The Detroit Lions finally addressed the pass rush in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the team selected Boise State edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein with the No.196 overall pick.
Hassanein has a fantastic chance to make the Lions' roster and find a rotational role on Kelvin Sheppard's defense, as Detroit is thin at edge rusher and needs some youth in the position group.
Though he had to wait until Round 6 to hear his name called, Hassanein made NFL history on Saturday when the Lions took a chance on him. The 22-year-old became the first Egyptian to be selected in the NFL draft, and he is also the first defensive lineman Detroit has taken from Boise State.
Hassanein was born in the United States but grew up in Egypt. He moved back to the United States in 2018, where he started playing football at Loara High School.
The #Lions make Ahmed Hassanein the first Egyptian ever chosen in the NFL draft.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) April 26, 2025
Newly-selected @Lions EDGE @A_Hassanein91 is the first defensive lineman Detroit has ever selected from @BroncoSportsFB.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/2QoAt9ocZK
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) April 26, 2025
Hassanein was very productive in his final two collegiate seasons, totaling 12.5 sacks in 2023 and 9.5 sacks in 2024. The two-time First-team All-Mountain West selection has the potential to develop into a starter for the Lions, but he should have an impact on special teams with some defensive snaps mixed in this year.
Detroit has had a solid draft, and selecting Hassanein on Day 3 is another savvy pick by general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Detroit Lions' updated list of 2025 NFL draft picks after trade up with Patriots
Ahmed Hassanein NFL draft grades: How experts viewed Lions' long-awaited EDGE pick
Miles Frazier NFL draft grades: How experts viewed Lions fifth-round pick
Lions break near 40-year streak by drafting LSU guard Miles Frazier