By Blessing 
Alim McNeill Headlines All-NFC North Team After Breakout Season
The Detroit Lions have struck gold in defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who continues to prove he’s more than just a solid pick — he’s now one of the premier defensive linemen in the NFC North.
Originally drafted in the third round back in 2021, McNeill has steadily climbed the ranks, establishing himself not only as one of the Lions’ core defenders but also among the elite defensive tackles in the entire division. His growth and performance have now earned him top honors on the All-NFC North Team, an accolade shaped by input from OnSI team reporters across the division.
McNeill’s recognition didn’t come without stiff competition. The NFC North boasts a deep pool of interior defensive line talent, including Green Bay’s Kenny Clark, Chicago’s Gervon Dexter, Minnesota’s Jonathan Allen, and McNeill’s own teammate DJ Reader.
In what was a tightly contested vote, McNeill took the top spot, followed by Clark. Dexter came in third, Reader in fourth, and Allen rounded out the top five.
Kenny Clark: A Pro Bowler in Search of Redemption
A veteran and three-time Pro Bowler, Kenny Clark has long been viewed as a force up front. His 2023 campaign was one of the best of his career, featuring personal bests in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (9), and quarterback hits (16). Expectations were high when new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley brought in a more aggressive scheme for 2024. However, Clark’s production dipped sharply.
He finished the season with just one sack, four tackles for loss, and five QB hits — his lowest numbers since his rookie year in 2016.
“Is Clark a bad fit for the scheme? Was he slow to adjust? Did age catch up with him? Was it the ankle injury sustained on a Week 1 Tush Push against the Eagles?” asked Bill Huber of Packers OnSI. Regardless of the reason, the Packers will need a big rebound from one of their most highly paid and experienced defenders.
Alim McNeill: A Transformation That Paid Off
Ahead of the 2023 season, McNeill made a conscious decision to change his body and elevate his game. With a revamped diet and an intense offseason regimen, he increased his stamina and effectiveness, allowing him to play more snaps and disrupt offenses more consistently.
His breakout year paid off big time — both in accolades and finances. The Lions rewarded McNeill with a four-year, $97 million contract, cementing his role as a foundational piece of their defense.
While he’s currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season, McNeill is expected to return during the season — and his presence will be a massive boost to Detroit’s defensive front.
His ascent is not just a personal milestone, but a sign that Detroit’s defense is trending in the right direction, anchored by a player who’s earned every bit of his “top billing.”