Ohio State DT Visits Lions

Michael Hall Jr. among recent visitors to Allen Park.

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51). / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

The Detroit Lions are hosting three NFL Draft prospects on visits Thursday.

Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., along with cornerbacks Caelen Carson and Nehemiah Pritchett, are scheduled to visit the team’s Allen Park facility ahead of the NFL Draft. The first round kicks off at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25 in Detroit. 

Hall logged 24 total tackles last season, with two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. In his career at Ohio State, Hall had 10 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also finished last season with an 84.8 Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade and 29 pressures. 

Carson finished the 2023 season with a 71.7 PFF coverage grade last season. Opposing passers completed 36-of-64 passes thrown his way in 2023. 

Hall has a Day Two grade from The Athletic's Dane Brugler, while Carson has a third- or fourth-round grade. Pritchett, meanwhile, has a fourth-round grade.

The Lions have placed an emphasis on improving their defense this offseason, acquiring plenty of talent. Cornerback Carlton Davis was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while cornerback Amik Robertson and defensive tackle DJ Reader were brought in as free agents. 

General manager Brad Holmes has continued to evaluate defensive talent ahead of the Draft, as several cornerbacks have come in on visits. Along with Carson and Pritchett, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw have visited the organization. 

Other recent visitors include cornerbacks Qwan’Tez Stiggers and Andru Phillips. The Lions have selected a cornerback in each of Holmes' first three drafts as general manager.

NFL to allow third helmet

The NFL sent a memo to teams Wednesday announcing that teams will be allowed to utilize a third helmet shell in the upcoming seasons.

Teams undergoing uniform changes, including the Lions, will be allowed to utilize a third shell beginning in 2024. All teams will be eligible in 2025.

Detroit unveiled a blue alternate helmet in 2023. Team president Rod Wood announced that an update will be made to those helmets this upcoming season.

Additionally, the team has utilized an all-silver alternate in recent years on Thanksgiving. Because that color matches the team's primary helmet, it only counts as one shell. With the blue alternate being the second, Detroit can add a third look.

The Lions are scheduled to unveil their new uniforms on April 18.