The Detroit Lions have been linked to Michigan defensive end Josiah Stewart, who averaged 7.5 sacks per season over his four years with the Wolverines.
Michigan’s Josiah Stewart Can Help Boost Detroit’s Pass Rush
The Detroit Lions are coming off their best regular season in franchise history. Finishing in first place in the NFC North with a 15-2 record, Super Bowl hopes were high for the team.
Led by Dan Campbell, the Lions were locked in all year after nearly making the Super Bowl in 2023-24. However, their defense became an increasing concern as the season progressed.
Injuries plagued the team throughout the year, but no player’s absence was more noticeable than that of standout defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit’s pass rush took a significant hit when Hutchinson suffered a season-ending broken left tibia against the Cowboys in Week 6.
While Hutchinson is set to return this season, the Lions desperately need to improve a defense that ranked just 21st in sacks, 31st in yards allowed (409.5 per game), and dead last in points allowed per game (33.2). Michigan’s Josiah Stewart could help address that need.
With clear connections to Detroit, Stewart, the 12th-ranked edge rusher in the upcoming NFL Draft, has caught the attention of Coach Campbell. The front office sees him as a solid candidate for their first-round pick at No. 28.
In the 2024 season, Stewart, a senior from New York City, finished with 22 solo tackles, 33 combined tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named second-team All-Big Ten.
Before transferring to Michigan, Stewart played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Coastal Carolina, where he recorded 12.5 sacks as a freshman.
Stewart is a relentless pass rusher who uses his quickness to close in on quarterbacks and is a solid tackler. His 30 career sacks have impressed coaches and front offices alike. He combines strength and finesse, using euro-steps and sharp angles to get around the edge.
Despite his 6-foot-1, 249-pound frame, Stewart plays with a high motor, making up for his lack of size.
While some believe he could be taken in later rounds, teams can never have enough consistent pass rushers. For the Lions, improving their defense will certainly be a priority during the draft.
Detroit currently holds seven picks in the 2025 draft: Nos. 28, 60, 102, 130, 196, 228, and 244.
