Youth mixed with experience will make the Lions' pass rush dangerous

The Detroit Lions finished the 2022 season with 39 sacks, roughly middle of the pack in the NFL. With the return of several veterans from injury, that figure should improve in 2023.

In his rookie season in 2022, second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson led the Lions in sacks with 9.5. During the offseason, the former Michigan star focused on improving his strength and speed. 

As he enters his second year, he plans to step up his game and improve his sack numbers, putting all quarterbacks in the league on notice. 

James Houston had an impressive eight sacks in only seven games during his rookie campaign in 2022. Houston, drafted in the seventh round from Jackson State University, a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in Mississippi. 

Initially signed to the practice squad last season, he was offered a two-year deal at the halfway point last season. If Houston can pick up where he left off last year, he could have an even better 2023 season. 

Veteran DL John Cominsky added another four sacks, along with two each from first-year player DL Josh Pachal and third-year OLB Julian Okwara. 

Several Lion defenders had one sack throughout the season. DT Alim McNiel lost 13% of his body fat this offseason, intending to improve his sack total in 2023.