Studying Ahmed Hassanein's Boise State tape to understand what Lions are getting in sixth-round edge rusher
Whether it was an expectation or merely a hope, Detroit Lions fans wanted to see their team come out of the 2025 NFL Draft with at least one edge rusher. However, the board fell in a way that the team didn't address the position until the sixth round, where they snagged Boise State's Ahmed Hassanein with pick No. 196.
The on-paper production unquestionably looks promising. In Hassanein's two seasons as a starter for the Broncos, he racked up 22.0 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, and 115 quarterback pressures.
Then we (virtually) met the player, and it became even easier to understand the fit. Hassanein's journey to the NFL is remarkable— from spending most of his life in Egypt to picking up the game of football six years ago — and his intensity oozes from his every pore.
Twice during that brief conference call, he expressed a willingness to die for this opportunity. Written out, it admittedly reads like hyperbole, but listening to him say it, it's difficult to dismiss the genuineness of his passion for giving everything he has for those who have invested belief in him.
The Lions are counting on that level of dedication to enable Hassanein to maximize his potential. But before he takes the practice field for the first time for the Lions, let's examine his Boise State tape to understand the lump of clay Detroit has added to its roster.
Quick bio
Born in California, Hassanein spent most of his youth living with his family in Egypt. There, he participated in several sports, including becoming a top-ranked CrossFit competitor in his country and on the African continent.
At 16 years old, Hassanein moved back to the United States to live with his half-brother. Experiencing football for the first time, he first tried his hand at wide receiver and linebacker before finding a comfort level with the see-ball, get-ball responsibilities of a defensive lineman.
Inspired by watching Aaron Donald on TV, and refining his pass-rush techniques through YouTube videos and camps, Hassanein started drawing college offers, eventually committing to Boise State. His brother's former high school teammate, Spencer Danielson, was coaching the team's defensive line and has since been promoted to the school's head coach.
Games watched
2024 season: at Oregon, vs. Oregon State, vs. Washington State, vs. Penn State (Playoffs)