A converted linebacker who added 50 pounds to remake himself as a defensive tackle, going from Upper Iowa to a sixth-round pick out of Texas Tech.
Skyler Gill-Howard's college career wound through Upper Iowa, Northern Illinois and Texas Tech, and included a full position change from linebacker to defensive tackle along the way. Detroit selected him in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, betting on his athleticism and versatility up front.
Path to the league
A Milwaukee native out of Greenfield High School, Gill-Howard began his college career at Upper Iowa in 2022 before transferring to Northern Illinois, where he started out as a scout-team linebacker. He eventually earned a starting role and team captaincy at NIU after adding roughly 50 pounds to move inside to defensive tackle.
Career highlights
At Northern Illinois in 2024, Gill-Howard recorded 52 tackles and 5.0 sacks, production that made him one of the more sought-after transfer portal targets in the country. He finished his college career with 88 tackles, 14.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks and an interception across stops at Upper Iowa, Northern Illinois and Texas Tech.
2025 season recap
Gill-Howard transferred to Texas Tech for his final college season in 2025, recording 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception he returned for a touchdown. Detroit selected him with the 205th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding him to a defensive tackle room in need of depth.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Skyler Gill-Howard
- Detroit Lions: Lions draft defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive Tackle
- Group
- defense
- College
- Texas Tech
- Hometown
- Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
