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Alim McNeill is off the board on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. The big fella was taken by the Detroit Lions in the third round, the No. 72 pick overall. He is the first NC State player to be selected in the draft.
Welcome to Detroit, @AlimMcneill❗️ pic.twitter.com/4VG5k5fddV
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 1, 2021
The Lions are in full rebuilding mode after firing their head coach and general manager in November. They finished the 2020 season 5-11 and traded veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams in January.
McNeill should have a good opportunity to contribute early for a Detroit defense that was terrible last year, finishing dead last in total defense. The Lions allowed nearly 135 rushing yards per game, which ranked 28th, and no doubt the team is expecting him to help them in that department.
Alim McNeill's athleticism is RARE
— PFF (@PFF) May 1, 2021
️@PFF_AustinGayle raves about the newest Detroit Lion
Watch now: https://t.co/QM5eR2N6TV pic.twitter.com/TyKIZAtr8P
(Pro Football Focus graded McNeill as a second-round talent.)
I’m really happy for the big fella and excited to see him continue NC State’s legacy of putting impact defensive linemen in the NFL. Congrats, Alim!