To kick off the second day of the 2021 NFL draft, the Lions turn their focus to defense and build up the trenches with the selection of Washington defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike.
Even though most of the fan base were hoping to address either or receiver or safety, especially with some highly touted players still on the board, GM Brad Holmes opted to target another big Pac-12 individual to play alongside Trey Flow and Michael Brockers.
Onwuzurike plays with a ton of energy and displays explosiveness and quickness that will be highly utilized in a penetrating defensive front that the Lions will probably be looking to implement. He has very active hands that allow him to slip through gaps with ease and provide the necessary pressure in the backfield. He covers sideline to sideline and packs enough punch and juice that makes him a nuisance for any offense.
He is a light defensive tackle, which sometimes tends to backfire on him to create an anchor and get thrown around. Some see his production as lacking, but that was due to Washington’s scheme to create opportunities for other players.
Most draft analysts considered this a weak defensive lineman class, but some had Onwuzurike as their top defensive tackle this year, swapping between Christian Barmore. He does have the traits to be a disruptive defensive tackle and fit exactly what the Lions have been looking for in potential players with his high motor, grit, and all in all, a team player first that will give it his all every single down.
Defensive tackle is a need for the Lions, but it wasn’t the biggest need to address this early in the draft with holes at safety, linebacker, and receiver. With players like Trevon Moehrig and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah still available to fill those needs still on the board, it is a tough sell.
On the flip side of the coin, the Lions might have figured they can address those another needs later on in the draft since they might be deeper than the drop-off the defensive tackle class is. Either way, Onwuzurike provides a strong-willed presence on the defensive line and compete early for a large role.
Grade: B
