Detroit Lions' Edge Rushers Wonnum, Onwuzurike Ready

0:00On March 31, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell spelled out his plans for two defensive ends. They're banking on this fall, DJ Wannum and Levi. On Wuzerike, Wannum inked a one-year deal, worth $3 million in free agency, and he set to line up opposite star Aiden Hutchinson. On Wuzerike's contract got told after he sat out last season with a torn ACL, keeping him locked in for significant snaps. The team only has a few other edge rushes under contract right now, like Peyton Turner, Tyler Lacey, and Ahmed Hassanin, so these two are crucial. Campbell sees Wannum as a true rush end in four downsets, perfect for spelling Hutchinson, without asking him to play run defense full time. Fans and analysts are buzzing because Wannum brings six years of experience, starting 15 games last season with the Panthers and logging over, 350 pass rush snaps. He's got a rep for toughness against the run, smarts on the field, and even special team's value, plus those eight sack seasons with a Vikings back, in 2021 and 2023.

1:06On Wuzerike, a second round pick from 2021 has battled injuries like a back issue and spinal surgery, but he flashed last year with, career best, 37 pressures, and one and a half sacks at big end. Campbell loves his versatility, sliding him inside to three tech or five tech, or even opposite Hutchinson on early downs. Lions might still grab another pass rusher in the draft to beef up the rotation, but with these two stepping up, Detroit's front looks ready to. Pressure quarterbacks all season long. You've been listening to NFL News today, AI-powered football coverage.