As a team, the Detroit Lions did not look very good on Saturday night as they limped out of the gate (that is probably being a little too nice) before eventually falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 26-20.
That being said, there were a few rookies who really stood out to me against the Steelers and they all come from the defensive side of the ball.
Those players are, in order of impressiveness, Derrick Barnes, AJ Parker, and Levi Onwuzurike.
Derrick Barnes (LB)
I said it the day the Lions drafted him and I have doubled down and tripled down ever since. Derrick Barnes is going to be the steal of the 2021 NFL Draft. On Saturday night against the Steelers, Barnes only played in the second half of the game but he showed once again why I am so high on him as he was all over the field and even had the only sack of the game for the Lions.
AJ Parker (NB)
AJ PARKER! I am not going to lie, Parker was not really a player on my radar at all prior to the last week or so but after his performance on Saturday, I not only think he is close to wrapping up a spot on the 53-man roster but he could end up being the Lions starting nickle corner. Parker was very impressive on Saturday as he led the Lions with eight tackles, including two for a loss.
Levi Onwuzurike (DT)
Levi Onwuzurike was not dominant against the Steelers by any means but he was disruptive in the Steelers backfield and he nearly picked up a sack. I truly look forward to watching Levi develop into a very good defensive lineman.
