Can Romeo Okwara Have a Comeback Season in 2020?

The Lions defensive end struggled in 2019 compared to 2018. Can Romeo Okwara rediscover what made him productive two seasons ago?

Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara had a breakout season back in 2018. 

As a starter in 14 games, Okwara compiled a career-best and team-leading 7.5 sacks, to go along with 39 combined tackles. 

In the past, he’s explained how the increased playing time helped him find comfort at the NFL level. 

Okwara is now heading into the final year of his two-year deal. 

© Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

While 2019 saw his production drop off from his 2018 campaign that earned him the extension, there is still reason to believe he has a role in Detroit beyond 2020.

His playing time took an expected dip in 2019, with the arrival of Trey Flowers -- who took over the starting spot at right defensive end.

Okwara made just one start in 2019 -- finishing the year with 1.5 sacks and 28 combined tackles. 

The percentage of snaps that he played was cut down by about 20 percent, and his numbers decreased across the board as a result.

Despite what the 2019 statistical story might tell you, he does possess the potential to have a significant impact in opposing backfields, as 2018 clearly indicates. 

While he currently appears to be destined for another season of working behind Flowers, perhaps there are other ways the Lions could incorporate him in 2020.

When you turn on the film, you can see that he has the ability to not only rush the quarterback, but also step back in coverage when necessary to make open-field tackles. 

This isn’t something that most defensive ends are comfortable doing. 

New Detroit defensive coordinator Cory Undlin could potentially utilize him more frequently by testing out this ability in a few more obvious passing-down situations.

There could also be hidden motivation in the arrival of his brother Julian to the roster.

Julian, Detroit's third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is an emerging linebacker who should make his own case to earn playing time his rookie season.

They’ll become the league’s fifth set of brothers presently playing for the same team. 

One early difference between their NFL careers is the fact that Julian was drafted and Romeo was not. 

For Romeo, perhaps it’ll be a matter of finding the fuel that all undrafted players seem to possess in order to make his case for more opportunities in 2020 and beyond. 

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