Is Northwestern's Adetomiwa Adebawore Lions' DT of Future?

Read more on whether the Detroit Lions should target Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Detroit Lions could very well beef up their defensive line via this April's NFL Draft (April 27-29).

If they wait until Day 2 of the draft to do so, Northwestern Wildcats defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore would be an ideal target. 

The 6-foot-2, 282-pounder is an athletic freak, and his stock could be on the rise after an impressive showing at Northwestern's pro day Tuesday.

He recorded a time of 7.11 in the three-cone drill and 4.19 in the short shuttle at his aforementioned pro day. The shuttle time would have been the fastest of any defensive linemen who participated in the drill at this year's Scouting Combine. Meanwhile, only two defensive linemen at the combine recorded a faster time in the three-cone drill.

And, the Lions, along with the rest of the NFL's 32 franchises, had a front-row seat to witness the workout. 

Northwestern EDGE Adetomiwa Adebawore / Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

Members of the Lions organization also met with the big man Tuesday. It marked the third time that Detroit conducted a pre-draft meeting with Adebawore. The Wildcats product also met with the Lions at the Senior Bowl and the combine.

In his final season at Northwestern, Adebawore tallied 38 total tackles, including nine tackles for loss, and five sacks. He also logged 31 pressures and 27 run stops (the third-highest mark among Big Ten EDGE defenders in 2022), per Pro Football Focus. 

For his efforts, he earned a third-team All-Big Ten nod (selected by the media).

With an explosive first step and solid short-area speed, he projects to be a capable pass-rushing lineman at the next level (with the ability to also stop the run).

As his NFL Draft Bible profile reads, "The former three-star recruit flashes an explosive first step, which helps him shoot gaps as an interior rusher and blow up plays. His first step also helps cross tackles’ faces and attack inside rush lanes when lined up as a 5-tech. Adebawore has large, active, and violent hands that pack some pop. He frequently gets his hands up for pass breakups and uses them to attack and swat the tackle’s hands. Adebawore has the strength to play through contact in a half-man rush around the edge. He plays with natural leverage and primarily relies on a bull rush. However, he also uses a swim move. Adebawore compresses the line on inside runs and scrapes down the back of the offensive line to the running back. His motor runs hot, and he overwhelms blocking tight ends." 

Adebawore would be a nice find for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes in round two at No. 48 overall.