Analyst Warns Lions Defender's Long-Awaited Breakout is Coming

Analyst Warns Lions Defender's Long-Awaited Breakout is Coming centers on Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeil, who could finally be ready for a breakout in his sixth NFL season. Wynston Wilcox of Fansided described McNeil as a “hidden gem,” arguing that the Lions need interior defensive-line help and that the 26-year-old can impact games when healthy. McNeil totaled three sacks across his first two seasons, then posted five sacks in 13 games in 2023 and earned a contract extension. Injuries slowed the momentum: he recorded 3.5 sacks in 14 games in 2024 and missed time after tearing an ACL, appearing in only 10 games in 2025 with one sack. The article links potential improvement in 2026 to McNeil’s recovery alongside Levi Onwuzurike’s return from a 2025 ACL and expectations for Tyleik Williams. It also notes offseason edge additions and the Lions’ deeper front entering the Dan Campbell era.