Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill reveals how much weight he lost this offseason

At OTAs, Alim McNeill revealed how he changed his offseason routine heading toward his third NFL season. That included a change in his diet (no red meat), and not overeating. It also included adding to his skill set as a pass rusher, with eyes on a breakout campaign.

With a noticeably leaner physique per reporters on-site at OTAs, just how much weight McNeill lost this offseason is an easy question to consider. And it's not necessarily a question he has to feel obligated to answer, such as he might even be asked it.

But after practice on Monday, via Ben Raven of MLive, he offered up to reporters how much weight he has lost.

"Last time I was at a podium, I was at about 327 (pounds). I’m 305 now,” McNeill said. “I feel a lot better. A lot lighter and faster on the field. And I still have the same strength, so I feel really good."

- Alim McNeill

Alim McNeill is slimmed down and ready to dominate in his third season

McNeill also revealed part of his end-goal for losing that 22 pounds. Check out Lions Wire for a picture of McNeill from training camp this year compared to one from 2021 when he was a rookie. The difference in his upper body is noticeable.

"Yeah, yeah. Absolutely (stamina is better). Being able to play more snaps -- that was really the goal. Being able to be more consistent, playing more snaps on the field. All of that goes into that.”"

- Alim McNeill, via MLive

McNeill played and started all 17 games last year, with a total of 782 snaps and a 69 percent snap share. So sheerly being able to play more snaps this season isn't necessarily a thing. But being more consistent game-to-game, and more performances along the lines of what he did against the New York Giants last year, would be nice. Carrying less weight can only help there.

McNeill will be a key cog to the Lions' defense being better this season. If players are made when no one is looking in the offseason, he has taken some big steps toward becoming a star in his third season.