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It’s no secret the Detroit Lions pass rush was abysmal last season.
As the Lions enter free agency and the draft they have a lot of questions to answer on their defensive line. The biggest question surrounds pending free agent Romeo Okwara. He lead a lowly defensive line last season with 10 sacks and had his best year as a pro in 2020.
EDGE Romeo Okwara had the best season of his career in 2020
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) December 30, 2020
PFF Pass Rush Grade by Season:
2016 - 42.4 (Last)
2017 - 49.1 (N/A)
2018 - 50.3 (108th)
2019 - 58.3 (96th)
2020 - 84.2 (10th among EDGE)
The question will be if he will keep that level of play in 2021#OnePride pic.twitter.com/IPSn3DoGGL
The question is whether he can keep it up — and if the Lions are willing to pay him in free agency.
On the other side of the line will most likely be Trey Flowers. His contract makes him almost guaranteed to be on the roster in 2021, even if he’s not the pure scheme fit that he was brought in to be under Matt Patricia.
Then there are young guys like Julian Okwara and Austin Bryant.
With all that in mind, here’s our question of the day:
Who will be the Lions’ starting pass rushers next season?
My answer: As I said, I fully expect Flowers to occupy one spot, but I’m guessing the other will be occupied by someone other than Romeo Okwara. Pass rushers tend to get overpaid in free agency and I’m guessing Okwara will be looking to get the best deal possible.
I like Okwara as a player, but I’m not sure I’d be willing to bet on his one-hit-wonder season in 2020.
I wouldn't be shocked at all to see the Lions bring in more talent opposite Flowers in the draft and in free agency to compete for the other starting spot.
Your turn.