The Lions bolstered the defensive line late in the 2020 NFL Draft with the selection of Utah DT John Penisini. Detroit’s 6th round pick, No. 197 overall, could wind up being a very wise selection.
Penisini has a real path to not just making the roster but actually playing in the DT rotation as a rookie. At 6-1 and 315 pounds, he’s a stout interior anchor who wins on effort and brute strength. The Lions didn’t really have that sort of anchor vs. the run on the roster after the radical turnover along the defensive line this offseason.
Based on the available players at the time the Lions chose Penisini, his selection makes sense. There were some other players at his position still available, notably RaeQuan Williams from Michigan State and Benito Jones from Mississippi State, but if the team valued Penisini more there should be no quibble.
Player fit grade: B
Draft/value grade: A-minus
