When the Detroit Lions selected Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it felt like a savvy, low-risk move with high upside.
But as training camp unfolds, Hassanein finds himself in the thick of a crowded edge rusher room—and Pride of Detroit’s John Whiticar thinks the rookie “could be a surprise cut.”
“Hassanein is a fascinating developmental project, but that may not suffice when it comes to making the initial roster,” Whiticar wrote on July 28. “Back in 2022, the Lions waived a similarly raw pass rusher with high upside in the form of James Houston, and Hassanein could follow a similar trajectory if he gets outshined in training camp.”
Houston, who was also a sixth-round pick for the Lions, wound up spending three and a half years in Detroit, finishing with 9.0 sacks in 17 games. While Hassanein
A Look Back at Hassanein’s Production & Collegiate Experience
GettyEdge rusher Ahmed Hassanein could be a surprise cut for the Detroit Lions.
Hassanein played his college ball at Boise State (2021-2024). Over his first two seasons (2021–2022), he appeared in 21 games, accumulating 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble. His breakout came in 2023, when he notched 53 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, earning first‑team All–Mountain West honors.
Heading into his senior season in 2024, Hassanein was recognized as a team captain and delivered another strong year: 48 total tackles (16 for loss) and 9.5 sacks, again securing first‑team All‑Mountain West recognition.
In total, Hassanein amassed 24 sacks over his four years at Boise State, ranking fourth in program history. He finished his 2024 season with a conference-leading 17 QB hits and 62 total pressures (that ranked fifth in the nation), making him a potential steal in the sixth round.
Off the field, Hassanein was a College Sports Communicators Academic All‑America Second Team selection and was a finalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award.
Could the Detroit Lions Cut Rookie Edge Ahmed Hassanein?
Sixth-round rookies are cut all the time, but it would be a bit of a surprise if Dan Campbell and company let Hassanein walk. Still, the rookie faces some stiff competition out of the gate.
“Hassanein is directly competing with the likes of Mitchell Agude, Nate Lynn, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Isaac Ukwu, and undrafted rookie Keith Cooper Jr. for potentially two roster spots,” Whiticar noted, adding:
“Hassanein and Muhammad likely have the initial edge, but each of the remaining names on that list have had positive moments in training camp—their stock could get further boosted with strong preseason performances. If the Lions add a late free agent pass rusher like Za’Darius Smith or Matthew Judon, that would further muddy the water.”
Although Hassanein has earned rave reviews from Detroit’s staff (assistant GM Ray Agnew called him “relentless,”) and coaches have praised his fit, Hassanein still must prove he’s more NFL-ready in camp or preseason games to secure a roster spot.
And, if the Lions do bring in veteran depth on the edge, it could certainly spell trouble for Hassanein. Stay tuned.
