinson, Missouri
Robinson, a Canton High School product, grew up a Lions fan. And now, he has a realistic shot at being the Lions’ pick at No. 29.
The 6-foot-5, 296-pound defender produced a career-best campaign in his fifth and final season at Missouri. He racked up 43 total tackles, including a staggering 14 for loss, 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble plus fumble recovery. For his efforts, Robinson earned first-team All-SEC honors, and received an 83.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Physical at the point of attack, the Tigers product is one of the draft’s very best run-stoppers. He also possesses the necessary strength and quick hands to be a successful pass-rusher at the next level.
The EDGE would be a nice find for Holmes with Detroit’s first pick of the 2024 draft.
Bralen Trice, Washington
Very much a high-motor defender like Chop Robinson, Trice has all the makings of a Campbell-type player.
The University of Washington product brings a strong pass-rush repertoire to the table, and consistently showcased it during his three seasons with the Huskies.
In 2023, the 6-foot-4, 274-pound EDGE defender recorded 49 total tackles, including 11.5 for loss, to go along with seven sacks and a forced fumble and fumble recovery each. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors for his efforts, and received a 90.8 pass-rush grade and an 88.1 overall mark from PFF.
Trice, who profiles as a three-down defender at the next level, would be a nice addition to the Lions’ pass-rushing unit.