Lions' defensive line ranked just outside the top five in the league, why fans should believe that

If there's one thing that Brad Holmes has fought with Detroit Lions fans the most this offseason, it's that he has a pretty good defensive line right now. 

Some fans and some analysts just can't see it because the Lions don't have that big edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but as Holmes pointed out multiple times this offseason, there's maybe 5-6 elite edge rushers in the entire league, and the Lions have one of them. There are no teams that have two. 

Holmes is not alone in thinking this defensive line is good. I'm right there with him, but we'll get to that in a moment. Pro Football Focus ranked the top defensive lines in the NFL on Wednesday, and they have the Lions just outside of the top five in the sixth spot. Here's their reasoning: 

"The Detroit Lions' defensive line may deserve a higher ranking based on on-paper talent, but there are quite a few question marks surrounding the health of its top players. While Aidan Hutchinson was on track to have a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season in 2024 and led all edge defenders with a 94.9 PFF overall grade, it remains to be seen how quickly he can get back to his top form.

Similarly, even though Alim McNeill is considered to be one of the best young interior defenders in the league and ranked ninth in 2024 with a 79.6 PFF overall grade, it remains to be seen when he'll make his season debut in 2025. Once that pair is back to full health, this unit could still very well be one of the best in the NFL."

Both players are obviously very good, but the reason I'm so high on this group is the guys we don't talk about enough. Levi Onwuzurike is not talked about enough. Joash Paschal is not talked about enough. These guys have done nothing but get better every year. 2025 could be a big year for them. 

Other guys like Mekhi Wingo, who brings the ability to play inside and outside, Ahmed Hassanein, who I think has a darkhorse Defensive Rookie of the Year possibility, and DJ Reader, who might be slowing down, but still brings solid run-stopping ability. Don't forget first-round pick Tyleik Williams and Roy Lopez. This is a very good group.

The Lions have consistently been one of the best, if not the best run run-stopping teams in the league, and while they don't lead the league in sacks, they're up there in getting pressure, and pressure is super important. It's a part of why the Lions allowed the second-fewest passing touchdowns.