Lions' 2023 Roster Bubble: Interior Defensive Line
The Detroit Lions are looking to vastly improve their run defense in 2023.
One of the worst in the league against the run last season, Detroit has begun the season with an emphasis on stopping the run.
Players along the defensive line have shared the sentiment — They can't rush the passer if they don't stop the run.
The effort will start with third-year run-stopper Alim McNeill. After taking an encouraging step of growth last season, he's poised to step in and become a leader amongst Detroit's defense.
He's already demonstrated leadership throughout the offseason. He committed to reforming his body, and has trimmed body fat while gaining flexibility.
As a result, the young defender is in the best shape of his brief career, and could be a difference-maker for Detroit.
Another key piece on the defensive line is Isaiah Buggs. After being an under-the-radar addition prior to training camp last season, he became a pivotal part of the interior.
Detroit wasn't done making additions, either, as Benito Jones joined the roster off waivers in the days leading up to the season opener.
Though both played plenty of snaps, their performance wasn't highly favored by Pro Football Focus. Buggs received a run- defense grade of 47.0, while Jones was below him with a 46.3 mark.
To help combat the struggles, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes traded up in the third round to draft Brodric Martin. The Western Kentucky product is massive, but will need to fine-tune his technique and footwork to be a reliable contributor.
Roster bubble
The wild card in Detroit's battle on the interior is Levi Onwuzurike. After a decent rookie campaign, he missed all of his second season with a back injury.
There hasn't been a timetable laid out for his return from the set-back nearly a year later. Coach Dan Campbell did recently profess that the defensive tackle had been cleared to run on grass.
If he's healthy, his presence will put pressure on the duo of Jones and Buggs. However, he will likely begin training camp as an inactive and could start the season on the PUP list.
He's talented and capable of contributing when healthy, but he'll be facing pressure once cleared to begin his third pro campaign.
Christian Covington is an eight-year pro has seen plenty and has been productive at times in his career.
That level of leadership could pave a way for him to secure a role, but he will have to have a strong camp.
Chris Smith and Corey Durden have both stood out at points as undrafted free agents. Demetrius Taylor cracked the roster after going undrafted last season. So, there is a blueprint for this year's duo to make a run at a spot.
