The Detroit Lions needed to add a defensive tackle at some point in this year's draft, as they lost Roy Lopez in free agency and have yet to re-sign DJ Reader.
While Tyleik Williams looks primed for a better Year 2, and as the team still has Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, and Mekhi Wingo ready to compete alongside him, some extra depth in an oft-injured position couldn't hurt. So, the Lions selection of Texas Tech's Skylar Gill-Howard at 205th overall.
Gill-Howard is a solid defender, but dealt with injury woes in his last year with the Red Raiders that kept him sidelined for a good chunk of the 2025 season. He was a starter prior to that, tallying 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception returned for touchdown, and one pass breakup. He just has one major flaw: he's very undersized for the position. Specifically, 6-1, 280 pounds.
Lions take undersized DT with 6th round pick
Gill-Howard is described as a tackle with the strength and disruptiveness to throw tackles off at the line of scrimmage, but his size makes it difficult to envision a world where he's a full-time starter. ESPN wrote of the tackle:
"His closing speed to hurry the throw or make a tackle in the backfield is one of his better attributes. If Gill-Howard doesn't get the QB in time, he effectively uses his hands to clutter throwing lanes and bat down balls. Overall, his biggest concern is his lack of size and ability to disengage from blocks. He will have to play with quickness and good hands to be successful at the next level."
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This isn't going to be a threat to the Lions' current defensive tackle depth, and honestly, it may not even be a pick that sticks to the 53-man roster. But, if Detroit and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard can figure out a way to utilize Gill-Howard effectively - as a potentially solid run-stopper and sneakily good pocket disruptor in the NFL - that's already a huge win.
Again, though, for a 6th round pick, the expectations shouldn't be too high. So, despite such a huge need at tackle, Detroit doesn't seem to have addressed that issue with this selection. That is, at least, what it looks like on the surface.
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