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It’s no secret that the Lions have had a pretty underwhelming start to their off-season. While the Vikings, Packers, and Bears load up on talent in free agency, the Lions have refused to address their biggest needs, with the exception of signing D.J Reed to replace departing cornerback Carlton Davis.

After releasing Za’Darius Smith and losing Kevin Zeitler to Tennessee, pass rusher and an interior offensive lineman remain the Lions’ biggest needs on the roster.

Although they have yet to open their wallet for what was a pretty deep free agency class on the defensive line, Brad Holmes has always played his best hand in the NFL Draft. The draft class is also deep with pass rush talent. If Holmes once again hits on some of his draft picks, the lack of moves made in free agency will become a small object in the rear view mirror.

One of the pass rushers from this class that contributes to the depth at the position is a Boise State product, and if the Lions were to select him, they would not only be filling a need, but they would be making NFL history in the process.

Lions could make Ahmed Hassanein the first Egyptian player drafted to the NFL

History is brewing as Ahmed Hassanein, arguably the leader of Boise State’s defense, should hear his name called in next months NFL Draft. If that happens, he will be the first player from Egypt to be selected in the draft.

Hassanein was born in the United States but moved to Egypt at the age of six. In 2018, he moved in with his brother, a football coach in California, who convinced him to play the sport. He played high school football at Loara High School in California where he became a three-star recruit in high school. On December 16th, 2020, Hassanein signed a national letter of intent to play college football at Boise State. The rest, as they say, is history.

You don’t get drafted because you’re attached to a feel-good story, though. You must prove to scouts, front offices, and coaches that you have what it takes to compete in the NFL. His numbers are certainly an indication that he did just that.

Hassanein was extremely productive with the Broncos as he collected an impressive 22 sacks in his last two seasons. He put the QB on the ground 12.5 times in 2023 and 9.5 times during the 2024 season. He had two sacks in 2022, bringing his career total to 24 sacks. Hassanein also had 119 total tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in his collegiate career.

One thing about Hassanein, who stands at 6’2″ and was weighed in at 267 pounds, is that he’s shown the versatility and strength to play inside as well as off the edge. He’s also considered a pretty raw talent as a pass rusher which is exciting to think about considering the fact that he was incredibly productive in the last two seasons.

Hassanein will likely go off the board on day three, in either the fourth or fifth round. If the Lions do select him on day three, his role this fall would likely be a rotational piece for Detroit’s defensive line while also having the potential to develop as a starter in the future.

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