Despite taking Levi Onwuzurike in the second round, the Detroit Lions went back to the defensive line well and selected nose tackle NC State’s Alim McNeill in the third.
The two defensive tackle have some very similar traits, but they will play at different spots in the Lions defensive scheme. While Onwuzurike will play a rotational role at the 3- through 5-techniques, McNeill could end up being a Day 1 starter at the 0/1 technique (nose tackle).
McNeill played the 0-technique in NC State’s 3-3-5 scheme which should help him have an experiential advantage in his transition to the NFL.