Three Candidates Who Could Replace Detroit Lions’ Levi Onwuzurike

First-round draft pick, Tyliek Williams.’ 6’3” 334 lb. frame brings power and strength to the Lions’ defense. Described as an elite run defender, Williams recorded 136 tackles (27 TFLs for 97 yards), 11.5 quarterback sacks, 10 pass breakups, and four quarterback pressures at Ohio State.  

There is nothing like an NFL trial by fire to get a rookie up to speed by starting him in Week 1.  The Lions did that a year ago, starting rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. Despite making eight tackles (seven solo) in the 26-20 win against the Los Angeles Rams, he struggled in his first month, drawing too many costly penalties. However, it wasn’t long before Arnold began to improve. Now, he’s earned that starting role, validating Brad Holmes’ faith in selecting him as the Lions’ first-round draft pick.

Assuming Williams is paired with D.J. Reader, the veteran playmaker could help mentor his development. With Reader’s help, if Williams gets up to speed quickly, they can establish a solid core defense with Hutchinson and Davenport. That’s a pretty fierce starting foursome.

Pat O’Connor 

Following the Lions’ next-man-up philosophy from last season, seven-year veteran DL Pat O’Connor seems ideally positioned to replace Onwuzurike. Drafted by the Lions in 2017 with the 250th pick of the seventh round, O’Connor spent six seasons with the Buccaneers and returned to Detroit last year. The former Chicago, IL native has another tie to Michigan, having played football for Eastern Michigan University. Drawing high praise for his work ethic, O’Connor earned a spot on the All-Mid American Conference team in 2016.

After initially being assigned to the Lions’ practice squad, O’Connor was waived by Detroit in September of 2017.  A few weeks later, he was signed by the Buccaneers and promoted to their active roster in November 2017.  Recording his first career sack in 2020 against the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins, O’Connor earned a Super Bowl ring with Tom Brady and the Bucs later that year.    

After signing with Detroit in August of 2024, O’Connor became an integral replacement player for the defense during the Lions’ injury-plagued season.  Appearing in 12 games, he posted 18 tackles (5 solo) and 1.0 sack. Strengthening O’Connor’s bid to replace Onwuzurike, his former defensive line coach from Tampa, Kacy Rodgers, is now part of the Detroit coaching staff.

Roy Lopez   

When Brad Holmes acquired former Arizona Cardinals’ nose tackle Roy Lopez in free agency this year, he certainly wasn’t aware of Onwuzurike’s season-ending surgery. However, one of Lopez’s key strengths is his versatility. Lopez played nose tackle for the Cardinals, but throughout his career, he has proven to be a strong pass rusher. He has proven he can play on both the interior line and as a defensive end.

PFF.com gave him an overall score of 54.9 with an above-average pass rush score of 67.4. In 2024, Lopez recorded 18 tackles, 18 quarterback pressures, one sack, three pass defenses, and a forced fumble for Arizona. 

Lopez’s versatility on the defensive line affords Detroit another option. Described as a “perfect Dan Campbell type of player,” the 6’2″ 312 lb. Lopez is gritty, tough, and relentless in his playing style. 

The Best Solution for the Lions’ Defense

Of course, the best solution overall that will provide an immediate boost for the Lions’ defense is re-signing veteran Za’Darius Smith.  When he was signed a year ago in late November, Smith made an immediate impact. During his seven starts, he produced 12 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a pass defense. Smith is already familiar with the Lions’ style of play. He’s a perfect fit for the team and is a talented playmaker. Bringing back the elite EDGE to play opposite Hutchinson could free up the talented, versatile Davenport to move inside to fill the gap created by Onwuzurike’s absence.