The Detroit Lions opened training camp this week, and the team is once again facing an ongoing rash of injuries. It was expected Alim McNeill and Malcolm Rodriguez would start camp on the PUP list. However, no one anticipated another season-ending injury on the first day of camp. Nonetheless, recently re-signed DL Levi Onwuzurike is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Three Candidates Who Could Replace Detroit Lions’ Levi Onwuzurike
Injuries continue to plague the Detroit Lions’ defense during training camp. Although Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport have recovered from last season’s devastating injuries, EDGE Josh Paschal was unable to practice due to a non-football-related surgery. Over the last three years, Paschal has appeared in only 36 of 49 games. Although his absence is troubling given his previous history, Dan Campbell didn’t sound concerned and expressed confidence Paschal would be ready in September.
The Lions’ Latest Reported Injuries
Premier LB Alex Anzalone missed practice with a hamstring injury, while Al-Quadin Muhammad and Anthony Pittman are also dealing with unspecified ailments. During Sunday’s practice, promising second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw sustained an unspecified chest injury. Fortunately, the latest updates indicate Rakestraw’s injury wasn’t serious and he is expected to return to practice within days. However, other minor injuries continue to impact the team as Khalil Dorsey and Mekhi Wingo began camp on the PUP list, and special teams’ Sione Vaki left practice early on Monday after pulling a hamstring.
While the defense shouldered the brunt of the reported injuries, the offense also had several players on the injury list, including Pro Bowl tackle Taylor Decker. Although Decker is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery, he is expected back before the start of the season. Decker’s leadership and expertise are needed more than ever. He will set the tone and anchor the offensive line following Frank Ragnow’s recent retirement and the free agency loss of Kevin Zeitler.
Who Will Replace Onwuzurike for the Lions?
Onwuzurike’s season-ending injury was an ugly reminder of how quickly situations change. It also underscored the need for depth and versatility on the roster. After missing the entire Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2022 season with an injury, he proved to be a solid contributor to the Lions’ defense, posting 28 tackles (16 solo), 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Onwuzurike’s injury predictably shifts the starting lineup. Hutchinson and Davenport will anchor the defensive end with promising young rookie Ahmed Hassanein as a backup. Fully recovered from his injury, Davenport is back with something to prove this year and looks impressive in training camp. However, with the unexpected absence of Onwuzurike, the rest of the lineup is in flux. Here are three players who could fill the role as the next man up.
Rookie Tyliek Williams
First-round draft pick, Tyliek Williams. ’ 6’3” 334 lb. frame brings power and strength to the Lions’ defense . Described as an elite run defender, Williams recorded 136 tackles (27 TFLs for 97 yards), 11.5 quarterback sacks, 10 pass breakups, and four quarterback pressures at Ohio State.
There is nothing like an NFL trial by fire to get a rookie up to speed by starting him in Week 1. The Lions did that a year ago, starting rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold . Despite making eight tackles (seven solo) in the 26-20 win against the Los Angeles Rams, he struggled in his first month, drawing too many costly penalties. However, it wasn’t long before Arnold began to improve. Now, he’s earned that starting role, validating Brad Holmes’ faith in selecting him as the Lions’ first-round draft pick.
Assuming Williams is paired with D.J. Reader , the veteran playmaker could help mentor his development. With Reader’s help, if Williams gets up to speed quickly, they can establish a solid core defense with Hutchinson and Davenport. That’s a pretty fierce starting foursome.
Pat O’Connor
Following the Lions’ next-man-up philosophy from last season, seven-year veteran DL Pat O’Connor seems ideally positioned to replace Onwuzurike. Drafted by the Lions in 2017 with the 250th pick of the seventh round, O’Connor spent six seasons with the Buccaneers and returned to Detroit last year. The former Chicago, IL native has another tie to Michigan, having played football for Eastern Michigan University. Drawing high praise for his work ethic, O’Connor earned a spot on the All-Mid American Conference team in 2016.
After initially being assigned to the Lions’ practice squad, O’Connor was waived by Detroit in September of 2017. A few weeks later, he was signed by the Buccaneers and promoted to their active roster in November 2017. Recording his first career sack in 2020 against the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins , O’Connor earned a Super Bowl ring with Tom Brady and the Bucs later that year.
After signing with Detroit in August of 2024, O’Connor became an integral replacement player for the defense during the Lions’ injury-plagued season. Appearing in 12 games, he posted 18 tackles (5 solo) and 1.0 sack. Strengthening O’Connor’s bid to replace Onwuzurike, his former defensive line coach from Tampa, Kacy Rodgers , is now part of the Detroit coaching staff.
Roy Lopez
When Brad Holmes acquired former Arizona Cardinals’ nose tackle Roy Lopez in free agency this year, he certainly wasn’t aware of Onwuzurike’s season-ending surgery. However, one of Lopez’s key strengths is his versatility. Lopez played nose tackle for the Cardinals, but throughout his career, he has proven to be a strong pass rusher. He has proven he can play on both the interior line and as a defensive end.
PFF.com gave him an overall score of 54.9 with an above-average pass rush score of 67.4. In 2024, Lopez recorded 18 tackles, 18 quarterback pressures, one sack, three pass defenses, and a forced fumble for Arizona.
Lopez’s versatility on the defensive line affords Detroit another option. Described as a “perfect Dan Campbell type of player,” the 6’2″ 312 lb. Lopez is gritty, tough, and relentless in his playing style.
The Best Solution for the Lions’ Defense
Of course, the best solution overall that will provide an immediate boost for the Lions’ defense is re-signing veteran Za’Darius Smith. When he was signed a year ago in late November, Smith made an immediate impact. During his seven starts, he produced 12 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a pass defense. Smith is already familiar with the Lions’ style of play. He’s a perfect fit for the team and is a talented playmaker. Bringing back the elite EDGE to play opposite Hutchinson could free up the talented, versatile Davenport to move inside to fill the gap created by Onwuzurike’s absence.
Main Image: Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The post Three Candidates Who Could Replace Detroit Lions’ Levi Onwuzurike appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football .