2023 Defense Stats
TCKL
33
SACKS
3.0
INT
2
FF
1
TD
0
2024 Projections
RANKS
Strong finish to 2023 campaign
Melifonwu recorded 33 tackles, 3.0 sacks, eight pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble over 17 regular-season games in 2023.
ANALYSIS
Seeing extended playing time just twice in the first 12 games of the season, Melifonwu ended the year with a bang after being pushed into a large role for a second time in Week 14. From that point on, the Syracuse product did enough to finish the season tied for second among safeties in sacks and top 20 in passes defended despite seeing more than seven percent of the defensive snaps in just seven of 17 games. Melifonwu then finished tied for third among all players in sacks (2.0) and 11th in tackles (16) during the postseason. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 2021 third-rounder seems headed for a big role in 2024 regardless of any additions the Lions could make to the secondary this offseason.
Seeing extended playing time just twice in the first 12 games of the season, Melifonwu ended the year with a bang after being pushed into a large role for a second time in Week 14. From that point on, the Syracuse product did enough to finish the season tied for second among safeties in sacks and top 20 in passes defended despite seeing more than seven percent of the defensive snaps in just seven of 17 games. Melifonwu then finished tied for third among all players in sacks (2.0) and 11th in tackles (16) during the postseason. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 2021 third-rounder seems headed for a big role in 2024 regardless of any additions the Lions could make to the secondary this offseason.
NFL Stats
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2023 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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2023 Ifeatu Melifonwu Split Stats
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Measurables Review
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How do Ifeatu Melifonwu's measurables compare to other safeties?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
* All metrics are from his Pro Day (not the combine).
Height
6' 2"Weight
210 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.48 secShuttle Time
4.36 secCone Drill
7.01 secVertical Jump
41.5 inBroad Jump
134 inBench Press
16 repsHand Length
8.88 inArm Length
32.25 in
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2021 Fantasy Outlook
Despite the Lions having rising cornerbacks on the roster, it apparently was hard to resist adding Melifonwu when he fell to the third round of the draft this spring. Standing 6-3 with a 4.48 40 time, he has the look of a safety but performs well as a press corner. In Detroit, he'll initially slot in behind Jeff Okudah, Quinton Dunbar and Amani Oruwariye at outside cornerback, but Melifonwu looks like a better prospect than the latter two players, and it shouldn't be more than a year or two before he's starting with Okudah. However, you don't have to look further than Okudah to know that young corners may struggle early on, so expectations for Melifonwu should remain in check during his rookie season.
More Fantasy News
Records INT in second straight game
Melifonwu had three solo tackles and an interception in Saturday's 20-19 loss to the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
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Snags game-clinching interception
Melifonwu totaled five tackles, including two sacks, and two pass breakups with one interception during Sunday's win over the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
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Productive in win
Melifonwu registered nine tackles (six solo), including a sack, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in Detroit's 42-17 win versus Denver on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
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Will suit up
Melifonwu (hand) is active Sunday against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
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Starting Sunday
Melifonwu will start Sunday against the Falcons, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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