The Detroit Lions are entering the 2024-25 season with a solid squad, but they do have some vulnerabilities, and a new Bleacher Report series focuses on each roster’s major weaknesses heading into Week 1. Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department believes the Lions could find an ideal replacement for Aiden Hutchinson in 2025 free agency.
Josh Sweat from the Philadelphia Eagles Could Help the Lions.
In a September 2 article, Bleacher Report identified cornerback as the Lions’ worst issue, followed by wide receiver, offensive line depth, linebacker, and defensive tackle.
Bleacher Report’s NFL experts believe the Lions may capitalize on next year’s draft by signing Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat. Sweat’s been with the Eagles since 2018.
Sweat, an Eagles fourth-round pick, played 17 games last season and 88 games in his NFL career, according to ESPN. He recorded 6.5 sacks last season and 35.0 sacks in his career. He was in the Pro Bowl in 2021.
“With Marcus Davenport only on a one-year deal and John Cominsky being an impending free agent, Detroit will be looking for another defensive end to play on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson this offseason,” a source said. “Sweat should spark the organization’s interest because he fits their brand of tough football and is a well-rounded athlete. The 27-year-old, who turns 28 in March, has 35 career sacks and 45 TFLs in six seasons.
Bleacher Report believes that the Lions sign free agent Jalen Mills to address their immediate weaknesses.
“The Lions’ need for a cornerback was well-documented this offseason and while the front office made several additions, it couldn’t hurt to throw one more player into the mix especially while Emmanuel Moseley is on injured reserve,” the team said of the defensive back. “Mills would be a good target since he has the versatility to cover the boundary or the slot and can play safety if needed.”
Wide Receiver Help in the 2025 NFL Draft
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department believes that wide receiver Evan Stewart of Oregon would be a great addition to the club.
“Barring Jameson Williams having a breakout campaign, Brad Holmes will likely be looking for a wide receiver in the draft to complement Amon-Ra St. Brown,” according to their article. “Stewart should be on Holmes’ radar as he can line up out wide and create separation.”
They continued: “As a route-runner, Stewart changes directions and levels quickly to generate ample natural separation.”
Bleacher Report also claimed that Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill could join the Pittsburgh Steelers next season.
“Alim McNeill will be the top interior defensive lineman on the market if the Lions don’t sign him,” they said, adding that he ranked seventh overall in PFF’s 2024-25 interior defender rankings. They also state that McNeill “would carry on the tradition of elite defensive tackles in Pittsburgh.”
The Lions’ regular season kicks off on Sunday, September 8 at 8:20 p.m. Eastern time against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit.
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