He’s overcome cancer, so the NFL likely isn’t any type of adversity he can’t handle.
The Detroit Lions took Kentucky defensive end Josh Paschal with their second-round pick at No. 46 overall and NFL Network’s Charles Davis called him one of his favorite players in the draft.
“He has the heavy hands, (can work) inside-outside … but (what I like most) is the character and what he’s going to bring to that locker room, he said.” He’s going to be a 10-year player in this league and he’s going to play well. “
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Paschal went to Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland – home of NFL products Stefon Diggs and Kendall Fuller. He became the first three-time captain in program history for the Wildcats and was named a Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year finalist as a senior.
“The versatility is the key here for sure,” said ESPN’s Louis Riddick. “Matter of fact, he will play everything from a 1 to a 9. He will be straight in the center, next thing you know he’s out in space, he will be in a two-point (stance), he will be in a three-point (stance).
“I like him inside. I think he’s more instinctive inside as a pass rusher and his body type probably fits as a three-technique more than an outside.”
Paschal is the second defensive lineman the Lions took in the draft, after selecting hometown product Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall.
Paschal had his most productive year as a senior, playing in 12 games and totaling 53 tackles, a team-high 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, a blocked kick and led the Wildcats with eight quarterback hurries.
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Former Auburn coach and current SEC Network analyst Gene Chizik called him, “the most under-appreciated defensive player in the SEC” last season.He was named first-team All-SEC and recorded at least one tackle for loss in 10 of his 12 games, but there are still areas of his game to improve.
“Right now he’s a better run player than he is a pass player,” said ESPN’s Booger McFarland. “He can set the edge and dominate.
“You’re going to have to coach him up as far as being a pass rusher but I love his physicality. He’s scheme-versatile, he can play a 4-3 or a 3-4, he will bring a level of physicality and toughness to your organization. “
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: ESPN analysts like Detroit Lions’ NFL draft pick Josh Paschal