Tyre West — Detroit Lions DT, Pick #222 — is a compact, violent trench fighter with SEC pedigree and a relentless motor that fits Detroit’s blue‑collar DNA. At 6′2″, 283 lbs, West brings burst, leverage, and toughness from Tennessee’s rotational front, projecting as a developmental interior disruptor in Kelvin Shepherd’s defense.
Background and Journey
A former four‑star recruit from Tift County High School in Georgia, West was a Top‑200 national prospect who chose Tennessee over Georgia and Florida State. Across four seasons (2022–2025), he appeared in 48 games with five starts, recording 65 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one safety. His 2025 senior campaign was his best — 23 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, four sacks, and a forced fumble — earning him postseason invites to the Senior Bowl and American Bowl. He was selected by Detroit in the seventh round (222nd overall) as the final piece of their 2026 draft class.
Physical Profile and Athletic Traits
At Tennessee’s Pro Day, West measured 6′1 ⅞″, 283 lbs, with 33 ⅜″ arms, 10 ¼″ hands, and an 80 ¼″ wingspan. He ran a 4.84 s 40‑yard dash with a 1.68 s 10‑yard split, jumped 33″ vertical and 9′3″ broad, and bench‑pressed 225 lbs for 20 reps. Those numbers reflect a compact, explosive athlete with good first‑step quickness and functional strength for his size.
West’s frame and movement skills allow him to play both inside and outside — he logged snaps at 3‑tech, 5‑tech, and even edge in Tennessee’s multiple fronts. He fires off the ball low and hard, using his pad level and violent hands to disrupt blocking schemes. His motor never shuts off, and he chases plays down from the backside with effort that coaches love.
Production and PFF Grades
West’s film and data show a steady climb in impact. His PFF grades mirror his traits: Overall 81.3, Pass Rush 82.7, Run Defense 78.6 — numbers that reflect a player who wins with leverage and effort rather than length or elite technique. He ranked among the top half of SEC interior defenders in pressure rate and TFL production per snap.
Film Evaluation
Strengths
- Explosive Get‑Off: Quick first step creates penetration and forces guards to reset their feet.
- Power and Leverage: Plays low and compact; uses his frame to anchor against double teams.
- Violent Hands: Strikes with intent; can shock blockers and shed with swim or rip moves.
- Motor and Effort: Relentless pursuit across the line; never quits on a rep.
- Versatility: Experience at multiple techniques (3‑tech, 5‑tech, edge) adds roster value.
Weaknesses
- Limited Pass‑Rush Toolbox: Relies on bull rush and effort; lacks counter moves or bend.
- Tackling Consistency: Career missed‑tackle rate over 20 % — needs better finish technique.
- Hip Stiffness: Struggles to redirect in tight spaces or flatten angles to QB.
- Starting Experience: Only five career starts; must prove he can handle starter‑level volume.
Fit with the Detroit Lions
Detroit’s defensive front thrives on rotation, effort, and physicality — traits West embodies. He joins a group with Alim McNeill, Broderic Martin, and Skyler Gill‑Howard, giving Aaron Glenn a mix of power and penetration inside. West’s compact build and explosiveness make him a natural fit as a rotational 3‑tech and early‑down run defender, with potential to slide outside in stunt packages. He fits Detroit’s “Motor City Mauler” identity — a player who wins with grit and effort. Expect him to earn his way onto the 53‑man roster through special‑teams and sub‑package snaps. His violent hands and low pad level could make him a favorite of DL coach John Scott Jr., who values disruptors that play through contact.
Comparisons and Projection
Pro Comparison: Marcus Davenport (late‑career version) — similar size and power‑first style, though West lacks Davenport’s elite athleticism. More realistically, he projects as a rotational early‑down defender like DaQuan Jones or John Cominsky.
Ceiling: High‑energy rotational starter who earns snaps on early downs and occasional pass‑rush packages. Floor: Practice‑squad depth and special‑teams contributor. Development Focus: Expand pass‑rush arsenal, improve tackling form, and add functional strength to anchor against NFL double teams.
