Key warning issued to young Lions' defensive lineman heading into camp

The Detroit Lions came into the 2025 draft with a need at pass rusher, and many would argue the need went unfilled given the franchise waited until the sixth-round to select Ahmed Hassanein.

Though Hassanein could have a bright future, he has a long way to go before he gets on the field given the players he will now be competing with in Detroit. More directly, he could be set to take on a hungry youngster in Josh Paschal for a role next season.

PFF's Mason Cameron took a closer look at Detroit's draft, and he projected an interesting roster battle to play out between Hassanein and defensive tackle Josh Paschal. As he hypothesizes, Paschal could be under the microscope thanks to some of his issues.

"When the Lions selected Paschal in the second round in 2022, the expectation was that he would bring solid acumen as a run defender while he further developed as a pass rusher. Three years later, Paschal has failed to eclipse a 59.0 PFF overall grade in any season."

"Needless to say, that won’t cut it for a contender looking for more up front. Despite being a bit of a raw talent, Hassanein brings effort and physicality at the point of attack, which will lead to him being a favorite of Lions coaches, even though he lacks elite athletic traits. His 76.0-plus PFF grades as both a run defender and pass rusher will help him find his way into the Lions’ rotation."

Paschal, a former second-round pick, will come into camp with an advantage over a later selected rookie like Hassanein. As the battles play out, draft position might not mean much to the coaches, especially if others show more life up front. That's even more true considering Detroit's depth along the line.

Detroit Lions will have crowded roster battles along defensive line during camp

PFF is not wrong to highlight Paschal as a player who is under pressure heading into 2025. For all the frustration about the Lions failing to address their need for a top end pass rusher, the franchise does still have plenty of options as it relates to the rotation up front.

Detroit brought back Levi Onwuzurike on a one-year deal this offseason, and he was theoretically in the same boat last offseason as Paschal is this year. Onwuzurike enjoyed a solid, healthy 2024 season and parlayed that into an impressive return. Paschal will be hoping for the same thing.

Not only will Onwuzurike be a part of the battle, veterans Pat O'Connor, Marcus Davenport and Roy Lopez will as well. Youngsters like Mekhi Wingo, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Broderic Martin will be fighting for jobs. Even an underrated player like Myles Adams could steal a role.

All of that means there is likely to be a premium on snaps. Paschal has endured inconsistency and injury in the past, and any let up this season could result in a surprise cut. He will have to bring his best effort from the start of training camp to fight off several others.