When the Detroit Lions selected Ahmed Hassanein in the 2025 NFL Draft, there were whispers across NFL circles: “Who is this kid, and why should we care?” Fast forward to OTA season, and it’s clear why. The 6-foot-5, 262-pound rookie defensive end is already making waves at Allen Park, drawing praise from players and coaches alike — including the man who matters most: head coach Dan Campbell.
In just a few short weeks, Hassanein has gone from a relative unknown to one of the most talked-about names in the Lions’ locker room. While many rookies spend OTAs finding their footing, Hassanein has done the opposite — exploding out of the gate with relentless energy, strong technique, and an edge that has quickly earned him respect.
Let’s break down Hassanein’s rise, the impressions he’s making, and what his trajectory could mean for a Lions defense that’s hungry to dominate in 2025.
A Relentless Motor: Campbell’s Kind of Player
If there’s one thing Dan Campbell values above all else, it’s grit. “We want guys who will bite a kneecap off,” he famously said during his introductory press conference in 2021. And though that line became a meme, the philosophy behind it has become the foundation of Detroit’s rebuild — toughness, effort, and attitude over everything.
Hassanein, by all accounts, fits that mold perfectly.
“He doesn’t take a rep off,” Campbell said during a recent media availability. “He plays every snap like it’s a game-deciding play. That’s what we want here. That’s what we build around. You can teach technique, but you can’t coach effort like that.”
This type of praise isn’t handed out casually by Campbell. For a rookie to receive this level of attention before even playing a preseason game? That says everything you need to know about Hassanein’s impact.
From Unknown to Undeniable: The Draft-Day Gamble Paying Off
When Detroit picked Hassanein in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the reaction from draft pundits was mixed. Some viewed him as a high-upside project with raw athleticism; others questioned his level of competition in college and whether he could handle NFL-caliber offensive linemen.
But general manager Brad Holmes, who’s made a habit of finding hidden gems like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Malcolm Rodriguez, saw something special in Hassanein.
“His tape showed flashes of dominance,” Holmes said. “His bend, his leverage, his ability to disengage — those are NFL traits. But beyond the physical, what stood out was his character. He’s a worker. A grinder. And that’s what this team is all about.”
So far, Holmes looks prophetic.
OTA Dominance: Setting the Tone Early
While OTAs are non-contact, they’re a vital measuring stick for rookies. How quickly do they pick up the scheme? Are they showing up on tape? Are they coachable?
Hassanein has reportedly checked all those boxes — and then some.
Working alongside veterans like Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, the rookie has been drawing attention for his burst off the line and refined hand usage, which are typically areas that take young pass-rushers time to develop.
“He’s ahead of where most guys are at this stage,” said defensive line coach John Scott Jr. “You give him a stunt, he hits it. You give him a drop zone, he understands spacing. That’s rare for a guy who just got here.”
According to team insiders, Hassanein has not only held his own in drills — he’s frequently been the standout, knifing through the offensive line during 11-on-11s and showing elite quick-twitch explosion during pass-rush reps.
Veteran Mentorship: Hutchinson’s New Protégé
One of the most exciting dynamics to emerge from Hassanein’s early days in Detroit is his relationship with star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. The All-Pro pass-rusher has taken the rookie under his wing, often pulling him aside during drills to share tips and techniques.
“Hutch is a beast — just watching how he prepares has changed everything for me,” Hassanein said in a post-practice interview. “He’s been super open, always coaching me up. I’m just trying to soak it all in and match his intensity.”
The feeling is mutual.
“That kid’s got it,” Hutchinson said. “The work ethic, the drive — you can’t teach that. I think people are going to be really surprised when they see him in preseason.”
If Hassanein can absorb even a fraction of what Hutchinson offers, the Lions could have one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the NFL within the next couple of seasons.
Scheme Fit: Why Aaron Glenn Loves Him
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is entering 2025 with elevated expectations. Detroit’s defense took a major step forward in 2024, finishing 9th in points allowed and 7th in sacks. But the pass rush outside of Hutchinson was inconsistent at times.
Enter Hassanein.
Glenn sees him as a versatile chess piece — someone who can line up at 5-tech in base sets, rush as a wide-9 in nickel, or even drop into zone coverage in disguise packages.
“He gives us flexibility,” Glenn explained. “That’s a rare thing for a rookie. His frame lets us move him around, and he’s already asking the right questions in film study. That tells me he’s locked in.”
With Charles Harris gone and depth up for grabs, Hassanein has a legitimate path to crack the rotation by Week 1.
Culture Shock? Not for This Rookie
Coming from a smaller FBS program, the adjustment to NFL speed, complexity, and physicality can overwhelm even the most talented rookies. But according to teammates and coaches, Hassanein’s transition has been nearly seamless.
“He just gets it,” said veteran defensive tackle Alim McNeill. “A lot of guys come in and try to talk a lot or make a splash with flash. Hassanein came in and just worked. No ego. That’s why guys respect him.”
Off the field, Hassanein has embraced the blue-collar ethos of Detroit — a city that demands toughness, humility, and authenticity from its athletes.
“I know I’m new here, but I already feel like I belong,” he said. “The fans, the locker room, the energy — it’s exactly the kind of place I want to be.”
Ceiling and Expectations: What’s Next?
It’s early, of course. OTA standouts don’t always translate to NFL stars. But there’s an undeniable buzz around Hassanein that’s growing louder by the day.
If he can continue to develop over the summer and into training camp, it’s not out of the question that he could earn a rotational role by September. And if injuries arise or Hassanein simply keeps forcing the coaches’ hands, a starting role isn’t out of the question later in the season.
“There’s something about him,” Campbell reiterated. “You can feel it. He’s one of those guys who, if he stays healthy and stays hungry, could be a difference-maker for us.”
Final Word: A New Star in the Making?
The Detroit Lions have been rebuilding brick by brick under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes. Now, in 2025, they’re entering a new phase: from plucky upstarts to legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
For that leap to happen, they’ll need contributions from every corner of the roster — not just the stars like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, or Aidan Hutchinson, but from new blood like Ahmed Hassanein.
And if the early signs are any indication, the rookie defensive end might just be Detroit’s next breakout star.
He’s got the motor, the mindset, the mentorship, and the support of a locker room that’s come to expect greatness from its young core. The only question now is: How fast can he turn potential into production?
Lions fans should keep their eyes on #92 — because Ahmed Hassanein isn’t just here to make the team. He’s here to make noise.
