Detroit Lions fourth-year defensive tackle Alim McNeill is an extension candidate for the team after they already dished out $444 million to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell and quarterback Jared Goff this offseason. McNeill is coming off his best season as a pro in 2023. He turned 24 in May and has his best football in front of him as he enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. McNeill was disruptive against the run and as a pass-rusher when he was healthy and he should only get better with the addition of space-eating nose tackle DJ Reader. If it all comes together for McNeill this year, he will be due a big payday. How much he ultimately gets could determine how much money is left for impending free agents Taylor Decker and Carlton Davis III, among others. McNeill had 32 tackles (17 solo), a career-high five sacks, six tackles for loss and 10 QB hits last season.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill is a quality sleeper candidate in a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McNeill, a 2021 third-round draft pick, has broken out, making a sack in each of the past two games. His two sacks tie his career high. He is averaging 29 pass rush snaps per game, about five more than last season. Although he may not sustain his 25% pressure-to-sack rate the whole season, he is still worth a start in position-specific IDP leagues in Week 5 against a weak Panthers' offensive line. The Panthers have allowed pressure on 28% of their passing plays, the sixth-highest rate in the league, and they have allowed the eighth-most sacks.
The Detroit Lions selected North Carolina State defensive lineman Alim McNeill with the No. 72 overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft on Friday night. McNeill has a devastating first step and great bull rush as an athletic nose tackle. However, he'll need to be coached up at the next level to develop some more moves to elude offensive linemen. The 6-foot-2, 320-pounder primarily wins with his strength while keeping his body moving, but strength alone won't cut it at the next level. There's potential for McNeill to be a difference-maker at defensive tackle, but he'll also need some seasoning in Detroit.
