The list of available pass-rushers has decreased by one, as the Detroit Lions have agreed to a deal with Romeo Okwara for the defender to stay with the organization. According to Ian Rapoport, the parties have agreed to a three-year deal worth $39 million dollars.
Last year was a breakout campaign for Okwara, who posted career-high numbers in a few different defensive categories. In his fifth season, the undrafted Notre Dame alum posted 10 sacks, 29 quarterback hits, 30 quarterback hurries, nine knockdowns, and three forced fumbles. Long and lanky at 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, Okwara uses his long legs like pistons off the snap for speed and momentum, and he can easily use his hands to get choppy with opposing offensive tackles to run by and get to the quarterback.
Okwara might not be the most impressive athlete on the edge, but his technique is sound as highlighted here by The Scouting Academy:
#TechniqueThursday via Lions DE Romeo Okwara using excellent pad level & use of hands to execute a forklift technique for a sack pic.twitter.com/3tg5NqndYV
— The Scouting Academy (@TheScoutAcademy) December 31, 2020
This move is a solid decision for the Detroit Lions for a number of reasons. First, with Markus Golden returning to the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bringing back Shaq Barrett, the number of potential pass-rushers available on the market is dwindling fast.
Second, this incoming class of rookies at the EDGE is intriguing, but uncertain. For example Jaelan Phillips might be the best of the group but he comes with some questions about his medical history. Azeez Ojulari is talented, but needs to fill in some of the blanks around that athleticism. Jayson Oweh is incredibly athletic, but people will question his lack of production in 2020. Joseph Ossai is explosive, but needs refinement. Rather than having to dip into that position early — and roll the dice — the Lions bring back a player they know can produce for them.
This is a solid move that allows Detroit to focus elsewhere in the draft and during free agency.
