Detroit Lions — Skyler Gill-Howard entered training camp recovering from ankle surgery and fighting to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster. Five games later, the NFL’s 205th overall selection is making teams pay for overlooking him in the draft. His explosive first step, quick hands and football instincts have helped him generate 13 quarterback pressures.
I don’t think anyone had “SKY” leading all rookie defensive tackles in quarterback pressures on their bingo card—much less ranking third among all NFL rookies, regardless of defensive position. Add eight tackles and one combined sack across 171 defensive snaps, and he’s quickly become a problem for opposing offensive linemen—and one of Detroit’s most unexpected early-season contributors.
For a rookie who entered camp struggling to impress defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, the turnaround has been remarkable. Gill-Howard isn’t just another rookie trying to survive—he’s earned the trust of his teammates and the same coaching staff that barely noticed him when training camp began.
