Eric O'Neill
Career Summary
Eric O'Neill is a Detroit Lions edge defender.
He played college football at LIU, James Madison and Rutgers before signing with Detroit in 2026.
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Early Life
O'Neill comes from Staten Island, New York.
He attended Tottenville High School before beginning college football at LIU.
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High School
O'Neill played three varsity football seasons at Tottenville.
He earned all-state and all-city honors, played varsity basketball and was a dean's list student.
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College Career
O'Neill progressed from LIU to James Madison and then Rutgers.
He recorded 13 sacks at James Madison in 2024. At Rutgers in 2025, he started all 12 games and led the team with 9.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
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Path to the NFL
O'Neill signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent.
The Lions announced his rookie signing on May 12, 2026.
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NFL Career
O'Neill began his NFL career with the Lions in 2026.
His Week 1 appearance against New Orleans included three tackles, two of them solo, and no start.
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Career Accomplishments
O'Neill earned conference honors at both LIU and James Madison.
He was the NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He received first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2024.
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32422, 00-0041459, 7/1/2003, Eric O'Neill, Eric, O'Neill
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 0.0
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.