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The Detroit Lions need a bounce-back season, in general. They went from the very top of the NFC North two seasons ago to the bottom. That hurts.
Of course, the main difference was offensive coordinator Ben Johnson packing his bags for Chicago. But, it was still surprising to see the Lions fall as hard as they did.
That's the past, though, and the future is now. Looking ahead, one NFL analyst says that he believes a certain Lions star is going to have a stellar season and even make it to the Pro Bowl for his first time ever.
Alim McNeill could make his first Pro Bowl, if he's healthy
In a piece released on Wednesday, Kevin Patra of the NFL's official website discusses one player from each NFC team that he believes will be a first-time Pro Bowler this season. For the Lions, his pick is clear: Alim McNeill.
This choice makes sense, because McNeill had everything going for him before getting hit with the injury bug. It's a common story for NFL players right as they're peaking.
"Prior to his 2024 knee injury, Alim McNeill was a penetrating wrecking ball," Patra says in the piece. "After his midseason return last year, the 6-2, 310-pound defensive tackle lacked the explosiveness that got him paid. The further away from injury, the better things should get for the big man."
He adds, "His return to prominence is crucial for a Lions defense already dealing with injuries. If McNeill gets back to his pre-injury ways, Detroit's defensive front is vastly more disruptive."
If McNeill is fully healthy this season, and that's a big if, it could be the difference this team needs to get back into winning mode.
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