The Lions Should Draft This Guy: Texas A&M’s Tyler Onyedim has ‘no fatal flaws’

The Lions need some interior depth on their defensive line, and Onyedim fits that role. Especially when it comes to stopping the run

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Daymion Sanford (27) reacts with defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim (11) after recovering a fumble against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of the first round game of the CFP National Playoff at Kyle Field.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Daymion Sanford (27) reacts with defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim (11) after recovering a fumble against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of the first round game of the CFP National Playoff at Kyle Field. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

We’re getting closer and closer to the 2026 NFL Draft for the Detroit Lions. With that in mind, we’re starting our new series called The Lions Should Draft This Guy. We’re going to profile a bunch of players we feel the Lions would love, and talk about their positives and negatives. Follow along! Here’s who we’ve covered so far:

The Positives of Tyler Oneydim

The Lions had a formal meeting with Onyedim at the NFL Combine, and it’s clear that they’re looking for more interior depth on their defensive line behind Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeill. Onyedim fits that role perfectly.

He was a staunch run defender at Texas A&M with 27 stops last year. He also brings some pass-rush ability with 17 pressures and two sacks. But he’s primarily helping stop the run, while McNeill and Williams are you pass rushing guys who can also stop the run.

Scouts say that he’s a hard-working player and a team guy. So you know he fits the bill in terms of the culture.

The Concerns

The interesting concern here comes from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler from The Beast.

“Onyedim might not have a true distinguishing trait, but he also doesn’t have a fatal flaw that will be exposed by NFL competition. He projects best as a one-gap penetrator and dependable rotational piece.”

Dane Brugler

The Beast

Adequate is the word you can use the most with Onyedim. It gives the idea that the Lions are getting a good player here who isn’t necessarily really good at anything or really bad at anything. But it makes you wonder if there is growth there.

For what the Lions would need him for immediately, he can fit that role really well. But is he ever going to get further than that? Is he ever going to turn into a full-time starter? Do the Lions actually need him to? All questions worth asking. But for a guy expected to go early on Day three, the Lions don’t have to be ultra concerned about that.

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