Lions secure more defensive line depth, taking tackle Skyler Gill-Howard in the sixth round

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Allen Park — The Detroit Lions continued to plug needs at the back end of the depth chart in the late stages of the 2026 NFL draft, taking Texas Tech defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard with the No. 205 pick in the sixth round.

A former linebacker recruit, Gill-Howard packed on the pounds during his college career, ultimately settling as an interior option in Texas Tech’s attacking defensive front after transferring in from Northern Illinois.

In his one season with the Red Raiders, he was limited to six games because of an ankle injury. Still, in the limited action, he managed to tally 2.5 sacks, 12 quarterback pressures and an interception, which he returned 55 yards for a touchdown.

Gill-Howard remains undersized, measuring in at 6-foot-1, 280 pounds during the pre-draft process. He’s an above-average athlete, posting positive speed, explosion and strength measurements relative to his position.

In Detroit, he’ll be added to an interior rotation headed by Alim McNeill and 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams. Gill-Howard will likely compete for a reserve role with Mekhi Wingo, Tyler Lacy, Chris Smith and Myles Adams.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

“A one-year starter at Texas Tech, Gill-Howard played the three-technique in defensive coordinator Shiel Wood’s 4-2-5 base scheme. A former Division II walk-on, he is a self-made player — he went from scout-team linebacker at Northern Illinois to impactful defensive tackle for the Red Raiders. A midseason ankle injury robbed him of the second half of his final college season.

“Every prospect takes a different journey to the NFL’s doorstep, and Gill-Howard is no exception. He made the transition to the defensive line without sacrificing his athleticism, which allows him to slice through gaps and work down the line of scrimmage. Though built with solid mass, he lacks ideal size and length for trench work, which often puts him at a disadvantage. His leadership capabilities won’t go unnoticed by NFL coaches, however.”

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Gill-Howard is an undersized one-gapper using suddenness and leverage to elude the clenches of bigger players. He plays with a non-stop motor and palpable sense of urgency, creating wins off the snap against the run and pass. He gives blockers no reps off. His secondary effort and block counters keeps him in the play longer. Gill-Howard lacks functional size and length, which will make him both scheme- and matchup-dependent as a pro. He needs to major in disruption and chaos to find a long-term home as a rotational, upfield tackle.”