Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew said he expects "growing pains" as Ahmed Hassanein "gets taught more tools" as a pass rusher.

Bringing a relentless work ethic and a physical style of play, the Boise State product is viewed as a player who can seamlessly gel with how the Lions operate. On the heels of the team's first rookie minicamp practice, Hassanein was emphatic that he will take no handouts on his journey to becoming a contributor.

Even though he's an American-born US citizen, Lions rookie DE Ahmed Hassanein still earned an international player exemption from the NFL.