According To Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Detroit Lions could sign New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari.
The Detroit Lions aim to increase sack productivity this season with new defensive line and edge rusher signings. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Lions should consider trading for New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari if they are not satisfied with their current roster additions.
Knox named the Lions one of two potential suitors for Ojulari.
“The Detroit Lions, who have justifiable Super Bowl aspirations, should also have interest if Ojulari becomes available,” Knox pointed out.
“Detroit has lacked a high-end edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and it did little to address the need this offseason aside from adding Marcus Davenport.” Ojulari is in the last year of his rookie deal with the Giants. Injuries have hampered his production over the last two seasons.
As a rookie, Ojulari recorded 8 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits over 17 games. In the 2021 NFL draft, the Giants selected him as the 50th overall pick in the second round.
How Edge Azeez Ojulari Could Fit With the Lions
Last season, the Lions did not put much pressure on their quarterbacks. Despite Aidan Hutchinson leading the NFL in pressures with 11.5 sacks, Detroit finished tied for 23rd with 41 sacks.
Last season, only defensive tackle Alim McNeill has more than three sacks for the Lions. If fit, Ojulari may provide the Lions with another edge rusher to help divert attention away from Hutchinson and McNeill.
In his first 23 games, Ojulari recorded 13.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits. He also had four forced fumbles as he developed into a formidable force with the Giants. Ojulari started slowly last season and was placed on injured reserve on October 15.
He didn’t become much more productive after his comeback either. Last season, Ojulari finished with 2.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, and 7 quarterback hits in 11 games. He recorded 2 sacks in the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 2024 campaign may be a make or break year for the 24-year-old.
Lions Pass Rushing Depth Heading Into Week 1
It is unlikely that the Lions will chase Ojulari early in the season. That’s because they’ll most likely want to watch how their new defensive acquisitions work together.
In free agency, the Lions signed veterans Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader to their defensive line. This should increase Hutchinson and McNeill’s support this autumn.Davenport had 9 sacks with the New Orleans Saints in 2021.
Detroit’s head coach, Dan Campbell, has praised defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike as a promising fourth-year player who can make a significant impact in 2024. On September 2, Campbell stated that Onwuzurike is now in a good position.
“I think he’s very much going to be a part of this.” Onwuzurike and Ojulari were both members of the 2021 draft class. Ojulari is the more proven commodity, but if Onwuzurike has a breakout season, the Lions may not need Ojulari as much.
Trading for Ojulari carries inherent risks. He may have to demonstrate that he has back to his rookie form before a contender like the Lions place him at the top of their trade desire list.
Dave Holcomb covers the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions. Holcomb is originally from Pittsburgh and has written about collegiate and professional sports for FanSided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker.
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