Last season, the Detroit Lions finished 30th in sacks with 30.
Knowing that weakness, the Lions’ front office ensured that they will have better talent on their defensive line.
They badly need help in generating pressure because linebacker Charles Harris led the team in sacks last year with 7.5.
That’s why they got two players who could help alter the team’s fortunes.
Two of the three highest-graded Edges in 2021 get drafted by the @Lions 🦁
1. Aidan Hutchinson – 94.5
3. Josh Paschal – 90.0 pic.twitter.com/BNXCsoBZy6— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) May 1, 2022
Pro Football Focus Draft revealed that the Lions got two of their three highest-graded defensive ends.
Hometown hero Aidan Hutchinson went to Detroit after the Jacksonville Jaguars made Travon Walker the first overall pick.
In round two, the Lions selected Kentucky’s Josh Pascal, who received a grade of 90 from PFF.
In 2021, Pascal was a First-Team All-SEC selection and CBS Sports Second-Team All-American.
He finished his redshirt junior season with 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception.
Meanwhile, Hutchinson was projected to be the number one overall draft pick until the Jaguars went with Walker.
The former Michigan Wolverine collected a ton of recognition last year, including the Ted Hendricks Award, being named a Unanimous All-American, and First-Team All-Big Ten.
Hutchinson had 33 solo tackles, 15 tackles for losses, 14 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his final year at Ann Arbor.
Are The Lions Turning The Tide?
If both players turn out to be impressive starters, the Lions will have a defensive line that will strike fear among opponents for years.
That’s the change they would need after finishing 29th in passing yards allowed per game last season at 379.8.
Hutchinson and Pascal could also help reduce the 135.1 rushing yards they allowed per game.
Lions fans hope that this duo will set a high benchmark for their defense.
Getting help from that unit will help them take gradual steps until they become contenders.
