Julian and Romeo Okwara Become Latest Pair of Brothers on Same NFL Team After Latest Lions Pick
By Michael Luciano
The Detroit Lions seemed to have filled their Okwara quota after retaining former New York Giants rusher Romeo Okwara, but Matt Patricia thinks that adding Romeo's little brother could help take the Detroit defense to the next level.
The Lions used the No. 67 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Notre Dame Fighting Irish pass rusher Julian Okwara.
It's about to be a family affair on defense!
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 25, 2020
Welcome to the squad, @julian_okwara.#NFLDraft | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/mdIHmoMM7c
Julian gets bragging rights after being picked in the third round, as brother Romeo went undrafted.
Okwara never got to show off his improved play strength and explosion during last year due to an injury that limited his effectiveness, but a healthy Okwara has all the get-off at the line of scrimmage, refined technique, and run defending ability to work his way into the Lions rotation early on in his rookie season.
Round 3, No. 67 overall: @Lions select @NDFootball LB Julian Okwara!https://t.co/2DQc1diFJ9#NFLDraft
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) April 25, 2020
While Romeo has the edge in experience, Julian is the better athlete and more explosive rusher. The Lions are not going to be short of pass rushing options this season, and they might just give the Seahawks' Griffin brothers a run for their money in the family one-two punch department.