Lions' 2023 Roster Bubble: EDGE Rushers
The Detroit Lions have a stable of talent on the edge.
With rookie Aidan Hutchinson leading the pass-rush charge, the Lions have a star to go with a strong, deep group.
With Hutchinson, Detroit's coaches are hoping that they have the next elite EDGE rusher. He was the team's highest-rated defender by Pro Football Focus as a rookie, with an 80.7 overall grade.
In 2022, he led the team with 9.5 sacks, and used his athleticism to secure three interceptions. He's a dynamic talent, with a knack for the ball. He was one of the best young EDGE rushers in the league.
Yet, he must continue to deepen his skill set as opponents adjust. Though he's physical, he has to fine-tune his finesse, as he works to attack quarterbacks.
Another pleasant surprise in 2022 was John Cominsky, who played his way into a solid role despite dealing with a fracture in his hand for a portion of the season.
The waiver-wire pickup earned a two-year extension this offseason, and will be a key part of Detroit's rusher rotation while also playing snaps on the inside.
He's not the only member of the 2022 draft class expected to make noise off the edge.
James Houston has a presence as an outside linebacker, while Josh Paschal will hold a similar role to Hutchinson as an EDGE.
The Kentucky product was limited by injury to start his career, debuting after Detroit's Week 6 bye. He'll see plenty of significant action, and could force one of the veterans into a lesser role if he performs well.
Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris both missed significant time with injuries, as well. Both have starred in the past for Detroit, and will be working to replicate past success.
Last season, neither was able to make a significant impact due to health limitations. If healthy, their veteran savvy could be a difference-maker on a young Lions defense.
Roster bubble
Both Okwara and Harris should be safely on the roster. Yet, each restructured their contracts this offseason. If Paschal, Houston and Cominsky all perform, one or two of them could be expendable.
Julian Okwara has been up-and-down during his first three seasons as a pro, but will face an uphill battle. He has yet to firmly stake his claim to the position.
The Notre Dame product will need to have a strong camp, given the depth at the position. If he can showcase his ability, he could, in turn, put the pressure on his brother and Harris.
Undrafted free agent Zach Morton has impressed some within the early stages of the offseason. The Akron product will face a tough challenge with all the preexisting EDGE depth.
He could help himself by showing some versatility, as well as special teams ability.
