Detroit Lions rookie Josh Paschal thinks of himself as a big defensive end.
The Lions used a second-round pick on Paschal in this year’s NFL Draft because they think he’s a versatile player who can play on the edge and move inside in certain situations. That’s exactly how Paschal said he’s being used early on.
“I think I fit as a big defensive end,” Paschal said during rookie minicamp. “That’s what we’re called. I feel like I can play across the front, but particularly on the edge, and kick inside for the run game, I can do that too. I’ll help be a versatile piece on the defense.”
Paschal measured 6-foot-3 and 268 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, but says he’s around 275 right now. He’s a terrific athlete for his size, running the 40 in 4.77 and also recording a 37.5-inch vertical with a 10’3″ broad jump. He’s quick off the ball. He attacked gaps and got into the backfield as a second-team All-SEC performer a year ago for Kentucky.