Ahmed Hassanein, the Detroit Lions’ rookie defensive end, has been making waves in the NFL. Despite being a sixth-round pick, Hassanein has caught the attention of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who praises him as “an absolute joy to be around”. Here’s what we know about Hassanein’s potential impact on the Lions:

Background

– Born in Anaheim, California, Hassanein moved to Egypt at age six and returned to the US to attend high school in Anaheim.
– He played college football for Boise State University, where he recorded 101 combined tackles, 33 tackles for loss, and 22 sacks in his last two seasons.
– Hassanein was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round (196th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft ¹ ².

Skills and Abilities

– Hassanein flashes ability in run defense with his relentless pursuit and athleticism to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
– He has impressive strength, demonstrated by bench-pressing 405 pounds in a recent workout video.
– Hassanein’s ability to read and react quickly allows him to make plays on the ball ³ ².

Potential Impact on the Lions

– With Marcus Davenport’s injury concerns and the Lions’ need for a strong pass rush, Hassanein could see significant playing time.
– He might push for a situational pass rush role or even start, given his production in college and potential for growth.
– Hassanein’s international exemption provides the Lions with an extra roster spot during training camp, allowing for more flexibility in their roster management ⁴ ⁵.

Coach Kelvin Sheppard’s Expectations

– Sheppard is excited about Hassanein’s potential and believes he can contribute to the team.
– Sheppard will likely find ways to employ Hassanein on defense, leveraging his strengths and abilities ².

What’s Next for Hassanein

– As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, Hassanein will look to prove himself in training camp and preseason games.
– With a strong performance, he could earn a spot on the 53-man roster or secure a role on the practice squad.
– Given his talent and work ethic, Hassanein has the potential to become a key contributor to the Lions’ defense ⁴.