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Inside the Grit Index: 7 NFL Draft prospects to watch

With the Detroit Lions on their bye week, it is a great time to catch up on the college football action and continue tracking which 2027 NFL Draft prospects could be the best fits for the Lions. Unlike most NFL…

By Anthony Balaj · Pride of Detroit

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 1:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Anthony Balaj identified seven college football prospects who fit the Detroit Lions' culture via the "Grit Index."
The prospects featured include Jalen Buckley, Carter Smith, Jaylen McClain, DeSean Bishop, Zabien Brown, Isaiah Glasker, and Adon Shuler.
Balaj prioritizes leadership, overcoming adversity, and intangible traits over pure athleticism to determine prospect fits.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pride of Detroit writer Anthony Balaj highlighted seven college football prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft who match the Detroit Lions' culture, using his "Grit Index" metric. During the Lions' bye week, the analysis focuses on leadership, work ethic, and intangible qualities rather than purely raw athletic traits.

The featured prospects include Western Michigan running back Jalen Buckley, Indiana offensive lineman Carter Smith, Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain, and Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop. The list is completed by Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown, BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker, and Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler.

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Inside the Grit Index: 7 NFL Draft prospects to watch

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