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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 Draft, FAs, trades? (113 Viewers)

msudaisy26 said:
Leroy Hoard said:
I doubt there is a team out there right now that could win a Superbowl with their backup. That said, Sudfield has to go. Hooker might be ok but we need to see more of him the next couple of weeks, hopefully he clears protocol.
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We aren't talking about worst case scenario. What if Goff sprains a knee or breaks his hand and missed 4 to 6 weeks. Hooker is a complete unknown and Sudfeld would be lucky to win one of those six games and now the Lions go from 5 - 2 to start the year to 6 and 7 on the outside looking in. They need a guy that can go 3 - 3 in those games or if Goff gets concussed can finish a game.
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QBs will be cut, should be someone out there better than Nate and more proven than Hendon.
 
Leroy Hoard said:
msudaisy26 said:
Leroy Hoard said:
I doubt there is a team out there right now that could win a Superbowl with their backup. That said, Sudfield has to go. Hooker might be ok but we need to see more of him the next couple of weeks, hopefully he clears protocol.
Click to expand...

We aren't talking about worst case scenario. What if Goff sprains a knee or breaks his hand and missed 4 to 6 weeks. Hooker is a complete unknown and Sudfeld would be lucky to win one of those six games and now the Lions go from 5 - 2 to start the year to 6 and 7 on the outside looking in. They need a guy that can go 3 - 3 in those games or if Goff gets concussed can finish a game.
Click to expand...
QBs will be cut, should be someone out there better than Nate and more proven than Hendon.
Click to expand...

A qb might get cut, but Tannehill is just sitting out there and he isn't a great qb. I think he would be a solid backup.
 
msudaisy26 said:
Leroy Hoard said:
msudaisy26 said:
Leroy Hoard said:
I doubt there is a team out there right now that could win a Superbowl with their backup. That said, Sudfield has to go. Hooker might be ok but we need to see more of him the next couple of weeks, hopefully he clears protocol.
Click to expand...

We aren't talking about worst case scenario. What if Goff sprains a knee or breaks his hand and missed 4 to 6 weeks. Hooker is a complete unknown and Sudfeld would be lucky to win one of those six games and now the Lions go from 5 - 2 to start the year to 6 and 7 on the outside looking in. They need a guy that can go 3 - 3 in those games or if Goff gets concussed can finish a game.
Click to expand...
QBs will be cut, should be someone out there better than Nate and more proven than Hendon.
Click to expand...

A qb might get cut, but Tannehill is just sitting out there and he isn't a great qb. I think he would be a solid backup.
Click to expand...
He looked pretty bad last year but yeah you have to imagine he could function in a good offense better than Sud.
 
msudaisy26 said:
Leroy Hoard said:
msudaisy26 said:
Leroy Hoard said:
I doubt there is a team out there right now that could win a Superbowl with their backup. That said, Sudfield has to go. Hooker might be ok but we need to see more of him the next couple of weeks, hopefully he clears protocol.
Click to expand...

We aren't talking about worst case scenario. What if Goff sprains a knee or breaks his hand and missed 4 to 6 weeks. Hooker is a complete unknown and Sudfeld would be lucky to win one of those six games and now the Lions go from 5 - 2 to start the year to 6 and 7 on the outside looking in. They need a guy that can go 3 - 3 in those games or if Goff gets concussed can finish a game.
Click to expand...
QBs will be cut, should be someone out there better than Nate and more proven than Hendon.
Click to expand...

A qb might get cut, but Tannehill is just sitting out there and he isn't a great qb. I think he would be a solid backup.
Click to expand...

Tannehill is much better than what we have now behind Goff. At least he could give the Lions a good chance to win. Dudfield stinks, and Hooker is far from ready.
 
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Lions preseason PFF grades @ NYG:

Highest:
1. Duke Clemens (90.0)
2. Dan Skipper (89.0)
3. Amik Robertson (87.4)
4. Mitchell Agude (81.5)
5. Ennis Rakestraw (80.3)

Be honest - did anyone know 1 & 4 were on the 90-man?

Lowest:
1. James Houston (28.0)
2. Mekhi Wingo (28.3)
3. Nate Sudfeld (38.1)
 
How Terrion Arnold & Ennis Rakestraw "won" the rematch against the Giants WRs - Week 1 film study

Coach breaks down the play of the Lions new RCB (13 snaps), LCB (37 snaps) and Slot Corner Amik Robertson (18 snaps.)

Of course, CD3 will the LCB in the regular season, and Ennis might rotate between outside and the slot; but be encouraged, these guys are going to be good.

OK they won't face Drew Lock every week, but Malik Nabers, Jalin Hyatt and Bryce Ford-Wheaton were invisible on their 26 routes (3 targets, 2 catches, 6 yards)
 
BobbyLayne said:
Joique Bell days until Opening Night
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Speaking of Joique, I watched the interview with him on the Second Act podcast this week. Learning about these guys' off field lives is so interesting, I had no idea he was a Lions security guard while in college and all the work he has been doing in Detroit since retiring. For any Joique fans or Detroit fans it is worth 60 minutes if you have some down time.

youtube dot com forward slash

watch?v=iGqgq9GomTU

(looks like I am still on the new account spam watch list lol)
 
BobbyLayne said:
5 Detroit Lions who played themselves right off the roster in the first preseason game

Sidelion report is not the most reliable blog but this seems about right.

5. DE Marice Norris (UDFA Ferris St)
4. TE James Mitchell
3. EDGE James Houston IV
2. WR Maurice Alexander
1. QB Nate Sudfeld
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They still know that Houston can be an elite pass rush specialist, but he is falling short in expanding his duties. Houston maybe close to the bubble because of his limitations, but he has not played himself off the roster. Unless multiple edge rushers can show they can get to the QB consistently, even Houston's one trick is still too much of a need to cut.
 
PS1 injuries:
  • QB Hendon Hooker - concussion
  • WR Antoine Green - concussion
  • EDGE James Houston IV - knee, bone bruise
  • DE Nate Lynn - shoulder
  • CB Marice Norris - hamstring
  • DT David Bada - achilles
  • OG Connor Galvin - torn MCL
First 5 are minor & short term; latter 2 are likely season ending.
 
Levi Onwuzurike breaks silence

First time hearing from him; hasn’t been taking Qs, just said he wanted to be locked in.

Feels solid, with his back stabilized he put on 25 or so pounds. Played last year at 280, carrying 305 now. Playing both 3- and 5-tech. This past offseason was the first time being healthy in between seasons.

Didn’t play in Week 1 preseason, same as most starters + contributors. Coach says he’s in a good place.
 
[Justin Rogers]

  • G Christian Mahogany has rejoined the team. The team will work to get him physically ready, but don't expect him to practice this week. Speculation that he had mono (it was something contagious that kept him out of the building and he wasn't able to work out on his own.) Anyway, just strength and conditioning for now, but at least he's on a ramp to start practicing at some point.
  • Today's camp observations: After a strong start to camp, Jameson Williams has hit a bit of a rough patch with some drops, while kicker Jake Bates might be turning things around. Today's practice ended with a situational scenario and Bates ran on to kick a 64 yarder as time expired.

Couple random items I picked up today:
  • The Lions could add a quarterback to help navigate the Hendon Hooker injury, Dan Campbell said. Could happen today or tomorrow. Campbell does not expect Hooker to clear the concussion protocol until late in the week.
  • Lions have a big practice tomorrow night in Allen Park.
  • The Lions signed veteran offensive lineman Jamarco Jones and linebacker Abraham Beauplan to the 90-man roster (see next item.)
  • Nate Lynn (shoulder) is done for the year, along with Connor Galvin (MCL.) Still nothing definitive on Marice Norris (achilles.)
That's at least 6-7 season ending injuries: K Michael Badgley, CB Emmanuel Moseley, G Netane Muti, DL John Cominsky (may return for the playoffs), DT Lynn, G Galvin, and possibly CB Norris.

Last year I was concerned we had 6 season enders by Week 6 of the regular season.

At least 16 players sat out practice Sunday with injuries.

Summary of absences

EDGE Nate Lynn: placed on injured reserve
OL Connor Galvin: released with an injury settlement
QB Hendon Hooker: concussion
WR Antoine Green: concussion
WR Daurice Fountain: new injury
TE Sam LaPorta: remains out
LT Taylor Decker: new injury
RG Kevin Zeitler: shoulder, remains out
G Christian Mahogany: remains on NFI, illness, now in Allen Park
DT DJ Reader: remains on PUP
DT Alim McNeill: new injury
DL Levi Onwuzurike: knee, new injury
EDGE James Houston: new injury
LB Malcolm Rodriguez: remains out
LB Malik Jefferson: new injury
DB Morice Norris: hamstring, new injury


Don't miss the best part at the end

Bad what-the-heck-was-that interception by Neckbeard Nate, 35 yard return, but holy cow look at that hustle by Kyode Awosika (#74) - all the way across the field to make the tackle and force the fumble (recovered by rookie RB Sione Vaki.)


All 22 Films has been prolific:
  1. Worth the Wait - Hendon Hooker film study Wk 1 PS
  2. Has Brodric Martin Arrived?
  3. Alex Anzalone is the glue of the Detroit Lions defense
  4. Can Marcus Davenport answer the Lions call?
 
Did anyone have WR Antoine Green getting cut on their bingo card? Yeah, me neither.

Then Detroit Lions felt compelled to add a quarterback to the roster while Hendon Hooker recovers from the concussion suffered in the team’s preseason opener. On Monday afternoon, the team announced the signing of former University of Georgia standout Jake Fromm.

A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, he completed 63.2% of his passes with 78 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. That led to Fromm being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 draft by the Buffalo Bills. He’s since spent time with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. He’s only appeared in two regular season games, both in 2021, where he struggled and posted a 38.9 passer rating.

In addition to Fromm, the Lions also added another linebacker to the roster, signing journeyman Ty Summers. A seventh-round choice out of TCU in 2019, the 6-foot-1, 241-pounder has had four stints with three NFL teams, most recently this offseason with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s appeared in 46 games during his career, primarily as a special teams performer.

To clear room on the roster, the Lions released guard Ike Boettger and waived injured receiver Antoine Green.

Boettger had been added to the offseason roster shortly before training camp, helping fill a hole while rookie Christian Mahogany battled an illness. The sixth-round draft pick recently rejoined the team, but is likely still a few days away from practicing while getting physically re-acclimated.

Green’s release is a mild surprise. A seventh-round selection in 2023, he had been battling for a roster spot after drawing praise from his coaches throughout the offseason. But he hadn’t had a strong camp prior to suffering a head/neck injury in the preseason opener.

If Green clears waivers, he would revert to season-ending injured reserve. He could later be fully removed from the roster if he reaches an injury settlement with the Lions, which would make him eligible to sign with another team and play in 2024. In that scenario, he would only be able to re-sign and play for Detroit after the expiration of the injury settlement.
 
BobbyLayne said:
Did anyone have WR Antoine Green getting cut on their bingo card? Yeah, me neither.

Then Detroit Lions felt compelled to add a quarterback to the roster while Hendon Hooker recovers from the concussion suffered in the team’s preseason opener. On Monday afternoon, the team announced the signing of former University of Georgia standout Jake Fromm.

A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, he completed 63.2% of his passes with 78 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. That led to Fromm being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 draft by the Buffalo Bills. He’s since spent time with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. He’s only appeared in two regular season games, both in 2021, where he struggled and posted a 38.9 passer rating.

In addition to Fromm, the Lions also added another linebacker to the roster, signing journeyman Ty Summers. A seventh-round choice out of TCU in 2019, the 6-foot-1, 241-pounder has had four stints with three NFL teams, most recently this offseason with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s appeared in 46 games during his career, primarily as a special teams performer.

To clear room on the roster, the Lions released guard Ike Boettger and waived injured receiver Antoine Green.

Boettger had been added to the offseason roster shortly before training camp, helping fill a hole while rookie Christian Mahogany battled an illness. The sixth-round draft pick recently rejoined the team, but is likely still a few days away from practicing while getting physically re-acclimated.

Green’s release is a mild surprise. A seventh-round selection in 2023, he had been battling for a roster spot after drawing praise from his coaches throughout the offseason. But he hadn’t had a strong camp prior to suffering a head/neck injury in the preseason opener.

If Green clears waivers, he would revert to season-ending injured reserve. He could later be fully removed from the roster if he reaches an injury settlement with the Lions, which would make him eligible to sign with another team and play in 2024. In that scenario, he would only be able to re-sign and play for Detroit after the expiration of the injury settlement.
Click to expand...

I thought Justin did an OK job of explaining Waived/Injured, but someone on r/DetroitLions linked this explain which I think is a little more clear on the mechanics of what teams are doing when they waive a young, injured player still on their rookie deal.

What does it mean when an NFL player is waived/injured?​

The common mistake is focusing on the "waived" part of the transaction and ignoring the "injured" part. Before explaining what waived/injured means, it's important to understand the difference between waiving a player and releasing a player.

When a non-vested player (someone with less than four years of experience) gets cut, he is subjected to waivers, which gives every team 24 hours to claim him. The player becomes a free agent if he is not claimed on waivers. When a vested veteran is cut (released) in the preseason, he can immediately sign with any team.

In regards to injuries, vested veterans can be put directly on injured reserve without being exposed to waivers. But up until rosters are cut down from 90 to 53 players on August 27, injured non-vested players must be placed on waivers through the waived/injured designation before being placed on injured reserve.

This measure prevents teams from stashing young players on injured reserve. Once a waived/injured player clears waivers, he reverts to the team's IR.

After cut-down day, teams can use the waived/injured designation or they can place a non-vested player directly on IR.

If a young star player gets injured during the preseason, the team will wait until after cut-down day to put him on IR to avoid exposing him to waivers. But for marginal players, teams are willing to run the risk of the player getting claimed because of the value of using his roster spot to sign a healthy player.

After a player is waived/injured, the player and the team have five days to agree to an injury settlement. An injury settlement is designed for a team to pay the player for the time he is expected to miss with the injury.

If a settlement is reached, the player becomes a free agent and can sign with another team immediately. If a settlement is not reached, the player goes on the team's injured reserve. A player on IR can't be waived until he passes a physical.

In the case of a short-term injury, it's typically in the best interest of both the team and the player to come to an injury settlement.

With a settlement, the team can pay a lump sum to cover the weeks the player will miss due to injury and then cut the player. If the player remains on injured reserve all season, the team is responsible for paying his salary each week.

For the player, a settlement allows him to collect compensation for his injury while also immediately seeking opportunities with other teams.

An injury settlement doesn't automatically occur. If the player suffers a long-term injury, he would have little incentive to pursue an injury settlement. And if a player is in a team's future plans, the team would likely keep the player on injured reserve.

Sometimes the sides just can't reach a settlement. In those cases, the player would be placed on injured reserve and likely waived once he passes his physical.

Teams aren't able to re-sign waived/injured players until the injury settlement time period plus three additional weeks have passed.
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It's highly unlikely anyone will claim Green. 7th round pick, very little production as a rookie, currently injured. They'll resign him in 3 weeks IMO. I believe his injury was concussion/neck (neck concussion? IDK), but I was a little confused when Dan Campbell spoke about it & no one had a follow up (apparently the beat reporters were clear on what he meant lol.)


Speaking of clarity, I keep wondering why I can't find any updates on Marice Norris. Well, it would help if I learned the player's name.

Morice Norrice - UDFA CB out of Fresno State - is dealing with a minor hammy. Campbell in his postgame thought it was an achilles, not the case. So take him off the season ending injury list upthread and replace with Antoine Green - we're up to 7 so far in training camp.


Barry Sanders turned up at last night's practice. First time he's been at the facilities this year, and AFAIK the first public appearance he's made since his "health scare" (heart) a few months back.


[Justin Rogers]

Coach Campbell discussed the WR3 battle last night, the mystery de jour all camp. Three weeks into this thing and the Lions are still waiting for someone, anyone to grab the brass ring.

“We’re dying for somebody to step up and say, ‘Hey man, I’m the guy. I’m the guy you can depend on. I’ll be the same consistent player every day and find a way to make the plays that come my way,’” Lions coach Dan Campbell said.

With fringe contender Antoine Green out of the mix after being waived/injured Monday, the top remaining contenders are Daurice Fountain and Donovan Peoples-Jones, with some others hanging around the outer edges, like Kaden Davis and Tre’Quan Smith.

Fountain just can’t seem to get out of his own way. He’ll make a series of quality plays, including a deep crosser into the red zone that looked like Josh Reynolds reincarnated within the scheme, only to derail that momentum with a self-inflicted mistake. Today, it was a dropped touchdown in the end zone.

Peoples-Jones also didn’t do much on Monday, but Campbell praised the veteran’s recent improvement before the practice.

“DPJ I felt like has been, since the game, much better,” Campbell said. “He’s playing faster and I notice it, we all notice it. So that’s encouraging.”


[Justin Rogers]

Loren Strickland is an under-the-radar UDFA safety who has gotten some looks with the second-team defense throughout camp. Campbell was asked what the team has seen so far and the coach offered some strong praise.

“He’s a football player and he’s one of those guys that he just won’t go away,” Campbell said. “He just won’t go away. It’s like, ‘This guy?’ One more time, ‘Can he make this play?’ Well, he made the play. ‘Can he really get over there?’ Well, he got over there. ‘Well, can he make this tackle?’ Well, he made the tackle. So, he just keeps making plays and that’s a great thing. He’s one of those players that I say it’s hard to ignore him.”

The Lions have an absolute logjam at safety, with Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph, special teams standout C.J. Moore and another impressive UDFA, Morice Norris. So it’s difficult to see a roster path for Strickland, but practice squad seems likely after that hefty heaping of praise from the coach.


Last night was the Detroit Lions 13th practice. 7 season ending injuries, 16 guys missed Sunday's practice with injuries, and we're awaiting updates today on Terrion Arnold (upper body), Ennis Rakestraw (ankle), and Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring.)

Zeitler and DJ Reeder still not practicing....

We're going to be fine, right? Riiiiggghhhhtttt?


Lassssst thing....seems like the Lions won't sign another K for competition after all. Bates nailed the in game kick, and ended Sunday's practice with a 64 yarder off the hurry up drill. Guess he has two more weeks to show he's the man. Going well right now, if he shows some consistency it's his job. If he starts missing easy ones again, I won't be surprised if we find out we have 0 kickers at 4pm on Tuesday, August 27 (cut down day.)
 
@BenjaminSolak

Two days at Lions camp in the books. Some thoughts:
  • Branch: There isn't a player here that consistently gets open against Brian Branch. Only one who can actually get catches on him is Amon-Ra, and even then, they're usually contested. Wouldn't be surprised if we're calling him the best slot in football by December.
  • WR2/3: I walk away from camp even more worried about the Josh Reynolds departure than I was. Jameson Williams is still very up-and-down and the depth behind him is struggling. Lions need WR help badly IMO (post-cut additions? veteran trade?)
  • Campbell: Rookie LB Jack Cambell was LB3 last year -- this year, he's the MIKE and doesn't leave the field. Looks just like he did last year -- huge and fast -- but is clearly much more vocal. The big question mark is coverage ability, which we won't really see till Week 1.
  • Sneaky: Very impressed by safety Brandon Joseph. Practice squader last year -- expect him to make the 53 this year. Kerby Joseph backup with a nose for the ball.
  • Gibbs: Injured today but healthy yesterday. He gets reps with the WRs in many pass-catching drills. I'd wager his snaps in slot rate is gonna jump this year.
One last thought on the DL that I can’t believe I forgot: man. Big fellas. Alim, Reader, Levi. Kyle Peko. Huge. Hutchison and Davenport and Josh Paschal and Derrick Barnes (on ball SAM) on the edge — long as all get out.

Running on this team is gonna be tough.
 
BobbyLayne said:
@BenjaminSolak

Two days at Lions camp in the books. Some thoughts:
  • Branch: There isn't a player here that consistently gets open against Brian Branch. Only one who can actually get catches on him is Amon-Ra, and even then, they're usually contested. Wouldn't be surprised if we're calling him the best slot in football by December.
  • WR2/3: I walk away from camp even more worried about the Josh Reynolds departure than I was. Jameson Williams is still very up-and-down and the depth behind him is struggling. Lions need WR help badly IMO (post-cut additions? veteran trade?)
  • Campbell: Rookie LB Jack Cambell was LB3 last year -- this year, he's the MIKE and doesn't leave the field. Looks just like he did last year -- huge and fast -- but is clearly much more vocal. The big question mark is coverage ability, which we won't really see till Week 1.
  • Sneaky: Very impressed by safety Brandon Joseph. Practice squader last year -- expect him to make the 53 this year. Kerby Joseph backup with a nose for the ball.
  • Gibbs: Injured today but healthy yesterday. He gets reps with the WRs in many pass-catching drills. I'd wager his snaps in slot rate is gonna jump this year.
One last thought on the DL that I can’t believe I forgot: man. Big fellas. Alim, Reader, Levi. Kyle Peko. Huge. Hutchison and Davenport and Josh Paschal and Derrick Barnes (on ball SAM) on the edge — long as all get out.

Running on this team is gonna be tough.
Click to expand...

Always thought Barnes had the ability and just needed more experience. Could be very solid this season.
 
Da Guru said:
BobbyLayne said:
@BenjaminSolak

Two days at Lions camp in the books. Some thoughts:
  • Branch: There isn't a player here that consistently gets open against Brian Branch. Only one who can actually get catches on him is Amon-Ra, and even then, they're usually contested. Wouldn't be surprised if we're calling him the best slot in football by December.
  • WR2/3: I walk away from camp even more worried about the Josh Reynolds departure than I was. Jameson Williams is still very up-and-down and the depth behind him is struggling. Lions need WR help badly IMO (post-cut additions? veteran trade?)
  • Campbell: Rookie LB Jack Cambell was LB3 last year -- this year, he's the MIKE and doesn't leave the field. Looks just like he did last year -- huge and fast -- but is clearly much more vocal. The big question mark is coverage ability, which we won't really see till Week 1.
  • Sneaky: Very impressed by safety Brandon Joseph. Practice squader last year -- expect him to make the 53 this year. Kerby Joseph backup with a nose for the ball.
  • Gibbs: Injured today but healthy yesterday. He gets reps with the WRs in many pass-catching drills. I'd wager his snaps in slot rate is gonna jump this year.
One last thought on the DL that I can’t believe I forgot: man. Big fellas. Alim, Reader, Levi. Kyle Peko. Huge. Hutchison and Davenport and Josh Paschal and Derrick Barnes (on ball SAM) on the edge — long as all get out.

Running on this team is gonna be tough.
Click to expand...

Always thought Barnes had the ability and just needed more experience. Could be very solid this season.
Click to expand...

Thought he was pretty solid last season.

Except for the safety sack whiff on Dak.

:angry:
 
BobbyLayne said:
Da Guru said:
BobbyLayne said:
@BenjaminSolak

Two days at Lions camp in the books. Some thoughts:
  • Branch: There isn't a player here that consistently gets open against Brian Branch. Only one who can actually get catches on him is Amon-Ra, and even then, they're usually contested. Wouldn't be surprised if we're calling him the best slot in football by December.
  • WR2/3: I walk away from camp even more worried about the Josh Reynolds departure than I was. Jameson Williams is still very up-and-down and the depth behind him is struggling. Lions need WR help badly IMO (post-cut additions? veteran trade?)
  • Campbell: Rookie LB Jack Cambell was LB3 last year -- this year, he's the MIKE and doesn't leave the field. Looks just like he did last year -- huge and fast -- but is clearly much more vocal. The big question mark is coverage ability, which we won't really see till Week 1.
  • Sneaky: Very impressed by safety Brandon Joseph. Practice squader last year -- expect him to make the 53 this year. Kerby Joseph backup with a nose for the ball.
  • Gibbs: Injured today but healthy yesterday. He gets reps with the WRs in many pass-catching drills. I'd wager his snaps in slot rate is gonna jump this year.
One last thought on the DL that I can’t believe I forgot: man. Big fellas. Alim, Reader, Levi. Kyle Peko. Huge. Hutchison and Davenport and Josh Paschal and Derrick Barnes (on ball SAM) on the edge — long as all get out.

Running on this team is gonna be tough.
Click to expand...

Always thought Barnes had the ability and just needed more experience. Could be very solid this season.
Click to expand...

Thought he was pretty solid last season.

Except for the safety sack whiff on Dak.

:angry:
Click to expand...

Yes, that was painful. Would have been a game changer.
 
“At the end of the day, there's only 32 bones in this world and a whole lot of dogs.” - rookie LS Hogan Hatten
Click to expand...

This is the best quote I’ve read all summer.

Learn about the guy trying to take away Scott Daly’s livelihood below.

Rare athleticism for Position gives Hogan Hatten shot to win Lions’ Long Snapper job

by Justin Rogers

Allen Park — When I asked Hogan Hatten if he had a few minutes to talk after Sunday’s practice, the Detroit Lions rookie was caught off guard. That’s understandable. Most fans and media members don’t spend much time thinking about the long snapper position.

I’ve long joked the position merits one story per year, but in 2023, I squeezed out two for the Detroit News. The first was on Scott Daly meeting the challenges put forth by the team’s coaching staff, while another covered Jake McQuaide providing a top-tier fallback option when Daly suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Both Daly and McQuaide have been great to work with, it’s simply reality the only time people typically talk about their position is when something goes jarringly wrong — a low snap causing a missed field goal or one that sails over the punter’s head. Otherwise, respectfully, they’re background figures on Sundays, lost in the sea of runs, passes, tackles and turnovers.

Daly returns as an incumbent for the second consecutive offseason. Around these parts, he’s best known for being the man to unseat the legendary Don Muhlbach for the job in 2021. And, as mentioned with the article from last offseason, the Lions have been pleased with the job Daly has done. That said, the team tries to bring in competition for nearly every roster spot and Hatten is more intriguing than most.

It starts with his athleticism, rooted in genetics. He’s the son of two former basketball players. His mom played Division-I, his dad overseas. His uncle even briefly played in the NBA for the Clippers.

This football thing is a relatively new offshoot for the family. And it’s not just Hogan. His identical twin brother, Hayden, is currently on the Seahawks training camp roster as a receiver.

But sticking with Hogan, if you’re familiar with Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Score, RAS for short, it compares the athletic traits of college prospects based on their measurements recorded during the scouting combine and pro days. On a scale of 10, Hatten scored a 9.89 as a long snapper.
That makes him a unique weapon on special teams. Not only is he able to snap the ball on punts, he’s able to contribute in coverage of the kick.

“That’s a real competition,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “One of the reasons we wanted to bring Hogan in was, he was intriguing in his coverage ability. He did play linebacker in college, so he runs pretty good, and he kind of has an awareness on the football. You saw he played some defensive snaps for us, a couple. We needed him in there with where we were at at linebacker to finish the game out. So, that’s what he’s got.”

That ability showed up in the preseason opener, when Hatten was in on the tackle the first punt of the game, and he slowed up the returner a couple punts later, allowing his teammates to rally to the ball.

“That is something I know is a big advantage for me, knowing I can help out in the coverage aspect,” Hatten said. “I know I'm going to be one of the more athletic long snappers in this league, especially my straight speed. And I still weigh 245 pounds, so I can hold my own (against blockers).”

Like many long snappers, playing the position wasn’t Hatten’s dream. He was recruited as a three-star linebacker and hid his long-snapping ability from prospective colleges. But when Idaho’s starting long snapper struggled in the season opener against Penn State during Hatten’s freshman year, sending the coaching staff scrambling for an alternative, he realized it offered the quickest path to playing time. He went on to do it the next 53 games.

“I just did that so I can get on the plane,” Hatten said.

He readily admits he didn’t take snapping seriously until 11 months ago. That’s when he realized, just like the skill was his path to early playing time for the Vandals, it was also his best chance to play professionally. For the first time, he went to a camp dedicated to long snapping, determined to learn the ins and outs of the position, particularly the nuances at blocking. That, along with his impressive athletic profile, earned him this opportunity in Detroit.

On Thursday night, I spotted Hatten’s family in the stands of MetLife stadium, each wearing his No. 49 jersey. It’s an underrated aspect of the preseason; seeing families celebrating their child realizing a dream, even if it never gets beyond the preseason games. For the Hattens, they got to do it twice, flying to Los Angeles for Hayden’s preseason debut two days later.

It’s fitting support from parents who never missed a single one of the twins 50-plus games at Idaho, traveling there and to road games across the country from their home in Arizona.

“The thing I'll say about my parents, I have some of the best, most-caring parents in the entire world,” Hatten said. “They've pushed me and my brother to get here. …I really appreciate the work ethic and drive they have and it kind of inspired me and my brother to put our best foot forward to chase our dreams.”

Campbell said the next step for Hatten is to prove he can handle the big moments, executing a snap under pressure, in front of bigger crowds and with higher stakes than he experienced playing at Idaho.

And Hatten understands the only thing he can control is his own execution. He’s not wasting any energy comparing himself to Daly. That’s the job of the team’s decision-makers.

“At the end of the day, I'm just trying to get better,” Hatten said. “I'm not really concerned with the competition aspect. It's a me battle and I know Scott feels the same way. We're both just trying to do the best we can and we're trying to prove something to ourselves.”
 
Afternoon transaction: The Lions had to waive injured rookie linebacker DaRon Gilbert to add some cornerback depth (Carlton Davis III missed practice on Monday and Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw left with injuries during the session.)

The team signed Essang Bassey, a former UDFA, who has spent time with a few teams, most recently the Chargers.



Bummer, thought he might be a good practice squad guy to develop. He’s a decent LB on coverage downs, probably too light to play on early downs.
 
[_6.2strong_ IG live feed]

Ennis Rakestraw Jr was just on Instagram Live and said he’s “perfectly fine.” Rakestraw also showed his ankle wrapped up.
 
BobbyLayne said:
@BenjaminSolak

Two days at Lions camp in the books. Some thoughts:
  • Branch: There isn't a player here that consistently gets open against Brian Branch. Only one who can actually get catches on him is Amon-Ra, and even then, they're usually contested. Wouldn't be surprised if we're calling him the best slot in football by December.
  • WR2/3: I walk away from camp even more worried about the Josh Reynolds departure than I was. Jameson Williams is still very up-and-down and the depth behind him is struggling. Lions need WR help badly IMO (post-cut additions? veteran trade?)
  • Campbell: Rookie LB Jack Cambell was LB3 last year -- this year, he's the MIKE and doesn't leave the field. Looks just like he did last year -- huge and fast -- but is clearly much more vocal. The big question mark is coverage ability, which we won't really see till Week 1.
  • Sneaky: Very impressed by safety Brandon Joseph. Practice squader last year -- expect him to make the 53 this year. Kerby Joseph backup with a nose for the ball.
  • Gibbs: Injured today but healthy yesterday. He gets reps with the WRs in many pass-catching drills. I'd wager his snaps in slot rate is gonna jump this year.
One last thought on the DL that I can’t believe I forgot: man. Big fellas. Alim, Reader, Levi. Kyle Peko. Huge. Hutchison and Davenport and Josh Paschal and Derrick Barnes (on ball SAM) on the edge — long as all get out.

Running on this team is gonna be tough.
Click to expand...
Where is solak working now?
 
Long Ball Larry said:
BobbyLayne said:
@BenjaminSolak

Two days at Lions camp in the books. Some thoughts:
  • Branch: There isn't a player here that consistently gets open against Brian Branch. Only one who can actually get catches on him is Amon-Ra, and even then, they're usually contested. Wouldn't be surprised if we're calling him the best slot in football by December.
  • WR2/3: I walk away from camp even more worried about the Josh Reynolds departure than I was. Jameson Williams is still very up-and-down and the depth behind him is struggling. Lions need WR help badly IMO (post-cut additions? veteran trade?)
  • Campbell: Rookie LB Jack Cambell was LB3 last year -- this year, he's the MIKE and doesn't leave the field. Looks just like he did last year -- huge and fast -- but is clearly much more vocal. The big question mark is coverage ability, which we won't really see till Week 1.
  • Sneaky: Very impressed by safety Brandon Joseph. Practice squader last year -- expect him to make the 53 this year. Kerby Joseph backup with a nose for the ball.
  • Gibbs: Injured today but healthy yesterday. He gets reps with the WRs in many pass-catching drills. I'd wager his snaps in slot rate is gonna jump this year.
One last thought on the DL that I can’t believe I forgot: man. Big fellas. Alim, Reader, Levi. Kyle Peko. Huge. Hutchison and Davenport and Josh Paschal and Derrick Barnes (on ball SAM) on the edge — long as all get out.

Running on this team is gonna be tough.
Click to expand...
Where is solak working now?
Click to expand...

Guess he went to ESPN a week or two ago. Found a tweet from Bill Barnwell saying “my new colleague joins our podcast today.”

I have tried my best to not consume anything from Bristol other than live games since around 2012. I loathe everything about them. I abhor “shouty shows” & it seems like that is their bread n butter. I also don’t like how spineless much of their talent is - they don’t genuine opinions, they just spout about whichever side a producer tells them to be on.

There are some really great content creators on Stack and YouTube. Indy guys are better informed and can speak in long format, dissect film, explain backstories that MSM guys can’t because they’re beholden to either agents, owners or sycophant surrogates.

/rant lol

Back in the old days when they had real talent, I could watch SC everyday. Been a minute, eh.
 
WR Antoine Green cleared waivers, so he now reverts to the Detroit Lions’ injured reserve.

IOW, done for the year, but will likely be back in 2025.
 
BobbyLayne said:
Dan Campbell said before tonight’s 6 pm practice they are moving James Houston IV from SAM to EDGE.

"We're going to try and get him back to more Defense End and let him play that TRUE position... when he is in there he’ll be setting the edge or he's rushing the passer.”

:confetti:
Click to expand...

Pretty good exchange here on Substack between a Detroit Football Network subscriber & beat writer Justin Rogers:

Question

I’ve just seen reporting of Campbell’s comments on James Houston and a scaling back of the asks on him to play SAM linebacker, instead focusing on his strengths at DE. Just an open question: is it a surprise that the Lions persisted for so long in trying to broaden Houston’s skillset when it seemed - to me anyway - that clearly he’s better suited on the ball. He struggled to crack the Florida lineup as an off the ball ‘backer and only thrived at Jackson State rushing the passer. He’s also only ever showed anything for the Lions as a pure rusher. I get the argument that the more you can do for the team, the better. But have they wasted the chance a little for further development of Houston in terms of the DE basics, and perhaps more impact in those spots too? Or do the Lions just play in a way that doesn’t really suit Houston in terms of a devaluing of pure on the ball DEs? Does he not set the edge well enough? I’d love to know the thinking.

Answer

I asked Campbell. Here was his answer:

why it is important to develop a bigger role for players like Lions DL Mathieu Betts and Lions LB James Houston as opposed to locking in on rushing the passer: “Ultimately, it’s about who’s going to the game and so right now you’re developing, but I think you’re also – to me, I’m always looking out at the 46 too and it’s like, ‘Alright, does he make the team? Great. Well, if he does make the team is he ever going to the game?’ Because that has a little bit to do with it as well. And so, man, the more you can do, if he can play the SAM linebacker or certainly a backup linebacker and he can rush as a defensive end and he can play some special teams, well he’s a lock to go to game, there is no question. But if you’re a one-trick pony and you’re OK at that but you really can’t do this and you’re not really playing special teams, then what do we do with him? Then he’s just a backup that’s not going to the game, we’re going to hope that – well you’ve got him if somebody gets hurt and then it’s, ‘Is he good enough?’ So, it’s always going to be that way. The more you can do, your value goes up.”
 
[Colton Pouncy]

Dan Campbell says he thinks the Lions will be fine re: injuries to Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Carlton Davis III is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Says there’s a good chance Hendon Hooker plays this weekend.

Lighter practice today.
 
My neck is getting whiplash with the 180s on Morice Norris. We’re up to 8 season ending injuries (we’ll be fine) but thankfully only a couple of them were expected starters or contributors.

The Lions signed their second cornerback in as many days on Wednesday.

The team announced that they have added cornerback Javelin Guidry to their 90-man roster. They signed Essang Bassey on Tuesday.

Guidry spent last season on injured reserve with the Jets and he played 28 games for the team during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He also played in four games for the Raiders in 2022.

Guidry had 70 tackles, four forced fumbles, and three passes defensed in those appearances.

The Lions also announced that they have waived safety Morice Norris with an injury designation. Norris had three tackles in the team’s first preseason game.
Click to expand...

Guidry ran a 4.29 in the combine 4 years ago & can return kicks.
 
A quick FF related question that involves the Lions: 2 RB situations have double the chance of a backup seeing time. With Miami, Jaylen Wright is an example of such. Who is the true #3 for the Lions, old reliable Craig Reynolds (listed as 3 on depth chart) or the new kid in town Sione Vaki?
 
Leroy Hoard said:
A quick FF related question that involves the Lions: 2 RB situations have double the chance of a backup seeing time. With Miami, Jaylen Wright is an example of such. Who is the true #3 for the Lions, old reliable Craig Reynolds (listed as 3 on depth chart) or the new kid in town Sione Vaki?
Click to expand...
One way of looking at it is Mostert and Achane have significant injury history compared to the Lions RBs. Another is that Wright has the upside of taking any carry to the house. Both backs had about the same draft capital.

I made a point of picking Vaki over Reynolds in a waiver run. Lions invested a 4th round pick in him so have plans to use him.
He’s an unknown based on career carries and how he will be used is not clear yet.
 
Last edited:
Moonlight said:
Leroy Hoard said:
A quick FF related question that involves the Lions: 2 RB situations have double the chance of a backup seeing time. With Miami, Jaylen Wright is an example of such. Who is the true #3 for the Lions, old reliable Craig Reynolds (listed as 3 on depth chart) or the new kid in town Sione Vaki?
Click to expand...
One way of looking at it is Mostert and Achane have significant injury history compared to the Lions RBs. Another is that Wright has the upside of taking any carry to the house. Both backs had about the same draft capital.

I made a point of picking Vaki over Reynolds in a waiver run. Lions invested a 4th round pick in him so have plans to use him.
He’s an unknown based on career carries and how he will be used is not clear yet.
Click to expand...

I think if Jah can’t go, Monty becomes a bell cow. If David is out, they’ll lean heavily on Gibbs.

Craig is a guy they trust a lot in key situations. Bit like Kalif in that he’s not the most talented guy but he does things the right way, always where he’s supposed to be, consistency has earned them the confidence of the coaches.

I have a feeling Ben Johnson has a specific package for Vaki. We won’t see it in August, but he could be special - impactful on a handful of touches. But no one is sure how much opportunity he’ll have in 2024.
 
Gibbs is fine and should be ready week one. Jamo is still balling out in practice and the skeptics will look silly. The only significant injury is Moseley and it is still possible he could be back late season. Houston is solidly on the roster as a rotational piece. If Houston and Davenport can each contribute 6 to 8 sacks we will be golden.
 
Last edited:
BobbyLayne said:
Moonlight said:
Leroy Hoard said:
A quick FF related question that involves the Lions: 2 RB situations have double the chance of a backup seeing time. With Miami, Jaylen Wright is an example of such. Who is the true #3 for the Lions, old reliable Craig Reynolds (listed as 3 on depth chart) or the new kid in town Sione Vaki?
Click to expand...
One way of looking at it is Mostert and Achane have significant injury history compared to the Lions RBs. Another is that Wright has the upside of taking any carry to the house. Both backs had about the same draft capital.
BobbyLayne said:
Moonlight said:
Leroy Hoard said:
A quick FF related question that involves the Lions: 2 RB situations have double the chance of a backup seeing time. With Miami, Jaylen Wright is an example of such. Who is the true #3 for the Lions, old reliable Craig Reynolds (listed as 3 on depth chart) or the new kid in town Sione Vaki?
Click to expand...
One way of looking at it is Mostert and Achane have significant injury history compared to the Lions RBs. Another is that Wright has the upside of taking any carry to the house. Both backs had about the same draft capital.

I made a point of picking Vaki over Reynolds in a waiver run. Lions invested a 4th round pick in him so have plans to use him.
He’s an unknown based on career carries and how he will be used is not clear yet.
Click to expand...

I think if Jah can’t go, Monty becomes a bell cow. If David is out, they’ll lean heavily on Gibbs.

Craig is a guy they trust a lot in key situations. Bit like Kalif in that he’s not the most talented guy but he does things the right way, always where he’s supposed to be, consistency has earned them the confidence of the coaches.

I have a feeling Ben Johnson has a specific package for Vaki. We won’t see it in August, but he could be special - impactful on a handful of touches. But no one is sure how much opportunity he’ll have in 2024.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Vaki strikes me as a Montgomery like clone- tough runners with very similar speed. Could see Vaki filling some of DM's carries if he were injured.
 
Moonlight said:
BobbyLayne said:
Moonlight said:
Leroy Hoard said:
A quick FF related question that involves the Lions: 2 RB situations have double the chance of a backup seeing time. With Miami, Jaylen Wright is an example of such. Who is the true #3 for the Lions, old reliable Craig Reynolds (listed as 3 on depth chart) or the new kid in town Sione Vaki?
Click to expand...
One way of looking at it is Mostert and Achane have significant injury history compared to the Lions RBs. Another is that Wright has the upside of taking any carry to the house. Both backs had about the same draft capital.
BobbyLayne said:
Moonlight said:
Leroy Hoard said:
A quick FF related question that involves the Lions: 2 RB situations have double the chance of a backup seeing time. With Miami, Jaylen Wright is an example of such. Who is the true #3 for the Lions, old reliable Craig Reynolds (listed as 3 on depth chart) or the new kid in town Sione Vaki?
Click to expand...
One way of looking at it is Mostert and Achane have significant injury history compared to the Lions RBs. Another is that Wright has the upside of taking any carry to the house. Both backs had about the same draft capital.

I made a point of picking Vaki over Reynolds in a waiver run. Lions invested a 4th round pick in him so have plans to use him.
He’s an unknown based on career carries and how he will be used is not clear yet.
Click to expand...

I think if Jah can’t go, Monty becomes a bell cow. If David is out, they’ll lean heavily on Gibbs.

Craig is a guy they trust a lot in key situations. Bit like Kalif in that he’s not the most talented guy but he does things the right way, always where he’s supposed to be, consistency has earned them the confidence of the coaches.

I have a feeling Ben Johnson has a specific package for Vaki. We won’t see it in August, but he could be special - impactful on a handful of touches. But no one is sure how much opportunity he’ll have in 2024.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Vaki strikes me as a Montgomery like clone- tough runners with very similar speed. Could see Vaki filling some of DM's carries if he were injured.
Click to expand...

Monty is thicker - inch shorter, 222 v 210, BMI 31.9 v 29.3

they have a similar 40 time but in ht//wt adjusted speed score Monty is slightly faster - 52nd percentile versus 45th percentile

Vaki blows him away in burst score - 82nd percentile v 10th percentile

that said, look at the tape - they play fast enough. Monty had a 75 yard run (albeit with a nice convoy) v the Chargers while you can find several examples of Vaki running through Power 5 defenses. either catching the ball or running up the middle on counter traps, he has a knack for running to daylight.

the kid is definitely going to have some impact chunk plays as a rookie IMO.
 
Besides the 6 guaranteed nationally broadcasted games
  • SNF Rams WK 1
  • MNF Seahawks WK 4
  • SNF @ Texans WK 10
  • Thanksgiving Bears WK 13
  • TNF Packers WK 14
  • MNF @ 49ers WK 17
the Lions will be the lead national broadcasted game for the early evening game (4:25PM ET) on three different Sundays.

Of course you'll get at 2 more if you're in Minnesota territory and 1 more if you're in Chicago territory.

WEEK 06 (@DAL) - Unless you're in the TV markets for Atlanta or Carolina.
WEEK 09 (@GB) - Unless you're in the TV markets for Los Angeles or Seattle
WEEK 15 (BUF) - Unless you're in the TV markets for Indianapolis, Denver, New England, or Arizona.

Think I will be able to watch 16 games live this year? My Sling subscription has Fox affiliates all over the country.

Week 2 I'll be stuck with the NYG @ WAS but I have a Sling hack to watch Fox 2 in Detroit when that happens.
Week 3 they'll show BAL @ DAL but I should be able to watch Fox 10 Phoenix (fingers crossed - haven't tried that one)
Week 7 PHI @ NYG here but Fox 2 Detroit should have it
Week 8 we'll probably have BUF @ SEA, another Fox 2 week
Week 11 CBS game, likely won't be able to watch
Week 12 presumably WAS @ DAL in this market, Fox 2
Week 16 NYG @ ATL, Fox 2 to the rescue
Week 18 TBD but presumably it will either be flexed (unlikely) or Fox 2

1​
Sep 8​
8:20 PM (SNF)​
Rams​
2​
Sep 15​
1:00 PM​
Bucs​
3​
Sep 22​
4:25 PM​
4​
Sep 30​
8:15 PM (MNF)​
5​
BYE​
WEEK​
​
6​
Oct 13​
4:25 PM​
@ Cowboys​
7​
Oct 20​
1:00 PM​
@ Vikings​
8​
Oct 27​
1:00 PM​
9​
Nov 3​
4:25 PM​
@ Packers​
10​
Nov 10​
8:20 PM (SNF)​
@ Texans​
11​
Nov 17​
1:00 PM​
12​
Nov 24​
1:00 PM​
@ Colts​
13​
Nov 28​
12:30 PM (TG)​
14​
Dec 5​
8:15 PM (TNF)​
15​
Dec 15​
4:25 PM​
16​
Dec 22​
1:00 PM​
@ Bears​
17​
Dec 30​
8:15 PM (MNF)​
@ 49ers​
18​
Jan 5​
TBD​
 

8 biggest takeaways from Detroit Lions training camp​


For all intents and purposes, the Detroit Lions training camp is over. Wednesday’s session was the last session open to any fans and the final practice before the second preseason game, which goes down Saturday afternoon in Kansas City.

I was at every session except the very first one and the non-contact walkthrough on the Sunday after the first preseason game. In going back over my notes and recordings from interviews with players, coaches and Lions staffers — both on and off the record — I sorted through what I felt were the eight strongest takeaways from the Lions training camp in 2024.

Some are about position battles, others on surprise developments or lack thereof. These are broad takeaways, not direct reflections on any one individual practice session.

1. The new CB room looks so much better​


The Lions had one of the NFL’s worst pass coverage CB units in 2023. And 2022. And, well, it’s been a while since the Lions cornerbacks were even league-average. Everything I’ve seen in training camp indicates that changes in 2024.

The top four on the depth chart are all new: Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw (in that order) are all visibly superior in coverage to last year’s No. 1 CB, Cam Sutton. They’re far more adept at being physical and disrupting routes and releases, something defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn desperately wanted.

Even with losing potential starting slot CB Emmanuel Moseley to injury, the depth looks great. Kindle Vildor has had an outstanding August, while Steven Gilmore and Khalil Dorsey aren’t going down without a fight. This could (could!) be the best Lions CB group in a very long time.

2. If healthy, the pass rush is fine​


It starts with Aidan Hutchinson, who I very strongly believe has a legit shot to be the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He looks even more disruptive and powerful in Year 3, routinely beating the best right tackle in football, Penei Sewell, with a barrage of diverse pass rush moves.

Alim McNeill looks like a Pro Bowler as a 3-tech DT entering his contract year. His lateral quickness and jolting strength are way too much for centers and guards to handle one-on-one, and that includes All-Pro center Frank Ragnow.

The other EDGE/DE spot is a question mark, but as long as Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal are healthy, it should be fine. That’s a legit question mark, however, as both have struggled to stay healthy for extended periods throughout their respective NFL careers. James Houston could be a specialist who can help if he can stay healthy, which has been and currently is not the case.

Moving Derrick Barnes to the SAM role keeps a really adept pass rusher on the field more, which should help. Rookie Mekhi Wingo has looked solid in padded practices at winning pass rush reps, too. But if the other EDGES are not healthy, it could be an ongoing struggle.

3. Starting offensive line MUST stay healthy​


I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: The Detroit Lions have the best starting five offensive line unit in football. Detroit also has arguably the best offensive line coach in Hank Fraley, too, in terms of teaching technique and grooming a cohesive unit.

They’d better all stay healthy.

Whenever any of the starting five have set out reps and someone has replaced them with the first-team unit, it’s been frustrating. Whether it’s Colby Sorsdal or Dan Skipper at tackle, Michael Niese or Kayode Awosika at guard, the offense doesn’t come close to working as well as with the starting five intact. There’s a chicken vs. egg argument with the second-team defensive front looking great because it’s really good or if it’s a function of how inadequate the depth is on the O-line, notably at tackle.

Maybe getting sixth-round rookie Christian Mahogany back will help. Maybe Sorsdal settles back in; he started camp well but has fallen off precipitously since the pads came on. Maybe UDFA Kingsley Eguakun keeps growing through his two good days/one (really) bad day tendencies. Maybe rookie project Giovanni Manu can accelerate through his very steep learning curve.

Those are “maybes” I don’t want anything to do with once the regular season starts, not on a team with the Lions’ lofty aspirations.

4. I don't know who WR4 and WR5 are, and the Lions don't either​


Dan Campbell has thrown out the challenge twice in press conferences. The depth WR spots behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond (the team clearly sees him as WR3) remain unsettled. Nobody is seizing the considerable opportunities they’ve been given.

At various times throughout camp, I’ve thought that Daurice Fountain would run away with one of those spots. But there appears to be a ceiling with No. 12, and when he’s playing below that ceiling, he’s not an NFL-caliber wideout. The same is true of Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tre’Qun Smith, who are trending in opposite directions (Smith up, DPJ down) as the Lions prep for the Chiefs.

Antoine Green was in that same boat before being lost for the season with a brain injury. Kaden Davis and Isaiah Williams have each flashed at times, and their more youthful promise might mean something to the Lions. Maurice Alexander and Jalon Calhoun are more limited but generally do pretty well in their more niche roles. Tom Kennedy is Tom Kennedy.

5. I want to trust Jake Bates, but...​


Jake Bates is going to be the Lions kicker, for better or worse. That was made abundantly clear in a pair of conversations I had with special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.

The summer of watching the occasionally brilliant, often erratic Bates kicking field goals and extra points has been a tough sell. His inexperience shows just as often as Bates’ incredible leg talent. Bates seems to have come out the other side from a brutal three-practice stretch, but even then he still missed an extra point and a “gotta have it” field goal in the final session.

Bates is a great story, coming from the UFL after setting Ford Field records despite never kicking field goals in college. The potential is there for Bates to be a great long-term solution at kicker, something the Lions have lacked since Matt Prater opted to leave a few years ago. It might come at the expense of a costly miss or two (or more) in his first season, alas.

6. No UDFAs make it​


The Lions have had an undrafted rookie make the 53-man roster for 13 straight seasons. While there are still some potential UDFAs who could play their way into that status in preseason and practices ahead of the final exhibition game, if the 53-man roster was finalized today, I wouldn’t expect any UDFAs to make it.

Best candidates are long snapper Hogan Hatten and wide receiver Isaiah Williams, who would make it on the strength of his special teams/return specialist ability.

7. The totality of camp matters more than an individual day or two​


One of the major points of emphasis from the coaching staff is the consistency of performance. Show that you can be trusted to do your job reliably and consistently when called upon. Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson each hammered that point in press conferences, and it’s an even bigger deal for the position coaches like DL coach Terrell Williams, RB coach Scottie Montgomery and TE coach Steve Heiden.

With that as a backdrop, there are three players who stood out from camp as having a very good first few days but weren’t able to sustain it.

After the first week of camp, including the first padded practice, I was very convinced Colby Sorsdal was going to be a perfectly fine No. 3 offensive tackle. But that confidence has severely waned as camp progressed and Sorsdal couldn’t maintain the solid play.

The same is true with safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has declined day by day over the past handful of practices after a stellar start. Wideout Daurice Fountain had the No. 4 WR job in his grasp until the team went to New York for joint practices and the first preseason game, but bobbled it away.

8. The offensive star power is legit​


The first-team offense is a lot more than just a fantastic line. The star power of the Lions’ top skill position players has proven repeatedly this summer that they’re capable of taking over and dominating.

I’m not the least bit concerned that we won’t see Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs in the preseason. They’re sharp already, all with Pro Bowl potential. Jameson Williams will occasionally frustrate with some drops, but his overall improvement is an undeniable force multiplier for the rest of the offense. Craig Reynolds has shown starter-level skills as both a runner and receiver all summer. Brock Wright, aside from one rough day, looks very much worth the money as the No. 2 tight end.

It’s easy to forget just how awesome (using that word’s original intent) this Lions offense truly is. Seeing them every day, it can glaze over the sky-high potential. But looking back and seeing the notes I wrote from all these practices, it’s incredibly reassuring how loaded and diversely skilled Ben Johnson’s offense will be once the games count.
 
First half observations: Vaki tearing it up out of the backfield, Bates makes a 55 yarder but shanks an extra point.

Mahomes/Wentz 16, The Great Nate 12
 
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