In the race for roster spots and playing time this season, three players from the Lions’ first draft class under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are gaining ground.
“And that’s Iffy, Barnes and Levi,” Dan Campbell said Thursday on 97.1 The Ticket.
That is, defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu, linebacker Derrick Barnes and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, one player at each level of Detroit’s defense.
“They are all three pleasant surprises, and for different reasons,” Campbell said. “Two of them because, man, they’re able to say healthy, they’re out there, they’re banking reps.”
This is an especially important camp for Melifonwu, a former third-round pick who feels like he’s on the bubble after two underwhelming, injury-marred seasons. He arrived in 2021 with lots of hype, at least externally, but has started just five games to date. He barely saw any time on defense last season as he battled hamstring and ankle injuries.
Melifonwu has spent a good deal of time repping with the third-team defense this summer, but the fact that Campbell cited his availability is a good sign for his roster bid.
Onwuzurike, likewise, is back on the field after missing all of last season with a back injury that required surgery. He was one of the standouts on defense in Detroit’s preseason opener and has been getting some first-team reps in camp, including in Wednesday’s joint practice with the Jaguars. Fully healthy for the first time in the NFL, the former second-round pick has a chance to fulfill his potential this season.
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“It’s been good seeing Levi just play football,” Lions defensive line coach John Scott said Wednesday. “How hard he worked in the offseason, how hard he’s worked in camp, it was great to see him play in the preseason game and make some flash plays like he’s been doing in practice. We’re excited about what he’s showing as he’s progressing along.”
As for Barnes, who's produced 114 tackles over 32 games after playing an expanded role on defense last season, the former fourth-rounder is neck-and-neck with first-round rookie Jack Campbell for the starting linebacker job next to Alex Anzalone. He’s drawn frequent praise from coaches this summer, with this being the latest example.
“Barnes, it just really feels like the light’s coming on,” Campbell said. “He’s playing as fast as I’ve seen in three years. So, those three guys are really catching our eye.”
And all three, Melifonwu and Onwuzrike in particular, bear watching in the Lions’ second preseason game Saturday against the Jags.
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