Detroit, MI
NFL Combine observations: Why Keldric Faulk might work for Lions in first round
The NFL Combine is officially off and running, with the first player media sessions taking place in Indianapolis on Wednesday. Here are some Detroit Lions-centric observations from the group, which included defensive tackles, edge players and linebackers.
▶ On paper, defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (Auburn) fits like a glove with the Lions in the first round. He rushes with power and is stout against the run, and he won’t be 21 years old until September, offering a clear development track. But he only produced 10 sacks over three collegiate season, including two in 2025. He’s well aware of his current limitations, and he has a plan for growth: “Mastering the skills that I already have,” Faulk said when asked how he wants to improve as a pass rusher. “I’m a power rusher, truly in and out. I feel like whenever I step up on that field, of course, I’m going to have some type of finesse to me, as far as speed rushes. But I do feel like I have to master that power in order for me to elevate my game.” Faulk said what sets him apart is his ability to play every defensive line position. For the Lions, he’d make sense on the edge, opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
▶ One of the more energetic personalities on display during Wednesday’s media session was that of defensive end Zion Young (Missouri), who repeatedly called reporters “big man” and spoke on a number of things that were likely music to the Lions’ ears. Young, who began his career at Michigan State (2022-23), talked about how rushing the passer is a “privilege” earned through stopping the run, which figures to be his immediate strength at the NFL level. He talked about how he’s “very serious” in practice.
And the former Tigers captain, heavily projected to go early in the second round, explained why it was “very important” for him to play in Missouri’s bowl game rather than opt out to focus on draft preparation. “I couldn’t let my teammates down,” he said. “I got that ‘C’ on my chest for a reason. When I’m all in, I’m all in.”
▶ Asked to describe his biggest strength as a prospect, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU) pointed to his speed, which the Lions could certainly use more of on their defense next season. Perkins played both on the edge — he racked up 65 pressures and 13 sacks over his first two seasons in Baton Rouge — and off the ball, making him a potential fit for strong-side (SAM) linebacker in Detroit’s defensive scheme. “I’ve always felt I was versatile,” Perkins said. “I never put myself in a box. I’ve always felt like I could do a little bit of everything.” Perkins, projected as a mid-round selection in April’s draft, is currently ranked as the No. 117 player on the NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board.
▶ Speaking of speed and athleticism, linebacker Kyle Louis (Pitt), a converted safety, has plenty of it. He grew up watching Jabrill Peppers and modeled his style after the former Michigan standout. Lately, he’s admired the work of Seattle’s Nick Emmanwori and Houston’s Jalen Pitre. When Louis first moved to linebacker, he studied Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who has since had his career derailed by injuries but was a Pro Bowler for the Cleveland Browns in 2023.
At Pitt, the specific position Louis played was called the “star,” a hybrid role that mixes linebacker and safety responsibilities. “The star is not a position for everybody,” Louis said. “It’s not a position for pure linebackers or pure DBs. You’ve really just got to be a mix of both of it. I feel like the position was perfectly tailored for me.” We recently saw what drafting Emmanwori did for Seattle’s defense. Louis isn’t seen as the prospect Emmanwori was, but he offers a similar skill set as a mid-round addition.
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▶ Another converted safety from this year’s linebacker class is Sonny Styles (Ohio State), who became full-time at his new position in 2024. Detroit could potentially be in the market for a starter like Styles if it parts ways with Alex Anzalone in free agency. He possesses a versatile skill set — including IQ — that defensive coordinators dream of, and his presence in coverage could certainly help ease the pain of potentially losing a player with Anzalone’s coverage ability. “I think I can do a lot for a defense from that second level,” he said.
Current projections have Styles slated as a top-15 pick, making it entirely possible he falls to Detroit in the first round, if not only because of the position he plays. Just for perspective on Styles’ hype: His player comp on NFL.com, which tends to err on the side of caution, is four-time All-Pro Fred Warner.
▶ One of the top defensive linemen from this year’s draft provided some important intel on one of the top center prospects, a critical area of need for Detroit entering the offseason. Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks said college teammate Jake Slaughter, a projected Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, is “smart as hell. … This guy, he knows the game in and out.” The Lions could, in theory, be looking at both prospects. Banks is a projected first-rounder who could be of interest to Detroit at No. 17.
“Jake Slaughter, he’s a dog, bro. We used to go at it every single day. Sometimes I’d be like, ‘Damn, you got me, Jake.’ … I’m glad I had him lined up across from me. Iron sharpens iron, and he’s a great player. A great, great player.”
▶ Defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) spent all four of his collegiate seasons at the FCS level, but it wasn’t due to a lack of FBS interest. Proctor chose to stay at Southeastern Louisiana rather than leveling up in the transfer portal, he explained. “I came in on a great freshman class. These are dudes that will be in my wedding one day. It was no doubt who I’m going to play beside my senior year,” Proctor said when asked about his choice to remain at his original school. “Your last college season, who do you want to play beside? Some new guys or the guys that you’ve built a bond with for three years? It was definitely a no-doubter.”
That’s real-life loyalty in action, someone playing for something bigger than himself. Proctor posted 43 tackles (13 for loss), nine sacks and 39 pressures during his senior season, along with 11 run stops. If the Lions are looking for a late-round interior defender to mold, Proctor could be an ideal candidate.
nbianchi@detroitnews.com, rsilva@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi, @rich_silva18
A 16-year-old student was kidnapped from a bus stop in Hamtramck at gunpoint this morning. Classmates tracked the student through their social media and cell phone.
Hamtramck Police located the student and made an arrest. Hamtramck Police Chief Hussein Farhat said that the incident happened at 7:08 a.m. He said a weapon was recovered.
Hamtramck School Board President Abdulmalik Algahaim says there will be additional measures for safety and security during pick-up and drop-off. The police department will also increase security measures.
The kidnapper was caught within 30 minutes of the incident.
Additional headlines for Monday, April 13, 2026
Joe Louis Greenway community meetings
Community meetings are being held regarding expansion of the Woodmere part of the Joe Louis Greenway. The next virtual meetings are April 21 and April 29.
The General Services Department is holding the meetings to discuss the designs and construction on Woodmere Street for a bike and walking connection between Fort Street and Vernor Highway.
The project has been funded through a $10 million grant and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Outlier Earth Day event
The Outlier Media collective is hosting an Earth Day seed packing social this month. The hands-on volunteer event is in partnership with Keep Growing Detroit’s Garden Resource Program.
There will be free non-alcoholic beverages by the Gardenside Brewery and refreshments by Vámonos. The seed packing event takes place April 22nd from noon-2 p.m at Vámonos.
Healthy Homes
The City of Detroit is hosting another Healthy Homes resource event. The next one takes place Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Services will include HOPE application assistance, health screenings and more.
People can schedule a Lyft service to attend by calling 866-313-2520.
Black & Arab Solidarity Lab
The Black and Arab Solidarity Lab + Political Discussion is an event co-hosted by Arab Americans for Progress, Dream of Detroit, Detroit Action and MI Working Family Party.
Guest speakers include Abraham Aiyash, former MI State Representative and House Majority Leader and Tomena Rawls, the Statutory Vice chair of the 12th Congressional District Democrats.
The discussion will be held on April 25 at 11 a.m.
Arab and Chaldean American Panel at WSU
The Arab American Women’s Business Council is hosting a panel this week. The networking mixer will host women leaders who will share insights on navigating the professional world as Arab and Chaldean women.
The event takes place on April 15 at Wayne State University Student Center, Room 775 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The Philadelphia Flyers secured a thrilling victory over the Detroit Red Wings, with Owen Tippett’s hat trick proving to be the difference. Tippett, a former Florida Panther, has been a key acquisition for the Flyers and his recent performance showcased his growing prowess on the ice. The game was a nail-biter, with Tippett’s three goals, including a crucial second-period goal, demonstrating his consistency and focus.
Why it matters
Tippett’s performance highlights the evolution of his game since joining the Flyers, as he has consistently improved and reached new heights this season. The Flyers’ victory also showcases the importance of special teams, as Tippett’s second goal, assisted by Denver Barkey, was a testament to the team’s ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities.
The details
Tippett’s hat trick, which included a goal in each period, was the driving force behind the Flyers’ victory. The team’s ability to maintain their composure even when the Red Wings mounted a comeback, with Sean Couturier’s empty-net goal sealing the win, demonstrates their mental fortitude.
- The game was played on April 12, 2026.
The players
Owen Tippett
A former Florida Panther who has been a key acquisition for the Philadelphia Flyers, showcasing his growing prowess on the ice with a hat trick in the recent victory over the Detroit Red Wings.
Denver Barkey
A Flyers player who assisted on Tippett’s second goal, demonstrating the team’s ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities.
Sean Couturier
A Flyers player who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory, showcasing the team’s mental fortitude in the face of a Red Wings comeback.
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What they’re saying
“We’ve been focusing on a shift-by-shift, period-by-period, and game-by-game approach. This disciplined mindset, focused on controlling what’s within our control, is a hallmark of successful teams and players.”
— Owen Tippett, Flyers Player
What’s next
The Flyers will look to continue their momentum as they approach the final ten games of the season, with their sights set on securing a playoff spot.
The takeaway
Tippett’s hat trick and the Flyers’ victory showcase the importance of individual growth, special teams, and mental fortitude in the NHL. The team’s ability to maintain their composure and capitalize on opportunities, even in the face of a late comeback, is a testament to their resilience and potential for success.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch on Kevin McGonigle’s home opener
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch spoke about how rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle experienced his first home game as a Tiger, April 3, 2026.
Kevin McGonigle finally has his first home run in the major leagues.
McGonigle, the Detroit Tigers’ sensational rookie, blasted a ball 408 feet to deep right field off Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcántara on Sunday, April 12, at Comerica Park, giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead in the fifth inning.
McGonigle hit the ball with a 108.8 mph exit velocity.
Alcántara, the 2022 National League Cy Young award winner, threw him a first-pitch 97 mph four-seam fastball.
Celebrate Kevin McGonigle on Tigers with this Free Press print
McGonigle, in his 16th game this season, is hitting .310, behind only Colt Keith on the Tigers. McGonigle has six doubles.
“Fly ball, right field, deep, got a chance, No. 1 for Kevin McGonigle!” Dan Dickerson said on the TV broadcast.
McGonigle previously twice crushed a ball to the wall earlier this season, only to result in a loud out.
Against the San Diego Padres in his second MLB game March 27, McGonigle was robbed of a home run in center field by Jackson Merrill. He hit the ball 403 feet, connecting for a 104.2 mph exit velocity.
In his first at-bat in the Tigers’ home opener April 3, against the St. Louis Cardinals, McGonigle again smashed a ball 403 feet, with a 103.5 mph exit velo to the warning track in left-center. It would have been a home run in 12 MLB parks − but not at Comerica Park.
Celebrate Kevin McGonigle’s MLB debut with this Detroit Free Press print
McGonigle’s Opening Day debut is worth framing and the Free Press has a page print for you.
Follow our Tigers coverage all year long: freep.com/sports/tigers
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