Skyler Gill-Howard had to begin his career at Division II Upper Iowa. But he didn’t let that deter him from his pro aspirations.
He had to prove himself at Northern Illinois, and he did exactly that. He became one of the most productive pass rushers in the MAC before he went to Texas Tech.
His time with the Red Raiders, while it did give him a chance to go up against Power Four teams, didn’t go as planned. His 2025 season was shortened due to injury.
So while the medical history could be a concern, it could also lead to him being a gem in this draft.
Where Did Skyler Gill-Howard Go In The NFL Draft?
Gill-Howard went to the Detroit Lions with the 205th overall pick, in the sixth round, of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Skyler Gill-Howard’s 40 Time & NFL Combine Results
Gill-Howard ran the 40-yard dash in 5.06 seconds at Texas Tech’s pro day. He also recorded a broad jump of 9 feet, a vertical jump of 30.5 inches, and a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.76 seconds.
Gill-Howard was measured at 6-foot-1, 280 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Skyler Gill-Howard Stats & Highlights
Gill-Howard had to work his way up the collegiate ranks before thriving for a Power Four program like Texas Tech.
Gill-Howard started out at Division II Upper Iowa in 2021, and then he transferred to Northern Illinois. He redshirted at NIU in 2022, and the following year, he registered 24 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup as a backup defensive tackle.
In 2024, he was an All-MAC third-team selection. A team captain that year, he totaled 51 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, five sacks, and four quarterback hurries. He was top 10 in the FBS in Pro Football Focus’ grades for interior defensive linemen for run defense and overall defense.
Gill-Howard then transferred to Texas Tech where his senior season was cut to six games due to injury. He totaled 13 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, half of a sack, two passes defended, and an interception he returned 55 yards for a touchdown against Kent State.
Where Is Skyler Gill-Howard From?
Gill-Howard was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Greenfield, Wisconsin, is his hometown. He went to Greenfield High School.
Skyler Gill-Howard NFL Draft Profile & Comparison
My NFL comparison for Gill-Howard is Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver – who also played in a G6 conference while at Houston. This isn’t to say he’ll have the same career trajectory. But they have similar frames, both have explosive first steps at the snap, and both can be disruptive for opposing offenses.
Gill-Howard ranked third among all interior defensive linemen in Pro Football Focus’ grades last season. He was also fourth for pass rushing. In just six games, Gill-Howard totaled 12 QB pressures with eight hurries and three QB hits.
Gill-Howard showed he has an explosive first step while in college. And for his size, he also knows how to stay low and gain leverage on offensive linemen and combines that with a good swim move, forcing opponents to be ready for anything.
Gill-Howard plays with a great amount of energy. He can clog up rushing lanes on one play and then chase down ball carriers the next.
If Gill-Howard returns to the form he was playing at early last season, he’ll be one to watch for the Lions.
