Late-Round EDGE Prospects Lions Could Target in 2024 Draft
I'm of the mindset that you can never have enough pass-rushers. And the Lions know that far too well, after receiving little-to-no pass-rush production outside of Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill in 2023.
Subsequently, it's highly expected that Detroit general manager Brad Holmes will draft an EDGE defender this April. And, it's so much of a need that the Lions could very well address it in the first round (pick No. 29).
However, if Holmes doesn't grab an EDGE as early as that, here are three later-round options he and Detroit’s front office could target.
Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
The local product – who grew up in Grand Rapid, Mich. – should be in high demand on Day 3 of the draft.
In his final collegiate campaign in Kalamazoo, the 6-foot-3, 275-pounder posted 57 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Senior Bowl standout was both a highly effective run defender and a relentless, proficient pass-rusher off the edge during his five seasons with the Broncos. While at Western Michigan, Kneeland also showcased the ability to adapt to multiple positions (from an EDGE to a downhill linebacker) and be an every-down defender.
If he slips to the fourth round, he'd be a steal for Holmes & Co.
Gabriel Murphy, UCLA
Murphy was a consistent performer for the Bruins as both a pass-rusher and a run defender, while lining up at several different positions. In 2023, he logged most of his snaps at EDGE (314), while also notably recording 131 snaps as an off-the-ball defender and another 75 in the “B-gap.”
In his final season at UCLA, Murphy compiled 38 total tackles, including a career-high 16 for loss, to go along with a career-best eight sacks and two passes defensed. For his efforts, he earned an 85.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including an 87.6 pass-rush mark and a 77.1 run-defense grade.
The Bruins product, equipped with a solid degree of athletic ability and agility, profiles as a situational pass-rusher at the next level.
Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State
The small-school product could be a great find for Holmes & Co. on Day 3 of the draft.
Kamara, the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, amassed a career-best 13 sacks and 56 total tackles, including a staggering 17 for loss, in his final season at Colorado State. Not surprisingly, he graded out as an excellent pass-rusher a season ago, too (91.2 PFF pass-rush grade).
Equipped with a relentless motor and a solid “rip” move to get around the edge, Kamara profiles as a rotational defender at the next level.
