Due to injuries, the Detroit Lions, who enter Week 14 with an NFL-best 11-1 record, have had serious defensive difficulties. Although recent signings like Za’Darius Smith (via trade), Kwon Alexander, and Jamal Adams have offered some respite, Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury in Week 6 has had the biggest impact. Currently, thirteen defenders are on injured reserve. Although it is anticipated that Hutchinson, who led the NFL in sacks prior to his accident, will be fully recovered in 2025, Detroit may still want to bolster its edge position because of its shallow roster.
Luke Easterling, an expert, projects that the Lions may take Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau with the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL mock draft published by Athlon Sports. Easterling writes, “The Lions need a well-rounded edge player to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and Tuimoloau has the complete skill set and polish to be the ideal running mate.” Easterling agrees that Tuimoloau is still a great fit for the Lions.
The 6-foot-5, 269-pound defensive end Tuimoloau had a stellar final season at Ohio State, recording career-highs of six sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2024. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report compares him to defensive end Michael Clemons of the New York Jets and forecasts him as a probable second-round selection. But with just three defensive ends signed for 2025, Tuimoloau’s adaptability and reliability might make him a useful asset for Detroit.
In order to keep their advantage in the league’s most difficult division, the Lions are probably going to place a high priority on strengthening their defensive front.
