Is Anthony Hawkins the Lions’ Defensive Tackle of the Future?

Detroit Eyes Hawkins After Dominant Pro Day Performance

The Detroit Lions have long prioritized leadership and work ethic when scouting prospects under general manager Brad Holmes. Enter Bowling Green defensive tackle Anthony Hawkins—a two-time team captain—who has reportedly caught the attention of Detroit’s front office after an impressive Pro Day performance.

Hawkins was not invited to the 2025 NFL Combine, making his Pro Day a critical opportunity to prove himself in front of NFL scouts. With representatives from 28 teams in attendance, he did not disappoint.

Pro Day Performance Turns Heads

Although official testing numbers weren’t fully disclosed, one standout statistic emerged: Hawkins ran a 7.06 three-cone drill, which would have ranked first among all defensive linemen at the Combine. This level of agility for a 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive tackle showcases his elite movement skills, a crucial asset in today’s fast-paced NFL.

“Bowling Green defensive tackle Anthony Hawkins excelled at Pro Day. His 7.06 three-cone drill would have ranked first at his position at the #NFLCombine. NFL interest from #Lions, #Jets, among others.”
– Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL)

In addition to his athleticism, Hawkins displayed solid production in his final collegiate season, posting 45 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one forced fumble. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield is evident, but can he translate that success to the next level?

How Would Hawkins Fit in Detroit?

Hawkins is an intriguing prospect due to his positional versatility. Throughout the 2024 season, he played across multiple alignments:

• 110 snaps in the A-gap (nose tackle role)
• 346 snaps in the B-gap (three-technique defensive tackle)
• 27 snaps over the tackle (five-technique role)

His flexibility could be a valuable asset for Detroit’s defense, which has prioritized depth and versatility this offseason. The Lions already boast a strong interior line, with Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, and Levi Onwuzurike leading the rotation. However, a player like Hawkins could provide quality depth while developing into a more significant role over time.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Hawkins’ blend of quickness, explosiveness, and leadership makes him an intriguing late-round prospect. His natural athleticism allows him to generate pressure up the middle, and his 69.1 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus highlights his disruptive potential.

However, there are areas that require refinement:

• Hand technique: Needs to develop more consistent hand placement to shed blockers effectively.
• Pad level: Can improve his leverage to maximize power against interior linemen.
• Strength at the point of attack: While agile, he must refine his ability to anchor against stronger offensive linemen.

Will the Lions Take a Chance on Hawkins?

Currently, Hawkins projects as a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent, making him a low-risk, high-upside addition for Detroit. Given the Lions’ track record of developing under-the-radar defensive linemen, bringing in Hawkins could prove to be a savvy move.

With the right coaching and refinement, Hawkins has the potential to be more than just a training camp body—he could develop into a rotational disruptor for the Lions’ defensive front. Will Detroit take a chance on his raw athleticism? The answer may come soon on draft night.