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With pick No. 197 of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 18th pick in the sixth round, the Lions select Utah defensive tackle John Penisini.
A two-year starter at defensive tackle in Utah even/odd front, Penisini (6-1.5, 318 pounds) is a 3-technique who offers very little as a pass rusher, but loads of upside as a run defender. If you liked A’Shawn Robinson, Penisini is your guy.
Penisini spent the majority of his time over the B-gap (3-technique) but his traits point more towards how the Lions use their nose tackles. I expect the Lions will likely keep him inside between the 1- and 3-techniques, as he can be an immovable force on the line of scrimmage.
As a sixth-rounder nothing is guaranteed and with John Atkins’ stock on the rise — likely his primary competition for a roster spot — Penisini will have a lot to prove on what looks like a shortened training camp cycle.
The Lions have one pick remaining:
| Round 7 | pick 21 | 235 overall |