Lions expect DT Alim McNeill to be more explosive, athletic

The Detroit Lions spent a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on defensive tackle Alim McNeill and had to feel pretty satisfied with what he offered the club during his debut campaign. McNeill appeared in every game last season, logged six starts, and recorded 39 total tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits. 

Age and experience aren't the only two reasons Detroit expects even more from McNeill moving forward. 

According to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News (h/t Pro Football Talk), Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash recently explained McNeill has worked with a nutritionist and felt "more explosive" during organized team activities. 

"Obviously, he can do a lot of different things. But this is really going to get him one-on-one with some centers, you’re going to be able to see more athleticism," Wash said. "He has really good play strength. We’ve seen that. He doesn’t get knocked off the ball. We want to see him continue to develop as a pass rusher. When some turns and protections, where he gets one-on-one, this scheme allows him to be on an edge and show his athleticism. So I think the pass rush is really what we’re going to see out of Mac." 

McNeill and others on the Detroit defensive line are hoping that second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson will help create better pass-rush opportunities for all involved beginning in September.