5 Interior Defensive Linemen Lions Should Watch at NFL Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine offers an opportunity for teams to watch and evaluate the best of the best in the incoming class of NFL rookies. Additionally, teams are granted the opportunity to meet with prospects.
As a result, it will be a big week for the Detroit Lions. One position where the team could stand to improve is on the defensive interior, so several top players at the position could be evaluated by general manager Brad Holmes and company.
The defensive linemen will do their on-field workouts on Feb. 29, which is the first day of on-field activities in Indianapolis.
Here are five defensive line prospects that the Lions could evaluate at the combine.
T'Vondre Sweat, Texas
Sweat has become a popular target for the Lions in recent weeks, after a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. His teammate, Byron Murphy II, is viewed as a first-round pick, but Sweat has also worked his way into that conversation as of late.
In order to take that next step, the defender could boost his status with a strong week in Indianapolis. His performance in the agility tests could go a long way toward cementing his stock near the top of the class.
Sweat has proven to be strong with his hands and displays power, so taking the next step and showing off solid footwork will only help his chances of being drafted on Day 1.
Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
Orhorhoro brings a strong pass-rush presence on the interior, having logged five sacks last season at Clemson and 12 total in his career. At 6-foot-4, he has good size, yet uses it well to maintain low pad level. This makes him difficult to block.
He has good feet as well, so he's able to create advantages against slower offensive linemen.
Orhorhoro could benefit from adding to his repertoire of pass-rush moves, as he currently is at his best with a bull-rush. His strong footwork will help him develop in this area, though. So, building up his hand strength will help him greatly.
Braden Fiske, Florida State
Formerly a Western Michigan Bronco, Fiske leveled up his Draft chances with a strong showing on an elite Florida State defense in 2023. After four good years in the MAC, he showed his mettle with six sacks and nine tackles for loss for the Seminoles.
He was an intriguing prospect coming into the year, but proved his status amongst the best in the class with a strong year at the Power Five level.
Fiske should do well in the strength components at the combine, but he will be particularly interesting in the agility portions. If his footwork is on point, he'll make a case to jump up boards.
Mekhi Wingo, LSU
Like Sweat, Wingo has been overshadowed at points by a talented teammate with plenty of Draft buzz. He played next to Maason Smith, who is expected to be an early Day 2 pick.
However, Wingo has had plenty of success in his own right. He had three sacks for the Tigers in 2023, and produced 14 total pressures. The Missouri transfer was at his best as a three-technique, and plays with a high motor.
Wingo is also a proven leader that would be a strong cultural fit, as he wore LSU's vaunted No. 18 jersey last season. He has plenty of traits, but showing off athletic ability during his on-field segments would be massive for his Draft stock.
Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
Considered one of the best defensive tackle prospects in the class, Newton is viewed as a player with Pro Bowl potential. Though he could have a future as a nose tackle, Newton is at his best as a three-technique.
He was a wrecking ball at Illinois, notching 27.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks over four seasons. The defender operates with light feet and heavy hands, making him a tough assignment for opponents.
He'll be an interesting evaluation, as a concern regarding him is his short arm length. However, this can be overcome, as he demonstrated at the college level.
