The state of the Lions defensive end group after adding projected draft pick James Pearce

[ASFN Admin]

As we near the 2025 draft, the biggest first-round wish of many Lions fans including me is a pass-rushing defensive edge. James Pearce, Tennessee DE, currently is a common projection to the Lions in the first-round. Let's take a look at the state of the Lions DE group with the hypothetical addition of Pearce, who appears to have a very clean medical history.

There are a lot of question marks at the DE position both in terms of health and production. Last year, injuries ended the seasons early of starters Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. The depth was not strong enough as the Lions felt the need to trade for Za'Darius Smith midway through the year. Smith subsequently was released this offseason.

Looking long-term, none of the DE players are signed beyond 2025 except for Hutchinson who will either get an extension or have his 5th-year option picked up. Thus, adding one or more draft picks to the DE group is important both in the short and long-term.

Player ages are at the start of next season. Data credit to sports-reference.com

James Pearce (age 21)​

∎2024: Played 13 of 13 games

∎2023: Played 13 of 13 games

∎2022: Played 13 of 13 games

Aidan Hutchinson (age 25) - signed through 2025 plus 2026 team 5th-year option​

∎2024 October 13: Left tibia/fibula fracture

The tib/fib fracture should be fully recovered by training camp. There is a good chance he will be back to his usual, elite self in 2025, although residual effects are always possible. I'm expecting him to get a big contract extension this offseason.

Aidan Hutchinson tib/fib fracture injury video
-Leg whip mechanism
-Despite gruesome nature, early reports/prognosis are good. Not open fracture. Presume no nerve/vascular damage.
-Good chance of full recovery in 6-9mo. Should be back in plenty of time for start of 2025. pic.twitter.com/nzXJRiY3b1

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) October 14, 2024

Marcus Davenport (age 29) - signed through 2025​

∎2024 September 22: Left triceps tear. Played 2 of 18 games.

Major reliability concerns for Davenport with the past two seasons ruined by a triceps tear and high ankle sprain. The contract numbers (1 yr / $1.65 million guaranteed, up to $4.5 million) signed as an unrestricted free agent suggest that teams across the league share the concerns.

Marcus Davenport L elbow injury video
-Forearm chopped down while elbow in flexion. Possible elbow flexor tear (biceps or brachialis).
-Returned with brace but after game placed on IR. Reportedly it's a season-ender pic.twitter.com/JGWIyTLzHN

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) September 25, 2024

Josh Paschal (age 25) - signed through 2025​

∎2024 Shoulder mass excision, missed 2 games. Right knee, missed 1 game (see video below). Played 15 of 18 games.

∎2023 Unspecified knee injury in practice, missed 5 games.

Paschal been pretty reliable the past two years, and there are no concerns going into next season. He does have a history of malignant melanoma in 2018, but appears to be fully clear of that.

Josh Paschal R knee injury video
-Went down after this play. Unsure exact moment of injury. Takes hard step towards the end but could have hurt it on a prior step.
-Prev plays of drive looked fine.
-Not put on IR. Will miss at least 1 game. pic.twitter.com/tEjbuxIQZu

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 4, 2024

Al-Quadin Muhammad (age 30) - signed through 2025​

No significant health concerns for Muhammad, but a recent 5-game suspension for performance enhancing substances may put him at risk for a 2-year suspension if he tests positive again.

Mitchell Agude (age 26) - signed through 2025 then becomes ERFA​

Agude has been healthy in his career but a life-threatening head/brain injury at age nine carries some concerns.

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions defensive end group breakdown if Detroit drafts James Pearce

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