Never heard of Lions’ second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike?
If not, there is a reason for it. There weren’t many mock drafts, if any, that had the defensive tackle from Washington going as early as 41st overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
While it doesn’t mean it was the wrong selection, it’s a pick that will undoubtedly put first-year general manager Brad Holmes under the microscope.
It appears to be a reach. And Lions fans do not have fond memories of second-round stretches. Recall Jahlani Tavai and Teez Tabor from the Bob Quinn era, Ryan Broyles and Titus Young from the Martin Mayhew regime and pretty much every second-rounder during Matt Millen’s ill-fated stint?
I know, I know. You trust this guy.
Thing is, Holmes has no track record as the prime decision-maker as a reference. And the Lions had countless other options to augment their defense.
The good news: Onwuzurike, by all accounts, is gifted athletically. He was a brilliant high school player in the Dallas area as a teammate of Kyler Murray. He had his pick of college programs. Jim Harbaugh aggressively recruited him for Michigan. He was an All-Pac 12 academic selection. So he has smarts.
Onwuzurike plays inside, but explosiveness and quickness are his calling cards. He's not a gap-control type, or a nose, although Washington, oddly, played him there extensively. He was an end in high school.
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He opted out last season, which raised some eyebrows because Onwuzurike didn’t prove that much at Washington. Yet, he has exceptional speed (sub 5.0 40) for a 290-pounder, reportedly is very impressive in the weight room and possesses the classic cut body type.
He is also older. Onwuzurike is 23. He was redshirted and didn’t start full-time until his third year at Washington. However, Onwuzurike appears to still be very much in the developmental stage.
He is perhaps more of a "could be” than a “should be,” but not if Holmes, indeed, knows what he is doing.