Greg Hickman scouting report

DT Greg Hickman (Florida International) - Undrafted free agent

The Detroit Lions didn't initially bring in Florida International defensive tackle Greg Hickman as an undrafted free agent signing. Instead, they merely invited him to try out at their rookie minicamp, but he impressed them enough to earn a contract, and he was officially signed a day after it concluded.

Measurables

Height: 6-foot-0 | Weight: 284 pounds

Stats

2010: 8 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 FF
2011: 34 tackles, 11.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PD, 1 FF
2012: 30 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PD, 2 FF
2013: 44 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 3 FF

Random fact

Hickman was a linebacker for his first two years at FIU. He then switched to defensive end in 2012 and defensive tackle in 2013.

What the experts are saying

Draft Insider:

Positive: Two-year starter who finished with 44 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks as a senior. Average-sized defensive line prospect with a solid game. Plays with good knee bend and fires off the snap with a terrific first step. Focused on by opponents but splits double-team blocks, effectively using his hands to protect himself. Keeps opponents away with violent hand punch. Keeps his feet moving on contact, plays with both power and quickness, and easily changes direction. Shows the ability to pursue down the line of scrimmage to get to the action.

Negative: Does not play with consistent intensity. Marginally productive in college.

Detroit Lions Draft:

Hickman is an eyebrow raising signee, in that it’s difficult to see what the Lions saw in him. He’s a 6’0″, 280 pound tackle who netted just 3 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in 2013. He didn’t demonstrate great athleticism at FIU’s pro day. Hickman wasn’t listed in any draft guide, including some that charted over 1,000 prospects.

Videos

(via Draft Breakdown)

Outlook for 2014

Defensive tackle is one of the Lions' deepest positions. As a result, it's unlikely that Hickman will factor into the discussion for the 53-man roster. His best chance of sticking around will likely be as a member of the practice squad.

Previous scouting reports

Draft picks: TE Eric Ebron, OLB Kyle Van Noy, C Travis Swanson, CB Nevin Lawson, DE Larry Webster, DT Caraun Reid, WR TJ Jones, K Nate Freese

UDFAs: QB James Franklin, FB Chad Abram, WR Andrew Peacock, TE Jacob Maxwell, OT Cornelius Lucas, OG D.J. Morrell, OG Alex Bullard, OG A.J. Dalton, DE Kalonji Kashama