The pass rush of the Detroit Lions has faced extensive criticism over the last two seasons, and this year’s group of defensive tackles may hold the solutions to their issues.
A variety of captivating choices will be showcased at this year’s NFL Combine, as the elite of the class demonstrate a thrilling mix of athleticism and power. Consequently, there are numerous strong choices for any aspect the Lions wish to enhance in 2024.
With Alim McNeill and DJ Reader expected to occupy the leading positions on the depth chart, Detroit might consider an early selection to enhance their rotation depth and provide a young player with opportunities to develop in their system.
Here are seven defensive tackle prospects that the Lions ought to keep an eye on during the NFL Combine.
Darius Alexander, Toledo
Alexander was among the standout players at the Senior Bowl, as he was extremely disruptive to the offense during practices over the week in Mobile. It’s easy to understand why, given that Alexander’s 6-foot-4 stature combined with his explosiveness makes him extremely challenging to block.
Toledo selected cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round of last year’s draft, and Alexander could enter that discussion with an impressive performance at the Combine. Boasting nine sacks and 23 career tackles for loss, he has proven to be quite effective and might fit well in Detroit.
Alfred Collins, Texas
Collins is an effective run defender capable of shedding blocks proficiently and possesses enough athleticism to penetrate into the backfield. He possesses great strength in his hands and frequently has a response for rival linemen while attempting to disrupt plays.
He has demonstrated an ability to stop the run in both the A and B gaps. Collins has the physique to serve as a nose tackle, but only time will reveal whether he ends up there or operates more as a three-technique in the NFL.
Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Grant’s teammate Mason Graham stands out as the top player at this position in this year’s class, yet Grant deserves recognition as well. The ex-Wolverine is regarded as a first-round selection by numerous sources, and various aspects of his play support those assertions.
To begin with, Grant possesses a tireless engine and is incredibly agile given his stature. As a genuine junior for Michigan in 2024, he accumulated 32 tackles, seven of which were for loss, and registered three sacks. Grant possesses the build and explosiveness to control the A gap for defenses for years to come.
The Combine should thrill Grant, as he is anticipated to shine because of his quick playing style.
Walter Nolen, University of Mississippi
A frequent characteristic among the leading prospects at this position is their explosiveness when off the ball. Nolen is another athletically talented defensive tackle capable of dominating rival linemen with a swift initial move.
After two seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen transferred to Ole Miss and enjoyed his finest collegiate season. He recorded 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. At times, he was completely overpowering in the interior for the Rebels and is expected to play as a three-technique at the next level.
His pass rush effectiveness from the inside might position him as one of the top interior defenders selected in April. Similar to Grant, Nolen possesses the athletic能力 to impress during on-field drills in Indianapolis.
Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee
Norman-Lott moved to the SEC in 2023 after spending three years at Arizona State and improved his game while competing for the Volunteers. After accumulating four sacks with the Sun Devils, Norman-Lott recorded 9.5 in two seasons within Tennessee’s defensive system.
The seasoned defender was part of a rotation in the Volunteers’ defense, enabling him to stay fresh while also reducing the number of snaps he participated in. Unlike some of the other choices who are primarily characterized by their athleticism, Norman-Lott possesses a wealth of strength in his play.
Although he isn’t the most dynamic player, he makes up for it by playing with great intensity. This quality is something the Lions want, and therefore he might be an ideal rotational option at the start of his career.
Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Named a third-team All-American in 2024, Peebles ranks among the top pass-rushing defensive tackles in the whole class. His highest score from Pro Football Focus was in pass rushing, where he achieved a 91.2 rating in that category.
Peebeles recorded 11.5 sacks throughout his career, with 3.5 of those earned while playing for the Hokies in 2024. Moreover, he recorded 37 pressures this previous season and can be a significant presence rushing from the inside. Despite being smaller than average for his role, he plays with intensity and possesses various methods to penetrate the backfield.
Deone Walker, from Kentucky
Even though Walker didn’t have the ideal season in 2024, there’s plenty to appreciate about what he could offer at the next level. Following a standout year in 2023 where he recorded 7.5 sacks, he managed only 1.5 in 11 games during the recent season.
Walker possesses the capability to play both on the edge and in various interior positions, as his alignment varied in snap counts during the season. This adaptability is sought after at the NFL level, as he can address various requirements for teams throughout the league.
The Kentucky player is expected to be a run-stuffer with some pass-rushing ability at the next level, and can raise his draft stock into first-round talks with a strong performance in Indianapolis.