Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft Profile: Defensive Tackle Albert Huggins

Certain NFL prospects go on to have better careers in the pros than in college. One player is a good fit for the Detroit Lions.

Typically, four career starts won’t get you drafted in the NFL. In this case, that’s not the case. The Detroit Lions would be wise to select Albert Huggins in the late rounds.

Buried behind first round caliber talent, the four-year defensive tackle didn’t see a ton of snaps (911) over his Clemson career. Despite that, he’s been a solid fill-in starter when called upon.

Huggins stepped into the national spotlight during the college football playoffs when he started the final two games of 2018. Not only did the Tigers continue to fire on all cylinders, he was arguably the best player on the team during that championship run.

Not just a winner of two titles (2016 and 2018) and a runner-up in another (2015), Huggins was productive when he got the chance to play. His 83 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks are impressive given the limited opportunities.

Not seeing the field much is a concern when making the jump from college to the pros. Luckily, he’s a decent athlete. What he’s shown at the NFL Combine and at his Pro Day make him a low-risk/high reward prospect.

His ability to rush the passer is more than decent. He’ll need to improve his hand usage and overall technique substantially though. The twitchiness isn’t ideal but he’s not limited to what down and situation he plays in.

Standing 6-foot-3, weighing 305 pounds, with 33 1/2 inch arms and more than sufficient athleticism, there’s a great chance he’ll hear his name called on day three of the NFL Draft.

When it comes to the defensive scheme the Detroit Lions are running, Albert Huggins is a perfect fit. He’s at his best two-gapping and making plays in the run game. If he’s there in the sixth round, I’d run to the podium and select him in a heartbeat.