Tag: Lance Zierlein

Lions add pair of defensive tackles in final 2 rounds of draft

ALLEN PARK — The Lions wrapped up the 2026 NFL draft by selecting a pair of defensive tackles — Skyler Gill-Howard in the sixth round (205th) and Tyre West in the seventh (222nd) on Saturday.

GM Brad Holmes said he likes their ability to apply pressure as sub-rushers.

Gill-Howard, 6-8 and 280 pounds, played at Texas Tech his senior year after starting collegiate career at Northern Illinois. In 2025 he started the first six games (13 tackles, 2.5 TFLs with 0.5 sacks, INT-returned for TD, PBU) and then missed the second half of the year with an ankle injury. In his junior year at Northern Illinois he played in a dozen games with one start.

He has only played on the defensive line since 2022.

“I feel like I’m a great player with no ceiling, meaning that I can improve each and every year in whatever aspect I need to. I feel I can go out and make an impact immediately or do what the team needs me to do, it doesn’t matter. There’s still a long way to go.’’

The Lions hat he was wearing during a Zoom call came from his grandfather who is a big Lions fan and was wearing it at the draft party. It was the only hate in the room. “It was meant to be,’’ Gill-Howard said.

“Gill-Howard is a relentless defensive lineman who has climbed from the Division II level to a starting role in the Big 12,’’ per CBS Sports analysis. “Despite being undersized for the interior, he plays with incredible energy and leverages his wrestling background to overpower larger blockers.’’

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said: “He needs to major in disruption and chaos to find a long-term home as a rotational, upfield tackle.’’

In the seventh round, the Lions drafted Tyre West, who started just five games in four seasons at Tennessee.

Zierlein wrote: “West’s snap and start counts are unusually low for a draftable prospect. He has the bone thickness of an interior defender, but a chunk of his collegiate reps came at 5-technique and even-front defensive end. He’s a solid athlete with good quickness but below-average hand usage. He appears capable of sinking and anchoring but will be tested against interior double teams on the next level. West’s ability to pressure the pocket could earn him an opportunity at the next level.’’

Detroit Lions draft versatile Sione Vaki out of Utah in fourth round

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions selected versatile Sione Vaki after moving up in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. Earlier in the round, they nabbed OL Giovanni Manu.

Vaki played running back, safety and special teams at Utah. So an NFL position for him is not clearly defined.

“When I visited the Lions my initial thought was to come in and be wherever the coaches, wherever the organization wanted me to be. It was for the offensive side of the ball so wherever they need me I’m ready to go,’’ said Vaki who ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

He said his pre-draft process was nerve-wracking because teams viewed him differently. He said it benefits him knowing how to play both sides of the ball.

At Utah, Vaki also played special teams which is a benefit for a fourth-round player.

“I’m all about special teams,’’ said Vaki, the youngest of 11 children.

Last season he was first-team All-Pac 12 Conference and a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the year and the Paul Hornung Award for most versatile player.  He started 12 games (42 carries, 317 yards,  2 TDs rushing; 51 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss with 2 sacks, INT, 2 pass break-ups). He played in all 14 games in 2022. In 2020-21 he served a two-year Latter Day Saints mission in Tonga.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein on Vaki: “Gamer who does whatever is necessary to help his team win. Vaki carries a thick frame with good upper-body power and heavy hands. He took on carries to help his team when it was stung by injuries, but he’s not an NFL running back. He’s a conscientious tackler who is careful to center up and launch his attack only when he’s in realistic striking position. He is overmatched in coverage and struggles when plays roll downfield. Vaki’s below-average athletic traits and lack of positional fit might create a limited path forward.’’

He projected Vaki as a sixth-round pick.

“I’m just grateful to be coming to the Motor City and ready to get started whenever,’’ Vaki said.