INDIANAPOLIS – The 2019 pass rushing class is one of the deepest and most talented in a long time, and if the Lions are looking to add one to their defense with the No. 8 pick, it's expected there will be some very good ones available.
It's hard to project two months out how the first seven picks of the draft might play out ahead of the Lions, but a good quarterback measurement and a freakishly athletic wide receiver performance at the Combine might have changed some things up at the top of the draft. That could potentially increase the chances of the Lions having a bigger pool of pass rushers to choose from.
So, who are some pass rushers Lions fans should familiarize themselves with?
One player who might be a stretch is Kentucky's Josh Allen, but crazier things have happened on draft day.
Allen (6-5, 262) led the Wildcats with 88 tackles this past season. He tied for sixth nationally with 21.5 tackles for loss and ranked second in college football in both sacks (17) and forced fumbles (five).
View photos of the prospects that met the media on Day 3 of the 2019 NFL Combine.
Georgia defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Old Dominion defensive lineman Oshane Ximines talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oklahoma State defensive lineman Jordan Brailford talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miami defensive lineman Joe Jackson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wyoming defensive lineman Carl Granderson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida State defensive lineman Brian Burns talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State defensive lineman Nick Bosa talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
TCU defensive lineman Ben Banogu talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State defensive lineman Shareef Miller talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Montez Sweat talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Maryland defensive lineman Byron Cowart talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
North Carolina defensive lineman Malik Carney talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
TCU defensive lineman L.J. Collier talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Charleston defensive lineman John Cominsky talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Iowa defensive lineman Anthony Nelson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
North Carolina A&T defensive lineman Darryl Johnson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Gerri Green talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida defensive lineman Cece Jefferson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oregon defensive lineman Jalen Jelks talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Maxx Crosby talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boston College defensive lineman Wyatt Ray talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Northern Illinois defensive lineman Sutton Smith talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Boston College defensive lineman Zach Allen talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida defensive lineman Jachai Polite talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Akron defensive lineman Jamal Davis talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson defensive lineman Austin Bryant talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Michigan defensive lineman Chase Winovich talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Ohio State defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kansas defensive lineman Daniel Wise talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington defensive lineman Greg Gaines talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Kingsley Keke talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Daylon Mack talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
UCF defensive lineman Trysten Hill talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Miami defensive lineman Gerald Willis talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson defensive lineman Bert Huggins talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Missouri defensive lineman Terry Beckner talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Penn State defensive lineman Kevin Givens talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Arizona State defensive lineman Renell Wren talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Western Illinois defensive lineman Khalen Saunders talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Auburn defensive lineman Dontavius Russell talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Arkansas defensive lineman Armon Watts talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Minnesota linebacker Blake Cashman talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Washington linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Georgia linebacker D'Andre Walker talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M linebacker Tyrell Dodson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Notre Dame linebacker Te'Von Coney talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas Tech linebacker Dakota Allen talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas linebacker Gary Johnson talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Arkansas linebacker Dre Greenlaw talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
South Carolina linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Houston linebacker Emeke Egbule talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Texas A&M linebacker Otaro Alaka talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin linebacker Ryan Connelly talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Fresno State linebacker Jeff Allison talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Duke linebacker Joe Giles-Harris talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
USC linebacker Cameron Smith talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
NC State linebacker Germaine Pratt talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Florida linebacker Vosean Joseph talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Michigan linebacker Devin Bush talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
LSU linebacker Devin White talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Alabama linebacker Christian Miller talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
TCU linebacker Ty Summers talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Northwestern linebacker Nate Hall talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
USC linebacker Porter Gustin talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Missouri linebacker Terez Hall talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Clemson linebacker Kendall Joseph talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Oregon linebacker Justin Hollins talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Utah linebacker Chase Hansen talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
New Mexico State linebacker Terrill Hall talks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, March 2 2019 in Indianapolis. (Detroit Lions via AP)
"I think I'm one of the only guys that really dropped into coverage," Allen said Saturday at the Combine, when asked what sets him apart from the rest of the edge rushers. "I also pass rushed, but I also dropped in coverage and I think that separates myself from a lot of guys here."
Allen is considered by most analysts to be one of the top three players in this draft, yet there are scenarios where he could be available at No. 8.
Clemson's Clelin Ferrell could be there at eight. He's been a productive player for the defending national champion Tigers for a few years now.
Ferrell (6-4, 264) was the winner of the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end in 2018 after racking up 53 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, four pass breakups and three forced fumbles in 15 starts.
"I just feel like my versatility is something that is very, very important when you talk about my game," Ferrell said. "I feel like that has always given me an edge as far as giving me a benefit on the field.
"Not only just my versatility as player, I can play defensive end, and I played some defensive tackle this past year – three technique – and I've also dropped into coverage as an outside linebacker. But not only just doing those things, but I feel like I've done them at a consistently high level. That's always given me a bit of confidence and I've done it against the best competition so far playing at Clemson."
Mississippi State's Montez Sweat fits the physical profile teams love from a defensive end with a terrific mix of size, power and speed. He's another name that could be in the conversation at No. 8.
Sweat (6-5, 260) compiled 53 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and a team-high 11.5 sacks this past season.
"I think I separate myself with my effort and my play," he said. "Just getting after the QB is what I do best."
Sweat also had the advantage of playing in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme in his time at Mississippi State.
And what about Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary? Like Allen, he's projected to come off the board a couple picks before No. 8, but he could still be there.
Gary (6-4, 277) is coming off a 44 tackle campaign for the Wolverines with seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 12 games.
"To be honest, I feel I'm more versatile (than the other rushers in this class)," Gary said. "I play base end, but you're able to throw me inside at three-technique. I can rush over a guard. I can stand up and rush off the edge and can drop to the flat or the hook. I can really do anything anyone wants me to be, so I'm an army swiss knife to every team."
Even past the four guys listed above, this year's draft is filled with talented pass rushers, and the Lions will be able to grab one at No. 8 if that's what they decide to do.
