With the 42nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected University of Kentucky defensive lineman Josh Paschal.
Paschal is the second defensive lineman drafted by the Lions, with Aidan Hutchinson being picked in the first round. Both of these players were tabbed as edge defenders throughout the draft process, but their play styles couldn’t be more different.
While Hutchinson will likely see more reps in an outside linebacker role, Paschal should see some extensive looks on the defensive line as a 3- or 5-technique.
With the departure of Nick Williams on the defensive line, Paschal appears to be the likely replacement in that role. At Kentucky, he was used in multiple roles including nose tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end, and outside linebacker.
This versatility should give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn plenty of options of how to use Paschal in his multiple defensive front. The main thing the Lions could benefit from is an improved interior pass rush, and who better to do that then Paschal, who could use his pass rush skills from his natural edge role on the inside at 3T defensive tackle.
At the moment, it seems like the defensive line would see Michael Brockers, Alim McNeill, and Levi Onwuzurike as the starting three, but Paschal should be able to get into the rotation often. Brockers is also on the last year of his deal with Detroit, so this gives a chance for the Lions’ new lineman to play his way into a starting role for 2023 as well.
