As the Detroit Lions look to solidify their roster for the 2025 NFL season, they have set their sights on an intriguing prospect from the University at Buffalo: linebacker Shaun Dolac. Following a standout performance at his recent Pro Day, Dolac is quickly becoming a name to watch for the Lions and several other NFL teams.
In a bid to enhance their defense, the Lions have already made seismic moves in free agency, notably signing cornerback D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million deal. The team also successfully re-signed several key players, retaining linebackers Anthony Pittman, Zeke Turner, and Derrick Barnes to bolster their defensive line-up. Even with the depth they possess at linebacker, the Lions are exploring the possibility of adding Dolac, whose Pro Day performance has captured the attention of scouts around the league.
Dolac’s impressive physical metrics make him a prime target. He clocked a 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which ranks as one of the fastest for linebackers participating in the NFL Combine. With 25 reps on the bench press, a vertical leap of 35.5 inches, and agile shuttle and cone drill times of 4.21 and 6.94 seconds respectively, Dolac demonstrated remarkable athleticism that positions him well as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker—a profile that aligns perfectly with what Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell values in defensive players.
During his college career, Dolac transitioned from a walk-on to a highly productive linebacker, concluding his last season with staggering statistics. He led the nation with a total of 168 tackles, complemented by six sacks, five interceptions, and five pass deflections. His extraordinary performance earned him a 91.9 overall grade—and even higher ratings for run defense and coverage—according to Pro Football Focus. This success is a testament to his work ethic and ability to read plays, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well in the NFL.
The buzz surrounding Dolac is not solely limited to Detroit. Both the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders have also expressed interest following his exceptional Pro Day. As teams prepare for the NFL Draft, it is clear that Dolac has positioned himself as a valuable prospect, likely to be selected on Day 3. For the Lions, drafting Dolac could add significant depth to their linebacker corps, enhancing their defensive strategy as they aim to compete in the highly contested NFC. With a blend of athleticism, production, and natural football instinct, Dolac embodies the characteristics the Lions seek to bolster their front seven.
As the draft nears, all eyes will be on Shaun Dolac—an under-the-radar prospect who is rapidly emerging as a legitimate NFL talent and potentially a key piece for the Lions’ ambitions in the seasons to come.