Levi Onwuzurike has become an afterthought for the Detroit Lions' defense, and that's hopefully to the peril of opposing offenses that aren't taking the threat of him back in the teams' lineup too seriously.
Of course, the defensive end has been dealt a terrible injury card, having his season cut short before it could even really begin last year. He hasn't taken a single snap since 2024, and even then, his numbers didn't really excite - just 28 total tackles through 16 games played, in addition to just 3.5 stuffs and 1.5 sacks.
Looking ahead to training camp, Onwuzurike has the opportunity to flip the Lions' depth chart on its head. Their current defensive line is led by Aidan Hutchinson, who obviously takes care of a big chunk of Detroit's pocket disruption. But, their run defense was in sore need of Onwuzurike in 2025, which is where he could really stand out in training camp.
Onwuzurike can avoid becoming a cut candidate with strong training camp
Onwuzurike currently slots as one of the Lions' starting defensive tackles, with their depth at that position a bit shaky. Rookie Skylar Gill-Howard could make some noise if the Lions' gamble on him works out, and he's likely the only player that could really challenge Onwuzurike for that other starting spot.
Assuming Tyleik Williams gets pushed down the depth chart because of Alim McNeill's return, he could figure as another challenger to Onwuzurike's role.
This is what makes a strong training camp showing so important for Onwuzurike. The 2021 2nd round pick has missed too much time in his short time with the Lions to gain an automatic starting spot for the 2026 season. Detroit's coaching staff has been adamant about how open multiple competitions are this offseason, and starting right defensive tackle has to be one of those open slots.
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When Onwuzurike was drafted, he immediately endeared himself to Lions fans with the following quote:
"I like f---ing people up. I like to get off the line and just put my helmet or my hands on an offensive lineman and f--- up an offensive scheme, pretty much. I like pushing 'em back 2, 3 yards and just making 'em feel like s---."
This is passion that you'd hope that Onwuzurike still carries in him ahead of a critical training camp.
Detroit allowed 114.5 rushing yards per game in 2025, compared to just 98.4 per game in 2024. They gave up 24.3 points per game, versus just 20.1 in 2024. They are clearly in desperate need for help along their defensive line (and in their secondary, of course), and Onwuzurike could be a major contributor towards that improved D-line if he can remain healthy, energized, and motivated.
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