Now that NFL draft season is underway after the conclusion of the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl, it’s time to start the prospect profiles for players the Lions are likely to show some interest in for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The initial pick is a pass rusher who might be available to Detroit with their first selection at No. 28 overall.
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Registered by the Aggies at 6 feet 4 inches, 285 pounds
14.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks in 2024 and named Texas A&M’s defensive MVP
Moved from Purdue after two years, where he topped the Big Ten in sacks in 2023 with 10.
20 years of age (will be 21 in August)
Scourton returned to Texas A&M (he hails from nearby Bryan, TX) following two successful years in the Big Ten at Purdue. He’s a big defensive end who played extensively at both schools in a stand-up OLB position and also with a hand on the ground. He’s among the youngest candidates in the draft.
Games attended: Texas, Arkansas, Notre Dame, LSU, South Carolina, Missouri, Michigan 2023 (in person), Iowa 2023.
Advantages
Distinct “crush the can” pass rush technique, strength-to-quickness from an impressive bull rush.
Effective utilization of his height and a forceful first jab on the pass rush.
Possesses a vicious inside rip technique and a rapid (considering his size) spin that can go both inside and outside.
Concludes with strength and utilizes his reach to control effectively.
The effort to chase down opponents from behind and contain them is robust and continues to enhance.
Achieves good depth on his early coverage drops from a standing position.
The motor is always running hot.
Negatives
Lower body is stiffer than anticipated, lacking good flex at the edge.
Consistently plays excessively high and narrow in the running game, particularly from a 2-point stance.
Often the final lineman to move after the snap, even with a half-count; the contrary of a snap-jumper.
Pursues the cheese on play-fakes and screens/swings excessively.
Will lose tackle chances by coming in too high.
In general
Scourton is a size/strength defensive end candidate who undoubtedly aligns with the characteristics the Lions seek at EDGE. He’s a speed-to-power defensive anchor with quite remarkable strength and a few effective pass-rushing techniques. Scourton competes fiercely and radiates enthusiasm, and he has the ability to play on both sides of the lineup.
I have certain worries regarding his general athleticism. Scourton is quick for his size but didn’t demonstrate much flexibility or explosiveness as a pass rusher, particularly when beginning from a 2-point stance. He will need to maintain a better pad level more consistently and instinctively; Scourton showed the capability to lower himself and anchor at the edge, but it lacked consistency. With a few notable exceptions, Scourton was mostly ineffective against top-50 offensive tackles such as Armand Membou, Will Campbell, and Kelvin Banks.
The conclusion is that he won’t reach 21 until August and seemed to lose some weight as his Aggies season advanced. That’s positive, as at his stated weight of 285 pounds he’s nearly too large/slow for the role. His technical skills in the game demonstrated improvement, yet still require more diversity and enhanced awareness for executing moves.