Levi Onwuzurike looks and feels like a different man after finally having an offseason where injuries were in the rearview mirror and his sole focus was just his body and football.
"I 100 percent feel like a different man," he said after practice Sunday. "Obviously, I weigh a lot more. I for sure feel like a different man. I just feel put together."
Onwuzurike, who dealt with a back injury his first two seasons in the NFL that nearly ended his career, is completely past it now and that afforded him the opportunity to gain 20 pounds of muscle this offseason. He went from 285 pounds last year to his current weight of 305 pounds. The added muscle has certainly shown up in training camp so far as Onwuzurike has been one of the best stories of camp with the way he's played.
"The best way I can describe it is stability," Onwuzurike said of the added muscle. "I feel strong on the field. I feel fast on the field. Everything my body wants me to do, I can do."
We've seen Onwuzurike play inside and even shift out to the big end and he's been disruptive in both spots throughout camp. The Lions are excited about the potential power and disruption players like Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Reader, Alim McNeill, Marcus Davenport and Onwuzurike could have as a pretty versatile group upfront.
Onwuzurike's flexibility could have a lot of benefits for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and the different personnel packages he can deploy. Onwuzurike said he likes playing both spots because he can apply some edge techniques to his rush from the three-technique and vice versa. He doesn't look like he's lost that quick first step that made him a second-round pick in 2021, and now he has the power and muscle to make more impact inside too.
"Levi, to me, there's so much patience that had to be practiced with this whole build and so when you talk about that (2021) draft, and you talk about Penei (Sewell) and you talk about (Amon-Ra) St. Brown and Alim McNeill and all that, but I think Levi is a great example of patience and now he looks great out here," Lions general manager Brad Holmes told detroitlions.com earlier in camp of Onwuzurike.
"He's set an example of grit, perseverance, grinding through the tough times and all those things he's had to go through. You almost forget about him because he's had all the health concerns and all that. Look, he still has to prove it on the field, but I almost get emotional just thinking about everything he's endured and what it means and what our true foundation is."
REAL START OF CAMP
Now entering the fourth week of training camp players are tired and starting to deal with injuries, and the dog days of August are almost upon us. For Lions head coach Dan Campbell, it signifies the real start of training camp.
"This is camp," Campbell said. "It was acclimation, then you get to put the pads on, it's all fresh and new, then you go to the Giants, different opponent, and now we're back home and we're seeing the same faces.
"This is when you're sore, you're tired, you're beat up, and you find out who's who. This is where you get an advantage."
There are still a few starting spots, depth roles and even roster spots to figure out before the end of the month, and the next two weeks are when Campbell will see who can separate themselves from the bunch and be counted on during the long haul of an NFL season.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Preseason Week 1 game at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, August 8 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) and Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Parker Hesse (43) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu (45) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Chris Smith (90) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Morice Norris (39) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (15) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ben Niemann (51) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu (45) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0), Detroit Lions cornerback Morice Norris (39), and Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (69) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Brodric Martin (99) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Parker Hesse (43) and Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Morice Norris (39) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu (45) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ben Niemann (51) and Detroit Lions guard Netane Muti (52) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (15) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28), Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Connor Galvin (76) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Chris Smith (90) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Connor Galvin (76) and Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65), Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8), Detroit Lions guard Ike Boettger (78), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Connor Galvin (76) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (69) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mathieu Betts (95) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Ike Boettger (78) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Jake Burton (67) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Connor Galvin (76), Detroit Lions guard Jake Burton (67), Detroit Lions center Bryan Hudson (64), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50), Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (29), Detroit Lions linebacker DaRon Gilbert (53), and Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten (49) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten (49) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19) during an NFL preseason game against the New York Giants on Aug. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
ROSTER MOVEMENT
Detroit made a couple roster moves Sunday and more could be on the way this week.
The team waived injured offensive lineman Connor Galvin and placed defensive lineman Nate Lynn on Reserve/Injured. The team also signed linebacker Abraham Beauplan and tackle Jamarco Jones.
Backup quarterback Hendon Hooker remains in concussion protocol. He missed practice Sunday and Campbell said Hooker won't practice Monday either. The Lions have their second preseason game in Kansas City on Saturday and could add a quarterback to take reps in that contest along with Nate Sudfeld if Hooker isn't ready to play.
"(Lions Offensive Coordinator) Ben (Johnson) and I talked about that this morning. That could come down to the wire, you know, today or tomorrow," Campbell said. "There is a chance. I think we'll have a pretty good idea this afternoon as to (what) we need to go ahead and do that just to make sure we've got a guy other than (Lions QB) Nate (Sudfeld) for the game, so we've talked about it."
EXTRA POINT
Rookie guard Christian Mahogany, who is on the NFI list with an illness and has been out since the start of camp, is back in the building, but he's not physically ready to practice yet.
"I don't see him practicing this week, but he's here, and we're going to get him going, start working him, getting his body right, getting back there with Mike Clark and (Brett Fischer) Fisch, those guys, and just start getting him back in shape," Campbell said.
