Is Azeez Ojulari the Best Remaining OLB for the Lions?
Lions’ Approach to Free Agency The Detroit Lions have been selective in their approach to free agency, especially when it comes to reinforcing their defensive end position. While fans are eager to see more additions, the team has yet to make a significant move beyond re-signing Marcus Davenport. Given Davenport’s injury history, questions remain about his availability when the Lions make their playoff push next season.
A Prime Pass-Rusher Still on the Market One intriguing free-agent option still available is Azeez Ojulari, formerly of the New York Giants. A second-round pick in 2021, Ojulari has shown flashes of brilliance as a pass-rusher. Over four seasons, he has played in 46 games, recording 22 sacks and 37 quarterback hits. In the 2023 season alone, he notched six sacks in just 11 games, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks when healthy.
The Injury Concerns While Ojulari’s pass-rushing talent is undeniable, his history of injuries is a significant concern. Dating back to high school, where he recovered from a torn ACL, Ojulari has struggled with durability. Over the past few seasons, he has missed games due to toe, ankle, and hamstring issues. This injury record could deter the Lions from taking a risk on him, as they aim to build a consistently available and reliable defensive unit.
Evaluating Ojulari’s Strengths and Weaknesses Ojulari excels as a pass-rusher, but his performance against the run leaves much to be desired. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he earned a 60.1 grade as a run defender and a concerning 30.6 tackling grade. While his pass-rushing abilities earned a slightly better 54.6 PFF grade, his struggles in run defense might make him a liability in Detroit’s scheme.
How He Fits into Detroit’s Defensive Philosophy Detroit’s coaching staff emphasizes earning the right to rush the passer by excelling in all aspects of the game, including run defense. Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard has frequently highlighted the importance of adapting schemes to fit personnel strengths. When discussing defensive strategies, Sheppard stated, “It’s not about my scheme. I know what I want, but if that’s not what’s in the room, you have to be able to adapt and adjust.” This philosophy suggests that Ojulari would need to improve his run-stopping abilities to secure a role in Detroit’s defense.
Should the Lions Take the Risk? While Ojulari presents an enticing option for the Lions, his injury history and struggles against the run may give the team pause. With Detroit aiming for sustained success and a deep playoff run, adding a more well-rounded defender might be the preferred route. However, if the Lions believe they can maximize his pass-rushing potential while mitigating his weaknesses, signing Ojulari could prove to be a calculated risk worth taking.
The decision ultimately rests with general manager Brad Holmes and the coaching staff. Will they take a gamble on Ojulari’s upside, or will they look elsewhere for reinforcements? Only time will tell.
