ALLEN PARK — It's only been a little more than four years since Ben Stille entered the NFL, but the defensive lineman has spent time with six teams, collecting experiences that've helped him develop a versatility that's now caught the eye of Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell.
"He's a pro," Campbell said of Stille on Tuesday, Aug. 25. "Smart, really smart. He's got versatility. Strong, very strong. He can shed blocks, shock, shed, make plays. Kind of knows himself, knows what he is, knows his own limitations and can play fast enough to cover up for some of those.
"But that's what's the intrigue with him is, the versatility. He can play some big end we think, he can play the nose certainly, and then three (technique) if you needed it. The more you can do, and the more that you can prove you can do, that is always going to help your case (to make the roster)."
Stille, 28, was signed by the Lions on Aug. 9, brought in midway through training camp to compete for a spot, whether that be on Detroit's 53-man roster or practice squad. He's had standout moments in his short time with the Lions; on Aug. 16, Stille caused an incompletion on an attempted screen pass and later split a sack with defensive end Anthony Lucas; one day earlier, Stille had one-on-one wins over centers Michael Niese and Seth McLaughlin.
Undrafted out of Nebraska, Stille has made stops with the Miami Dolphins (2022, 2025), Cleveland Browns (2023), Arizona Cardinals (2023-24), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024) and Atlanta Falcons (2025). He made three appearances with the Buccaneers, playing under defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, who's now in the same position with the Lions.
Stille has played in 18 games over his career, collecting 17 tackles (one for loss) and a pass deflection. In 181 snaps as a pass rusher, Stille has produced two sacks and 13 pressures. He also has six run stops, which are tackles against the run that result in a failed play for the opposing offense.
"I like to just be able to do whatever the call requires," Stille said of what he does well. "When I'm playing big end, it's usually stopping the run. Anytime we get into nickel or anything else, just being versatile, being able to execute the stunts, pressures. Just be able to do my job. Not trying to do too much. Just do what the defense requires of me, and then the plays will come to you."
Sticking with the Lions beyond roster cutdowns (6 p.m. on Aug. 30) is no given for Stille, who has overlapping skill sets with a number of defensive linemen the Lions are likely to keep. But his performance in practice has opened the door for an opportunity, and his willingness to wear multiple hats gives him a chance.
"Whatever gets me on the field," Stille said of versatility. "I'm willing to do anything to be able to be out there."
rsilva@detroitnews.com
@rich_silva18
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Versatility of 'smart, strong' defender has Dan Campbell intrigued
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