After three lackluster seasons to start his career that have been marred by injury and ineffective play, Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike is facing a make-or-break training camp in 2024.
But so far, Onwuzurike has answered the bell and has put himself in position to not only secure a roster spot, but a role on the defense, as well. The former second-round pick has routinely been a standout at practice the entire offseason, and he's been seeing reps with the first-team defense, working both inside and on the edge.
On Wednesday before practice, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that the 26-year-old is indeed having one heck of an offseason.
“He’s earned it,” Campbell said of Onwuzurike seeing increased reps, per Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network. “It’s clear that he’s one of the best. I mean, it’s just clear. And he plays with violence, he’s stout, he’s fundamentally better than he’s ever been, and he’s shown that he has some versatility. Between the big end in base and three-technique, he can play some big end in sub, in nickel, and he’s just earned it. And so, he continues to go, he feels good, and so he’s in a good place.”
The Lions recently lost fellow defensive lineman John Cominsky to a long-term injury that is expected to keep him out until at least the playoffs, but that has also opened the door for Onwuzurike to get even more playing time than he's already earning.
Making Onwuzurike's showing even more important in 2024, he's set to hit free agency in 2025 as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.
