What the F is Happening with the Edge and DT Groups?!

The Den
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Here is the DE group right now:

Hutch and Ahmed Hassanein. That’s it. Now, a veteran and a top rookie would look pretty good for sure. But that hasn’t happened yet. We lost AQM and Davenport with no replacement. I am not bummed to lose either guy but they need to be replaced.

At DT we have:

Alim McNeil (I expect a HUGE bounce back season), TyLeik Williams, Mekhi Wingo (deserves more looks) and Levi Onwuzurike. If healthy Levi could be a HUGE boost to this D. Levi was really good in 2024, We also have Chris Smith but that feels like an empty roster spot at this point. We lost Reader and Roy Lopez. Getting Reader back at a bargain price would be great and adding a solid rookie would also help.

I feel like this DL is four players from being good again. 2 DEs and 2 DTs. The draft can help with that but damn, free agency is necessary still. Is there a D philosophy shift happening? Air hinted at this in another thread. I don’t know but I feel like this group needs serious attention still. Thoughts?

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I think pretty much everyone in here agrees with you.

But I also think there IS a plan.

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Let the prices come down and then sneak in and get them for reasonable deals :man_supervillain: style

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We’re at the point where signing established vets will come after the draft.

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Alim, Levi and Tyleik aint a bad top 3 at DT.

But DE is Hutch and no freaken idea. Need at least 2 ends, maybe 3.

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I might suggest that we as fans would like to see a bit more action.

But also I do not know the windows for all of this stuff.

Like are their dates when guys will be cut moving forward due to rosters and such? I know the new years has started but again I have no idea of there are other key windows opening where the Lions could procure players.

But I agree in that it would be nice to see some action. And also we the fans clearly would have liked to see a big splash because that makes us feel good. Like the team is trying harder than other teams.

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I really don’t get letting Lopez walk, especially since he signed for a pretty cheap deal with Arizona. The only DTs have on the roster who could realistically be counted on are Alim and Tyleik.

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I think Lopez probably wanted to be a starter. We need Tyleik to make a big jump in year 2 but I think he’s the starting nose tackle. Especially using a 1st rounder on him.

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And Lacy. But we’ll also add veteran and at least 1 draft pick. It’s March.

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I was going to add Lacy too as he is on the roster but that also feels like an empty roster spot. Thank you for noting Lacy being here too.

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Have you checked at the Odds and Ends table?

That’s where Brad will be shopping.

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Heard. In an ideal world, he’s not making the roster.

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Well, nobody was satisfied with our pass rush last season so it’s a good thin we overhaul the whole DE room?

Maybe a change to 3-4 is also conceivable.

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My guess is. Bradford is going to wait till after the draft, and hope there is cuts or some vet still out there. Its not just dline its lb and safeties

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There is zero chance that Holmes stands pat until after the draft.

He has always filled in holes during free agency, and has typically signed MOST of his free agents after the 1st week when the prices start to drop.

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There are some decent vets still out there at D End. Clowney or Cam Jordan would sure help. Both guys are still productive.

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come on OP , holy hells, we still have waivers, trades, The Draft

of 26 here they are going to draft defensive players, let them clean the kitchen and cook, before going crazy we don’t have a DE 2,3 -whatever, or a DT . Let’s see how this unfolds.

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I’m feeling like this is the A.J. Epenesa show at this point. Iowa kid, 260+ pounds, productive and available. Epenesa is 28 in September. He is a solid run defender and can pressure a QB. Also healthy!

If we added him that would be the best #2 DE we have fielded in Hutch’s career.

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We need 3 DEs or Edges still. I agree with @Thats2 they have a plan. Even though I don’t have a clue what that is.

I actually like the DT group. I think we need to add another in FA and the draft which I am pretty confident they do. Not so much worried about DT. But holy smokes am I scratching my head at what exactly that plan might be at edge/end.

And yes on Epenesa!!! It would make me feel so much better.

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Agreed Marty but DLine is significantly more important. I know it’s not sexy, but a both S and LB will be added in the draft on day 3 most likely. Get a legit starting edge and one more DLman and I will feel much better about the D as whole.