The Detroit Lions are currently in the midst of the summer break ahead of training camp next month after the team completed its offseason program in recent weeks.
While several players stood out during minicamp, who would qualify as the biggest surprise?
According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, it's defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike. Here's what Woodyard said about the Washington product:
Onwuzurike is looking to have a bounce-back year after returning from a back injury, which required spinal fusion surgery, suffered in 2022. Lions coach Dan Campbell said he has been impressed with Onwuzurike's recovery, describing him as "having a really good spring." His strength and explosiveness have returned during reps this offseason, and he hopes to be an asset to Detroit's defense. The former second-round pick in 2021 has had his development derailed by injuries, recording just two sacks -- and zero starts -- in his first three seasons in Detroit. "Redemption. I got to show people what I can do," Onwuzurike said during mandatory minicamp. "I got to show myself what I can do."
Onwuzurike is certainly a great pick, but we'd also throw wide receiver Kaden Davis in the conversation after he had some standout plays in practice. That said, Onwuzurike stands to be far more important to the Lions.
On top of the praise he received from head coach Dan Campbell, who also noted how Onwuzurike was in great shape, the former second-round pick had a handful of pressures/sacks over both minicamp practices and saw reps on the edge.
It has been a rough go of it for Onwuzurike over the first three seasons of his career, as he's dealt with injuries and has been ineffective when on the field. However, he's trending in the right direction, which will only help his chances of making the roster.
