Detroit Lions 2026 Edge Rusher Mock Draft

We have reached the third installment of my Detroit Lions mock draft series. You can check out my previous mocks for Offensive Tackle and Interior Offensive Line here and here, respectively. This time, we are switching to the defensive side of the ball to focus on a position that fans and pundits have been clamoring for the Lions to address for years. Let’s dive into my Detroit Lions 2026 Edge Rusher mock draft.

Lions Have Plenty Of Decisions To Make At Edge Rusher

The Lions are lucky to have one of the NFL’s best edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson. Finding a suitable running mate opposite Hutch, however, has been an issue for a long time. The Lions signed Marcus Davenport in free agency before the 2024 season, only to see him tear his triceps in Week 3 and miss the rest of the season. The Lions brought him back for 2025. Unfortunately, the oft-injured Davenport was sidelined again. This time, a pectoral injury caused him to miss nine games. He was ineffective upon returning and finished the year with only one sack. It’s fair to assume his days in Detroit are over.

Benefiting from Davenport’s injury was Al-Quadin Muhammad. Once considered just a depth piece, Muhammad exploded for 11 sacks in 2025, which tied for 11th in the NFL. Muhammad enters Free Agency after a career year. He has earned a big payday from someone, but will it be the Lions? Muhammad’s limitations in run defense may cause Detroit to balk at paying him big bucks.

Of course, big names like Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson have been linked to the Lions, though nothing has come to fruition. Could missing the playoffs in 2025 finally cause General Manager Brad Holmes to make a splash move at edge rusher? Pairing either Crosby or Hendrickson with Hutchinson would give the Lions the best pass-rushing duo in the league. Time will tell what Holmes and Co. will do.

For now, let’s focus on the edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft who could hear their names called when the Lions are on the clock:

Round 1, Pick 17: Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Keldric Faulk, who is 6’6 and 285 pounds, has the physical traits the Lions covet for Edge Rushers. He is big, long, and plays with a relentless rotor. Faulk also possesses the run-stopping ability Detroit requires on the edge, leading the FBS with 62 run stops over the last three seasons. Faulk won’t turn 21 until September, so he has plenty of room to improve on his already NFL-ready skillset. He would walk into Detroit as an immediate starter, even if the Lions re-sign Muhammad. Faulk has also shown the ability to kick inside, which would allow Muhammad to come in on obvious passing downs. There is a very good chance Faulk will be the Lions’ selection if he is still available.

Round 2, Pick 50: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

Dani Dennis-Sutton is another strong edge setter and run defender the Lions should be interested in. A very productive player, Sutton finished his college career with 23.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss. The 6’5, 270-pound Sutton is a player who uses power to win his reps, and his high motor and effort help him immensely. His run defense is his primary attribute right now, but he has the potential to become an elite pass rusher once he adds more moves to his arsenal. Sutton is considered a high-floor, safe pick who can develop into a premier player for the Lions. He would be an immediate rotation player who will earn a starting spot sooner rather than later.

Round 4, Pick 118:  Derrick Moore, Michigan

Derrick Moore, who led the Wolverines with 10 sacks in 2025, is a fantastic pass-rusher. The 6’3, 255-pound edge earned First-Team All-Big 10 honors last season for the Wolverines. Moore has a tremendous motor and raw power. However, he needs to improve his run defense and add counter moves to his pass rush to reach his ceiling. His 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade ranked him among the elites in the country. His ability to chase down mobile QBs should make the Lions very interested. He will likely enter the NFL as a pass-rushing specialist, but he has the potential to evolve into a complete player with proper coaching to refine his technique. Moore, who can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt, would provide good value for the Lions at this spot in the draft.

Round 5, Pick 155:  Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Malachi Lawrence is a 6’4, 250-pound pass-rushing specialist from UCF. He has an elite burst, and his 22.7% pressure rate ranks among the best prospects in the draft. His pass-rush plan is diverse and effective, earning him First-Team All-Big 12 recognition in 2025. However, he needs to add strength and improve his run defense to start in the NFL. Yet his ability to get to the Quarterback cannot be denied. That skill will see him able to contribute to the Lions’ defense immediately on obvious passing downs. If he can develop into a complete player, the Lions will have struck oil with Lawrence.

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Patrick Payton, LSU

In his early collegiate days at Florida State, Patrick Payton flashed the ability of an early-round draft pick. However, his production and playing time decreased over his time at FSU, causing him to transfer to LSU in 2025. He has an excellent 6’5, 250-pound frame, and his early success in college shows he has plenty of upside. With a quick first step, good bend, and a knack for batting down passes, Payton has traits that translate to the NFL. He also needs to improve his run defense and add play strength to earn a high-profile role in the NFL. The Lions would be wise to take a shot on Payton’s talent, breaking through in the NFL. Even if he doesn’t reach his ceiling, his pass-rushing prowess will still earn him a valuable situational role in the NFL.

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Trey Moore, Texas

Trey Moore, a 6’3, 245-pound Edge from Texas, is a bit undersized for Edge Rushers. He is viewed as more of a tweener than a full-time Edge. But his skillset is diverse, and he has a penchant for creating turnovers. Moore has shown the ability to drop into coverage, a valuable commodity for the Lions. Moore’s run-defense needs to catch up to his pass-rushing, but he has the discipline to hold up against play-action and misdirection. His strong motor and good production can see him carve out a role in the Lions’ defense. Moore’s upside makes him a tantalizing late-round prospect for Detroit.

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Logan Fano, Utah

Logan Fano, the brother of top OT prospect Spencer Fano, is another intriguing late-round possibility for the Lions. He is 6’5, 260 pounds, with ample strength to set the edge in the NFL. Fano is a strong tackler, a very appealing quality for any team. Fano is a player who would provide solid depth as a backup with a high floor. He displays high football IQ and was named Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2025.

There you have it. As always, I would love to hear your feedback on my selections. Please comment and tell everyone who you would love to see the Lions draft at Edge Rusher.

(Note: Picks are subject to change, as the NFL has not yet announced compensatory selections, and trades involving draft picks are pending.)