Lions Find Perfect Aidan Hutchinson Running Mate in NFL Draft Prediction

One area the Detroit Lions must focus on this offseason is the defensive line, specifically finding someone to rush opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. Last offseason, Detroit aimed to address this by signing Marcus Davenport to a one-year $6.5 million contract.

Unfortunately, Davenport suffered multiple injuries in the first three weeks of the 2024 season, including a significant elbow injury that sidelined him for the whole season. As a result, Hutchinson was left as the only pass-rushing threat on the defensive line until he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6.

Following Hutchinson's injury, the Lions traded for Za'Darius Smith, who added some much-needed pass rush. Although Smith has one more season under contract with Detroit, it would be smart to consider younger options in the draft. Recently, Pro Football Focus released an updated mock draft that sees the Lions taking Georgia pass rusher Mykel Williams at pick 28.

Could Detroit Steal Mykel Williams With the 28th Overall Pick?

PFF's mock draft is one of the only ones to have Williams falling out of the top 15 picks. Publications such as The Athletic and CBS Sports have Williams being selected in the top 10. That said, there is a reason for the discrepancy in draft position.

Williams is set to enter the NFL as a talent with top-five traits, yet he lacked high production in college. In three seasons at Georgia, Williams recorded 67 tackles, 14 sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 40 games. Williams only recorded five sacks one time in college, which was this past season.

Early scouting reports indicate what leads some to have Williams being selected within the top 10. According to Bleacher Report, Williams's strengths include being physical against the run, having a good size, frame, arm length, movement skills, and athleticism to help him grow as a pass rusher. He also has a good motor to collapse pockets.

On the other hand, Williams's weaknesses include not being explosive enough off the line, having no true go-to move, lacking pass-rush integrity and run-gap discipline. While Williams's weaknesses are big, they aren't anything that can't be fixed. Therefore, it is hard to see a world where PFF's mock draft position for Williams is accurate.

Nevertheless, if the draft does end up falling the way PFF predicts, the Lions should absolutely select Williams and develop him this upcoming season.

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