Defensive tackle is notorious as one of the hardest positions to transition to as an NFL player. It doesn’t get any easier when you miss the entire 2022 season due to spinal fusion surgery.
But entering year four, it seems like former Washington Huskies standout Levi Onwuzurike is poised to break out with the Detroit Lions.
Defensive tackle DJ Reader has missed all of training camp while recovering from a torn quad he suffered last season last season and the Lions just lost end John Cominsky to a torn MCL late last week, which has thrust the former second-round pick into first-team reps.
He’s impressed in that role thus far and stood out to head coach Dan Campbell.
“It’s clear that he’s been one of the best. I mean, it’s just clear. 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. He continues to go, he feels good, so he’s in a good place.”
Star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson has called Onwuzurike “a force of nature”, while defensive tackle Alim McNeill said, “he’s just being Levi. That’s what Levi always was.”
Onwuzurike is having his first healthy offseason since entering the league, which Detroit thinks has been a key difference in him taking a step forward. Guard Kevin Zeitler even went as far as to say that he thinks Detroit will have “two $20-plus million D-tackles soon.” McNeill is also due for a contract extension after being drafted a round behind Onwuzurike.
#Lions RG Kevin Zeitler calls Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike “Soon to be $20M+ DTs” and describes Aidan Hutchinson as a “Wrecking Ball”.
You always hear the mantra “build the trenches”. Could the #Lions truly have a top 3 offensive line AND defensive line this year? #OnePride pic.twitter.com/fUU47pdV4Y
— Brad Holmes Bulge (@BradHolmesBulge) August 1, 2024
Onwuzurike has been spotted taking extra reps after practice working with Reader, who’s entering his ninth NFL season. When asked to comment about his building hype, the former Husky star said “Sorry bro, I’m not talking. I’m locked in, man.”
The Lions will hope Onwuzurike stays locked in and, more importantly, healthy, as they begin their quest for a Super Bowl on Sunday Night Football in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.