Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein chosen by Detroit Lions in NFL Draft
Former Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein became the latest Bronco to be drafted to the NFL.
Hassanein was drafted in the sixth round, 196th overall, by the Detroit Lions on Saturday. He’s the second Boise State player to be drafted in 2025, after running back Ashton Jeanty was drafted sixth overall on Thursday.
He’s the first Egyptian ever to be drafted to the NFL, having moved to the United States in 2018.
Hassanein played all four years of his college career at Boise State. He broke through in 2023, leading the team in sacks, and became a team captain in 2024. He continued to lead by example in his final season, ending the year with 48 tackles, 9.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
He ended his Boise State career with 119 tackles and 24 sacks across 48 games. He played in every game possible in his last two seasons.
The Lions are coming off a strong couple of years. In 2024 they went 15-2, but an injury crisis on defense led to their eventual loss in the NFC Divisional Round. Detroit is entering 2025 with a new defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard, after former DC Aaron Glenn left the organization in the offseason to become the head coach of the New York Jets.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. told the Idaho Statesman before the draft that Hassanein could be drafted as a “development pass rusher.”
“The kid’s got talent,” Kiper said. “He hustles, plays hard, and I think a defensive line coach will look at him as a good project.”
This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 2:49 PM.
