The Detroit Lions had an incredible season, finishing with a 15-2 record under head coach Dan Campbell. They clinched the NFC North title and secured the No. 1 seed in the conference after a decisive 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. As the top team in the NFC, Detroit earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
While the Lions boast stars on both offense and defense, one underrated contributor is defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. The 26-year-old played in 16 games, starting 10, and has been a key component of Detroit’s defensive line this season.
Set to become a free agent this offseason, Onwuzurike has drawn interest from analysts, including PFF’s Bradley Locker, who predicts he could sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Philadelphia has strong depth at edge rusher and interior defender and may add more in the draft,” Locker noted. “Adding Onwuzurike, who had his best season yet, would be a smart move. He’d complement Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo if the Eagles can’t retain Milton Williams.”
This season, Onwuzurike recorded 1.5 sacks, 45 quarterback pressures, 18 defensive stops, and earned a 69.4 PFF Grade. As a 2021 second-round pick, he could bolster an Eagles’ defensive line in need of interior playmakers.
Detroit faces uncertainty at defensive tackle. Alim McNeill’s season-ending ACL injury in Week 15 and D.J. Reader’s impending free agency next year leave gaps in the lineup. General manager Brad Holmes should prioritize re-signing Onwuzurike, but if he departs, the Eagles could be an intriguing fit for the rising star.
