Report: Third-round DT Alim McNeill becomes first Lions draft pick to agree to rookie deal
Updated 9:14 PM;
Today 9:14 PM
Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims (10) escapes from North Carolina State defensive tackle Alim McNeill (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP, Pool)AP
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ALLEN PARK The Detroit Lions have reportedly agreed to terms with third-round rookie Alim McNeill, making the defensive tackle the first known draft pick to ink to their deal.
McNeill’s four-year contract comes with a signing bonus of about $1.09 million. The Detroit Free Press reports McNeill maxed out his third-round rookie deal, getting that nice signing bonus and a debut base salary of $660,000.
May 14, 2021
The Detroit Lions selected massive defensive lineman Alim McNeill, from North Carolina State, in the third round (No. 72 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
And when I say massive, I mean massive. McNeill is big and wide.
He is also perfect for Lions head coach Dan Campbell s newly announced 3-4 defensive scheme three down defensive linemen and four linebackers because he played both nose tackle and defensive tackle in college.
There are two ways defensive production can be measured in the NFL, either by being statistically productive or by being the type of player who selflessly occupies space and/or blockers so other defenders can make the plays. McNeill is a combination of both.