This week marks the start of the Detroit Lions’ third phase of their offseason training program, which gives coaches and players the chance to step up their football activities.
Over the course of the next four weeks, teams are allowed to have ten days of organized team practice activity (also known as “OTAs”). During this time, live contact is not allowed, but drills such as 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 are.
Additionally, the team is allowed to hold a three-day mandatory minicamp (June 4-6). During this period, one-third of the OTAs—this Thursday—are open to the media.
Here are five things to look out for during OTAs:
1. Revamped cornerback room
The Lions finished 27th in the NFL against the pass last season, so general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell worked hard to strengthen the secondary this winter, especially at cornerback.
Detroit signed versatile veteran Amik Robertson and acquired Carlton Davis III through trade. They also re-signed Kindle Vildor, who was a starter at the conclusion of the season, and Emmanuel Moseley, who missed all but two snaps of the previous campaign due to an ACL tear. With their next two picks in the draft, Detroit chose Terrion Arnold (24th overall) and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (61st).
There will be fierce competition for cornerback starting slots, playing roles, and roster spots because competition fosters achievement.
By the end of August, there will be some talented players who could give a team on the outside a chance, forcing the Lions to make some difficult choices.
2. Second-year players to watch
First-year players like tight end Sam LaPorta, linebacker Jack Campbell, cornerback Brian Branch, and running back Joshmyr Gibbs all made significant contributions for Detroit.
Should it be accurate that athletes experience their greatest developmental leap from Year 1 to Year 2, what kind of contributions can we anticipate from such athletes this season? Seeing that early on ought to be entertaining.
Additionally, athletes hoping to make a stronger impression in Year 2 include wide receiver Antoine Green, defensive lineman Brodric Martin, offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal, and quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker is a strong candidate to be the backup quarterback, and if he is selected, I wouldn’t be shocked if the offense creates some packages specifically for him.
I’ll be keeping a careful watch on Martin. As a player in development, he was drafted. Is he able to secure a regular role? Following Josh Reynolds’s free agency departure to Denver, Green is another player with a shot to secure a spot in the receiving room.
3. Backup quarterback competition
Now that Teddy Bridgewater has announced his retirement to coach high school football in Miami, there is intense rivalry to be Jared Goff’s backup. Though Hooker is very much in the mix,
Nate Sudfeld will have an opinion after he recovers from last year’s preseason ACL tear. In 2022, Sudfeld was appointed. I’m excited to see what progress Hooker has made in the offseason. With his athleticism, he brings something a little bit different to the position. He also has an arm that is a cannon. Who starts the snaps for the second team? Watching that contest unfold in the spring and summer will be interesting.
4. Breakout year for Williams?
Jameson Williams, a wide receiver, had a tremendous season towards the conclusion of the previous one, and the Lions are hoping he continues where he left off. Williams’ ability to extend the field and let Amon-Ra St. Brown and LaPorta work one-on-one over the middle will make this offense even more special if he succeeds.
Williams’ route running improved significantly in the second half of the previous season, in my opinion. He’s never been one to back down from contact, particularly as a blocker in the run game.
He made some really difficult catches in traffic. There will be plenty of opportunities for one-on-one coverage and huge plays all over the field if he can take over the No. 2 role and perform well every time.
5. Rookies fitting in
The rookies’ transition from rookie minicamp to OTAs with the veterans is a significant one. Understanding the assignments and schemes is crucial in order to avoid wasting time on minor details like where to line up. Players like Branch, LaPorta, and Gibbs were able to integrate early in OTAs last year.
During practices with the veterans, they were making plays, and that carried over to training camp and the regular season.
When paired with veterans like Robertson, Branch, and Davis at cornerback, will Arnold and Rakestraw look the part? How will St. Brown and Williams line up with each other?
How does Giovanni Manu, an offensive lineman, do early in the game against some of Detroit’s more seasoned pass rushers? Can defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and running back Sione Vaki establish positions for themselves?
Is Christian Mahogany able to secure a backup guard position? In addition, there are the undrafted rookie free agents vying for a position on the best OTA roster since Holmes and Campbell. Can you pick out one or two players from that group?
