Detroit Lions 'Relentless' Day 3 Pick Impresses in Debut

The Detroit Lions are intrigued with the performance of 2026 sixth-round pick Skyler Gill-Howard.

Drafted out of Texas Tech, Gill-Howard was billed as an athletic interior defender. His background as a converted linebacker certainly adds credence to this with his athleticism, while his journey from Division II to Northern Illinois and eventually the Big 12 emphasizes the hunger he plays with.

In his first chance to log NFL snaps, Gill-Howard delivered a noteworthy performance. In particular, he had two standout plays working as a pass-rusher from the interior. On one, he broke off a block and forced Josh Johnson into a hurried throw that would be ruled intentional grounding.

Later, Gill-Howard escaped a hold from his opposing offensive lineman and chased Johnson to the sideline to force him out of bounds. Both plays are prime examples of the impact Gill-Howard could have on the Lions' defense as a rookie.

Granted, he still faces an uptick in competition should he get work against opposing starters in the regular season. However, with pass-rush upside there is an avenue for Gill-Howard to earn significant snaps in rush packages in his first NFL season.

Earlier in the week, head coach Dan Campbell talked at length about the Texas Tech product. In particular, he pointed out how well Gill-Howard overcomes his size disadvantages at defensive tackle to beat opponents with leverage and technique.

“I think one of the biggest things for him is he kind of falls into that category, he’s got to do everything right," Campbell said. "He doesn’t have this massive size, or length, but what he does have is leverage, and he is quick and explosive. With that, some of these, alright — you say, ‘You’ve got one-on-one here versus this guard, and it’s second-and-nine.’ That suits him well.

"Now, it’s first-and-10, we’re gonna ask you to play the three-technique," Campbell continued. "They’re in a heavy set, and there’s a good chance you’re about to get doubled. That, to me, is where he’s grown the most. His ability to hang in there and fight. His ability to hang in there and fight, and even on movement, make quick moves, penetrate the (offense), that’s not an easy job.