Video: Lions’ DT Alim McNeill experiences the 2021 NFL draft

One of the coolest things about the NFL draft is the personal stories that come out of it. Detroit Lions first-round pick Penei Sewell recently shared a video of his emotional draft day experience, and now the Lions third-round pick, NT Alim McNeill is following suit.

The video opens on Day 2 of the NFL draft, with McNeill expressing some disappointment after not being selected and assuring his videographer that he “knows” he’s going to be selected sometime that night, during the second and third rounds. It didn't take long before NFL teams started reaching out to McNeill, a coach from the Jaguars texted him early, likely laying the foundation for a discussion later on that night.

Roughly halfway through the video, at the six-minute mark, McNeill receives a call from Lions coach Dan Campbell. the scene cuts to the NFL Network broadcast selection announcement, where Frank Ragnow—ironically the man he will lineup across from in practice—announces that McNeill will be a Lion.

After a brief celebration with his family, McNeill needs to step away for a Zoom call with the Detroit media, then back to some quality time with his family, before heading outside to meet up with some very excited friends.

You can watch the entire video below or if it isn’t accessible, use this link to view it.