The NFL Combine has officially wrapped, and for the Detroit Lions, the EDGE group once again delivered intriguing options. With Al-Quadin Muhammad headed toward free agency and trade talks reportedly cooling around Maxx Crosby, Detroit may need to reinforce its pass rush through the draft. This is Part 2 of the EDGE standouts series, combining 2026 NFL Combine testing numbers with 2025 PFF production and projecting how each player would fit in Detroit’s defensive scheme.

1. Jaishawn Barham (Michigan)

Michigan Wolverines defender Jaishawn Barham brings a different flavor to the EDGE class. At 22 years old, Barham posted a 79.3 overall PFF grade in 2025, highlighted by a dominant 90.4 run-defense grade — fourth best among edge defenders. He added a 71.6 pass-rush grade across 375 snaps, finishing with three sacks, nine quarterback hurries, nine QB hits, 21 pressures and one batted pass.

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At the combine, Barham measured 6-foot-3, 240 pounds with 32 3/8-inch arms and 10 1/4-inch hands. He ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash (seventh best among EDGE), recorded a 1.61 10-yard split, a 33-inch vertical (14th), and a 10-foot-3 broad jump. Next Gen Stats assigned him a 6.33 prospect grade, with a 59 production score (31st), 62 athleticism score (31st), and a total score of 63 (27th).

Lions fit: Barham’s elite run-defense production stands out. Detroit’s scheme demands physical edge setters who can keep linebackers clean and force runs back inside. While he may not profile as a high-volume sack artist early, his ability to anchor and play disciplined football would complement a speed rusher on the opposite side. In early-down packages, Barham could carve out an immediate rotational role.

2. Keldric Faulk (Auburn)

Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Keldric Faulk is one of the most physically imposing players in the class. At 6-6, 276 pounds with 34 3/8-inch arms, he looks the part of a prototypical strong-side defensive end. In 2025, Faulk earned a 75.8 overall PFF grade, including an 85.5 run-defense grade and 66.0 pass-rush grade. Over 556 snaps, he recorded two sacks, 27 quarterback hurries, 30 total pressures and two batted passes.

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Faulk’s combine testing reinforced his upside. He posted a 35-inch vertical (11th) and a 9-foot-9 broad jump (14th). Next Gen Stats gave him a 6.45 prospect grade, along with a 73 production score (14th), 76 athleticism score (sixth), and a total score of 78 (fifth among EDGE).

Lions fit: Faulk screams “Dan Campbell edge.” His size and length would give Detroit a powerful presence on the strong side, particularly against NFC North rushing attacks. While his pass-rush numbers were modest in 2025, his athletic profile suggests untapped upside. In Detroit’s rotation-heavy defensive line, Faulk could develop as a power-based rusher who collapses pockets and dominates tight ends in the run game.

3. Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State)

Penn State Nittany Lions edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton may have been one of the most complete testers in Indianapolis. At 6-6, 256 pounds with 33 1/2-inch arms, he combined size with explosive athleticism. Dennis-Sutton ran a 4.63 40-yard dash (fifth best), posted a 1.63 10-yard split (ninth), jumped 39.5 inches in the vertical (fourth), and led all edge rushers with a 10-foot-11 broad jump. His 6.9-second three-cone drill further showcased his bend and change of direction.

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Next Gen Stats awarded him a 6.16 prospect grade, but his underlying scores were strong: 75 production score (eighth), 85 athleticism score (second), and 78 total score (seventh).

On the field in 2025, Dennis-Sutton earned a 79.3 overall PFF grade with identical 79.3 pass-rush and 77.1 run-defense marks. Across 582 snaps, he totaled six sacks, two forced fumbles, 26 stops, 26 quarterback hurries, 13 QB hits and 45 total pressures.

Lions fit: Dennis-Sutton checks nearly every box. He has the length to set the edge, the explosiveness to threaten tackles vertically, and the agility to win inside counters. For Detroit, he profiles as a potential three-down starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson. His blend of production and elite testing suggests one of the safest projections in this EDGE class.

If Detroit prioritizes balance and physicality, Barham and Faulk offer tone-setting run defenders with upside. If the Lions want a high-ceiling, every-down disruptor, Dennis-Sutton may be the most complete option. Either way, the combine confirmed that this EDGE class has the depth to address one of Detroit’s biggest needs.