Detroit’s Defensive X-Factor: Levi Onwuzurike Steps Up Amid Injury Woes, Earns Spot on ESPN's 'All-Film List'

Levi Onwuzurike has emerged as a standout for the Detroit Lions this season, finally healthy and able to showcase his skills.

After struggling with back issues for three seasons—culminating in major surgery that sidelined him for all of 2022—Onwuzurike faced an uncertain offseason, even landing on the Lions’ roster bubble.

However, the 2021 second-round pick used his strong, healthy offseason and training camp to solidify his role as an important part of Detroit’s defensive front.

So far this season, Onwuzurike has played 62 percent of the Lions’ defensive snaps over seven games, working both inside at defensive tackle and occasionally on the edge. He has tallied 1.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) credits him with 22 pressures, hitting at least four in four games.

Lions DL Levi Onwuzurike set a career-high with a 86.1 PFF defensive grade against the Titans in Week 8 (Previous high – 78.8 grade)

Onwuzurike also tied a career-high with 5 total QB Pressures (Week 1) while playing a career-high 40 snaps (90.9%) as a defensive end.
— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) October 28, 2024

His overall PFF grade (69.9) ranks him tied for 22nd among defensive tackles this season. Additionally, his run defense grade (61.1) tops that of teammate DJ Reader (59.2).

Onwuzurike Gains Recognition as a ‘Film Star’

ESPN analyst Ben Solak recently featured Onwuzurike on his “All-Film List,” a rundown of under-the-radar players who won’t likely earn All-Pro or season-long awards but have still made a significant impact. Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell was also on the list, with Solak noting his performance by saying, “For the first time in about five years, Lane Johnson is not the best right tackle in football.”

In his analysis of Onwuzurike, Solak praised the defensive tackle’s resilience and impact: “All remaining card-carrying members of the Onwuzurike fan club are rejoicing at the healthy season 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.”

As Onwuzurike enters the final year of his rookie contract, he’s fulfilling the promise that once had him projected as a late first-round pick in some 2021 mock drafts. His performance this season will likely lead to tough decisions for the Lions’ front office as they consider their long-term plans.