Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike makes ESPN analyst's 'All-Film List'

After three seasons battling back issues, including having major surgery and missing the entire 2022 season, defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike was legitimately on the Detroit Lions' roster bubble entering last offseason.

But the 2021 second-round pick put together a strong, healthy offseason and training camp, fortifying himself as someone who could be a key piece of the Lions' defensive front this year.

Onwurike has played 62 percent of the Lions' defensive snaps through seven games, splitting snaps between inside at defensive tackle and out on the edge. He has 1.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits this season, and Pro Football Focus has credited him with 22 pressures (at least four in four games).

Onwuzurike's overall PFF grade (69.9) is tied for 22nd-best among defensive tackles so far this season. His run defense grade (61.1) is better than teammate DJ Reader's (59.2).

Levi Onwuwurike makes analyst's list of 'film stars'

In his piece looking back on Week 8 in the NFL (subscription required), ESPN's Ben Solak updated what he calls his "All-Film List." Or, as he described it, "players who won't get season-long awards or All-Pro nods or anything but are still good."

Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell is on the lengthy list, with a perfectly succinct sentence from Solak describing his presence on it.

"For the first time in about five years, Lane Johnson is not the best right tackle in football."

Solak dove a lot deeper into Onwuzurike.

"All remaining card-carrying members of the Onwuzurike fan club are rejoicing at the healthy season that he is finally stringing together. The No. 41 pick in the 2021 draft, Onwuzurike dealt with back injuries in each of his first three seasons. But when he is healthy, he's an absolute load as an interior pocket pusher. In the absence of healthy edge rushers against the Titans on Sunday, Onwuzurike was forced to play off the edge and actually put together a few more pressures with his combination of explosiveness and power. If he can continue to win in a hybrid role, it will help alleviate the loss of Aidan Hutchinson (leg) as the Lions make their postseason run."

In the final year of his rookie contract, Onwuzurike is healthy and delivering on the potential that made him a late first-round pick in some late 2021 mock drafts. As the Lions keep signing players to contract extensions, he's creating a tough decision for them to make this offseason.