NFL Combine Watch List: 5 Interior Defensive Linemen Lions Should See
Teams have the chance to watch and assess the best of the best among the incoming class of NFL rookies at the NFL Scouting Combine. Teams also get the chance to meet with potential customers.
It will therefore be a significant week for the Detroit Lions. The defensive interior is one area where the team could use improvement, so general manager Brad Holmes and colleagues may assess a few of the best players in the position.
On February 29, the first day of on-field activities in Indianapolis, the defensive linemen will work out on the field.
The Lions may assess the following five defensive line prospects during the combine.
Texas’s T’Vondre Sweat
Following a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, the Lions have made sweat a popular target in recent weeks. Although Byron Murphy II, his teammate, is thought to be a first-round selection, Sweat has recently gained some traction in that discussion as well.
A strong week in Indianapolis could help the defender elevate his status and prepare him for the next step. His results in the agility tests may have a significant impact on his ability to maintain his position near the top of the class.
Sweat has demonstrated his strength and power with his hands; therefore, he should go one step further and demonstrate his good footwork to increase his chances of being selected on the first round.
Clemson RUKE Orhorhoro
Orhorhoro, who had five sacks during his final season at Clemson and 12 in his career, is a potent interior pass-rush asset. Despite his good size (6 feet 4 inches), he makes good use of it to keep the pad level low. He is therefore challenging to block.
Because of his quick feet, he can gain an advantage over slower offensive linemen.
Orhorhoro is currently most effective when using a bull-rush, so he would benefit from expanding his repertoire of pass-rush moves. However, he will improve in this area thanks to his excellent footwork. Thus, strengthening his hands will be very beneficial to him.
Speaking at the NFL combine is Brad Holmes, general manager of the Detroit Lions.
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Fiske Braden, Florida State
Fiske, a former Western Michigan Bronco, improved his chances of getting selected in the draft in 2023 by playing well against a top-tier Florida State defense. He demonstrated his mettle with six sacks and nine tackles for loss for the Seminoles after four successful years in the MAC.
He was a fascinating prospect going into the season, but a stellar year at the Power Five level solidified his place among the class’s best.
Fiske will be especially intriguing in the agility sections of the combine, even though he should perform well in the strength categories. If he has precise footwork, he will argue for jumping up boards.
Mekhi Wingo from LSU
Similar to Sweat, Wingo has occasionally been eclipsed by a gifted teammate who is generating a lot of buzz for the Draft. Maason Smith, who is anticipated to be an early Day 2 pick, was the player next to him.
But Wingo has achieved a great deal of success on his own. In 2023, he recorded three sacks and generated a total of 14 pressures for the Tigers. The Missouri transfer plays with a strong motor and was most effective as a three-technique.
Given that he played last season wearing LSU’s coveted No. 18 jersey, Wingo is a proven leader who would fit in well with the team’s culture. He possesses a lot of qualities, but it would be extremely beneficial to his Draft stock if he demonstrated athleticism during his on-field segments.
Newton, Jer’Zhan, Illinois
Newton is regarded as a player with Pro Bowl potential and one of the class’s top defensive tackle prospects. Newton is most effective as a three-technique, but he may be a nose tackle in the future.
During his four seasons at Illinois, he recorded 27.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks, making him a destructive force. The defender is difficult for opponents to handle because of his light feet and heavy hands.
