The Lions finally drafted an EDGE rusher when they selected Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State in the sixth round (196th overall) on Saturday. In the fifth round Detroit moved up to draft guard Miles Frazier out of LSU (171st).
Hassanein (pictured) is the first Egyptian to be drafted and would be the first Egyptian to ever play in the NFL. He started all 14 games in each of the last two seasons when he was first-team All-Mountain West. In 2024 he was tied for the team lead with 15.5 tackles for loss and led the team with 9.5 sacks.
He’s an amazing story as a newcomer who didn’t know anything about the game of football until he arrived in Southern California almost seven years ago. He didn’t even speak English, but eventually hooked up with the perfect scenario and a coach who believed in him at Boise State.
While he impressed the Lions, it’s obvious that coach Dan Campbell hit the perfect note with him.
“Whoever believes in me, that means the world to me, especially Dan Campbell. I would die for that guy, I would run through a wall for him,’’ said Hassanein who is 6-3 and 271 pounds.
He must have done his homework on the Lions because he seemed to have a real feel for the culture and feel of the team. “Super Bowl contenders, culture, family, earning everything — I couldn’t ask for a better team. It’s the perfect fit for me,’’ Hassanein said. “I love the Detroit Lions. I can’t wait to come in and work my butt off and help the team. Whatever they need, I’ll be there.’’
He was an athlete when he moved to California — he had done CrossFit and played other sports in Egypt — but didn’t know anything about football. He learned from his brother and watched YouTube videos. Initially, he wasn’t aware the NFL existed.
“It means the world to me. I can’t describe how I feel right now, it’s a dream come trueI couldn’t pick a better team,’’ Hassanein said. “I’m so honored, and so blessed to be a Detroit Lion. I’m super grateful. It means the world to me, seriously.’’
Earlier on Saturday, the Lions moved up to 171st in the fifth round to draft guard Miles Frazier of LSU. Detroit traded their 182nd and 228th picks to the Patriots to make the pick.
The 6-6, 317-pound offensive lineman started all 13 games in each of the last three seasons at LSU after transferring from Florida International. He allowed just 4 sacks in his collegiate career. He started mostly at right and left guard, but said he was the backup tackle on both sides. In 2023 he was a finalist for the nation’s top offensive line award.
“I just want to be a part of something greater and I’m ready to compete. At the end of the day competition breeds excellence,’’ Frazier said in a conference call.
He describes himself as “more of a mauler.”
Frazier said he just met Tate Ratledge (the Lions’ second-round pick) during the pre-draft process and said they have a good relationship.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein: “Frazier has things to clean up but carries pro measurables and a play demeanor that gives him a shot to become a starter.’’
Per Zierlein, Frazier compares to Rams guard Jonah Jackson who was drafted by the Lions in 2020.
Lions Lowdown 