NFL Combine: What Lions Fans Need to Know from Day 1
The NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing, and the Detroit Lions have been busy meeting with potential draft picks. From insightful interviews to a few fun moments, here’s what stood out from Day 1:
Lions’ Meetings & Prospect Impressions
Jay Higgins (LB, Iowa): Met informally with the Lions, discussing defensive concepts. He also credited Jack Campbell for mentoring him at Iowa, calling him one of the rare “10 percent” of players who go above and beyond.
Howard Cross (DT, Notre Dame): The Lions challenged him mentally, testing his ability to process pressures and defensive schemes—something he enjoyed.
Joe Cronin (LB, Ole Miss): Liked that the Lions wanted to learn about him as a person, emphasizing the importance of team bonds.
Princely Umanmielen (Edge, Ole Miss): Excited about the possibility of lining up opposite Aidan Hutchinson, seeing the potential for a dynamic pass-rushing duo.
Fun Combine Moments
JT Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State): Called losing to Michigan a “rock bottom” moment for the Buckeyes, but said it helped bring the team closer.
Josaiah Stewart (DE, Michigan): Revealed his love for astronomy and just ordered a telescope to fuel his hobby.
Jordan Burch (DE, Oregon): Said the strangest question he got from a coach was “Cookout or Bojangles?”—he picked Cookout.
Howard Cross on his New Jersey hometown: “We are not all angry Italians, surprisingly.”
Teddy Two Gloves & The Lions Connection
Shemar Stewart (Edge, Texas A&M): Shared a childhood story about catching passes from Teddy Bridgewater, saying his hands hurt for days afterward. He praised Bridgewater’s impact on their Miami community.
With the Lions focused on defensive talent, these early interviews provide a glimpse into who could be on their radar come draft day.
Overheard at the NFL Combine: Fiery Italians & Teddy Two Gloves Talk
