If Detroit Lions fans have learned anything about Dan Campbell since he took over as the team’s head coach, it is that he is aggressive as they come in all facets of the game.
With that being the case, it should come as no surprise that one of the most impressive athletes in this draft class piqued the interest of Detroit’s brain trust, and the franchise made some NFL history with the selection.
When Campbell and the Lions phoned in their pick of Boise State University edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein with the No. 196 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, they not only added a top-ranked CrossFit athlete but also the first Egyptian-born player in the history of the league.
That in and of itself is something to be celebrated, but Hassanein was also one of the most productive defensive players for the Broncos’ defense over the last two seasons. So, Detroit is getting much more than a feel good story out of this pick, and his comments in his first session with the media after being selected proved just that.
During his junior and senior seasons at Boise State, Hassanein started in all 28 games he appeared in and recorded 101 total tackles, including 32 tackles for a loss, to go along with 22 sacks. Needless to say, this is a player capable of blowing up plays in the backfield before opposing offenses have a chance to get their play in motion.
While Aiden Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport are penciled in as the starters on each end for this Lions defense, Hassanein seems like the type of talent that could be a rotational piece in passing situations, at the very least, from day one. Over time, if he is able to fine-tune some of his skills under the guidance of Detroit’s coaching staff, Hassanein could turn into a pick that is a key contributor down the road.
Either way, the newest member of the Lions can celebrate this accomplishment with his friends and family before getting to work in the Motor City and get to work.