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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 Rags retires before camp. (51 Viewers)

With the report that the Lions were going to draft Walker if Hutch wasn't there, it sets up interest on why they didn't favor Thibodeaux. Criticism of the Lions draft when found is usually focused on not choosing Thibs and/or choosing Pascal over other needs and/or not taking one of the QBs at some point.

 
Any draft where it takes to pick 86 for the second QB to be taken is a crummy draft for QBs. Next year there could be 4 qbs taken before where Pickett went this year.

 
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My only hopes for the 2022 Draft 1) don't take a QB, and 2) draft mostly defensive players (6/8)

Mission Accomplished 

***************

One player over 30 years old on the roster (Brockers.) 0 players at age 30 or 29. Vaitai, backup TE, LS, and Taylor Decker are the only players who are 28. The LT is the most tenured Lion in his 7th year. We won't see any oldest/youngest rankings until the 53-man is set, but we're probably looking at the 2nd or 3rd youngest team in the league.

One thing that kind of sets the new regime apart is they have zero issue with throwing a young guy in there. Teams will preach next man up but in reality they love the comfort of signing the veteran FA who's been in street clothes for weeks/months. Detroit loses it's CB and slot corner, hell yeah we're good with UDFAs (Jacobs was amazing, best rookie CB that wasn't a first rounder; Parker was solid.) Lose the Pro Bowl C, we're good with former UDFA Evan Brown. He was no pro bowler but dang hardly skipped a beat in the 12 games he started. D'andre and Jamaal go down? We know what we got in this kid from Kutztown. Craig Reynolds was PFF's highest graded RB the first two weeks he started despite having never played a down.

Partly faith in the player, partial credit to Holmes and the scouting department, big ups to the coaching staff. We are loaded with young [assistants], not too far from having played themselves ex-NFLers. These guys love to teach. Man did MCDC know exactly what he needed in building a staff. Had to hold our breath on a couple of them interviewing for promotions but we got everybody back. A Lynn out as OC day after the season ended, de facto OC Ben Johnson in after going through a vetting process.

22 positional assistants, 21 of them back. Tell me these guys don't have a kick ### work environment. It is fun to be part of what they are doing here! She's usually the last one people want to credit but give it up for Sheila Ford Hamp. She did [what] no one thought possible as long as the Ford family owned the team. She changed the culture. 18 months ago we had toxic dumpster fire - that's what she inherited.

Sooner or later positivity has to translate into wins. But dang if we don't have a good organization for the THE FIRST TIME in my life. Feels weird, right?

***************

If you've been paying attention to offseason rankings, the Lions are almost always top ten in offensive line rankings, more commonly top five. Our starting unit played zero snaps together last year but Brown, Matt Nelson and Logan Stenberg all stepped up when needed. The latest graded/rankings sheet making the rounds on [Reddit/]Twitter and elsewhere has Detroit third in the NFL, mainly based on their outstanding pass blocking. For all his limitations (and we know he's not the LT solution), Jared is pretty solid when they keep him clean. After the bye, Goff completed 68 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions for a 101.8 passer rating. He led the Lions to three straight home wins to end the year, completing 70 percent of his passes in wins over Minnesota, Arizona and Green Bay, with eight touchdowns and two picks for a 111.6 rating.

Some of these young playmakers have to take the next step from potential/pretty good to difference maker. D'andre and Hock are as good as almost anybody at their respective positions, but gotta stay healthy. 11-13 games played ain't cutting it. Seems like a dumb thing to be critical of, getting hurt, it's not their fault, just bad luck, et al. Probably true, but either way we're [not] making the next progression with them in street clothes again.

Last year we had, by all accounts, the worst WR room in the league. We don't put fear in defensive coordinators hearts just yet but pretty solid group.

Defense is the key. Pressure is the key to the scheme. I think we have the right guys to generate pressure without blitzing too much. That's the way they built [it]. Just like we have [a] great starting unit and solid backups across the entire [offensive] line, the defensive line has both a lot of potential and really good depth at DT and Edge. Injuries are a reality, and we're setup well there.

***************

Other than the two minicamps, not going to be a lot of news the next 11 weeks or so. There will be some movement, always is, but THIS is largely what we're rolling with.

In the beginning of player acquisition phase, Holmes went light on FAs. 

LB Chris Board Baltimore Ravens March 23
WR D. J. Chark Jacksonville Jaguars March 17
CB Mike Hughes Kansas City Chiefs March 23
LB Jarrad Davis New York Jets March 25
TE Garrett Griffin New Orleans Saints March 28
S DeShon Elliott Baltimore Raven April 14

Zero high impact players but some solid needs signings. Chark is the most likely to see a starting role. I like Elliott to compete for snaps. Mostly special teamers and depth here.

Pretty excited about UDFA WR Kalil Pimpleton. He's got a real shot to stick as the returner, kid is electric.

***************

Last year we ran Dime (6 DBs) more than nickel (5.) We're in our base D around 25-27% of the time, [the least of these three,] mostly first down. But still a lot of talk about we need another offball LB.

Not really. That's not what the league is anymore, it's just about the lowest positional value rn. The difference makers are on the edges - the pass rushing DE/LBs and CBs and slot CB.

Pretty hopeful where we are headed. I think 7, 8, or 9 wins and people will think MCDC is incredible. Well, that's where you should be Year two of a complete rebuild. Compete for the division next year. Might even think about making it to the big game for the first time ever.

I love what they're doing, I love how they go about their business. Gonna be a fun year.

 
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You guys will like Chris Board. He’s one of those do-everything players. DeShon Elliott is a good player - a thumper, though his coverage skills aren’t great. 

 
Uruk-Hai said:
You guys will like Chris Board. He’s one of those do-everything players. DeShon Elliott is a good player - a thumper, though his coverage skills aren’t great. 
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Thanks dude, that was my read but you're a lot more familiar with these guys. I posted the DeShon hit on King Henry earlier this offseason. The only thing between Board and significant snaps are three Day 3 LBs from the last two drafts (whom we have hopes for but come on.)

One thing I love about Baltimore (besides the fact you kill the draft every year) is player development. See it over and over again, Harbaugh will draft someone and they sit for 2, 3 years. But they're molding them to fit into what they want to accomplish.

I feel like just from a philosophical view, this is lot of what Holmes and Campbell are about. Get your guys. Forget about positional value or BPA. Draft athletes who are high character, coach 'em up. Not saying they're gonna set the league on fire but they have a pretty clear vision of the type of players they want, and getting their guys is more important than anything else.

Oversimplified, hope that makes sense.

 
BobbyLayne said:
Thanks dude, that was my read but you're a lot more familiar with these guys. I posted the DeShon hit on King Henry earlier this offseason. The only thing between Board and significant snaps are three Day 3 LBs from the last two drafts (whom we have hopes for but come on.)

One thing I love about Baltimore (besides the fact you kill the draft every year) is player development. See it over and over again, Harbaugh will draft someone and they sit for 2, 3 years. But they're molding them to fit into what they want to accomplish.

I feel like just from a philosophical view, this is lot of what Holmes and Campbell are about. Get your guys. Forget about positional value or BPA. Draft athletes who are high character, coach 'em up. Not saying they're gonna set the league on fire but they have a pretty clear vision of the type of players they want, and getting their guys is more important than anything else.

Oversimplified, hope that makes sense.
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Board will be one of your top special teams guys and you won’t lose plays when he’s on defense. 
 

With Elliott, he and Chuck Clark were kind of the same player and Clark is a team captain. Numbers game got DeShon. 
 

Baltimore has made a bunch of guys a lot of money when they hit FA because, as you say, they develop them well. 
 

I like what Detroit is doing. I know it’s easy for an outsider to say “be patient”, but….

 
The Detroit Lions top five highest paid players in 2022:

  1. Jared Goff
  2. Taylor Decker
  3. Romeo Okwara
  4. Jeff Okudah
  5. Michael Brockers
QB, LT, Edge, rookie deal, and the only Veteran on the roster over the age of 28.

Besides Jared, Decker is the only one signed through 2024.

Goff gets the last of his guaranteed money this year. Cap hit is $31.15 million. Had they drafted a QB and parted ways, they would have only saved $650K. No chance that was happening. The 2023 dead money hit would be $10M.

Anyway, they were top 5 in cap space pre-draft and should be in great shape next year. 

 
BobbyLayne said:
Tom Pelissero believes Detroit Lions are most-improved team after 2022 NFL Draft
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They had a good draft and improved defense. Offense looks good on paper. Mitchell appears to be a find who can block and add explosive plays.

If Okudah and Okwara rebound from injuries defense improves further. Holmes prioritized DL in draft. Paschal pick surprised most.

Its evident Detroit has a plan to rebuild and compete. So many of their picks have high upsides. 

Criticism of Lions' draft has been on waiting on LB & Safety, failure to draft QB and giving up a high third and opportunity to trade down from 34 to get Jamo.

 
BobbyLayne said:
SoS this time of year is straight trash, but Lions have the 5th easiest schedule 
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This is so key. Having a softer schedule typically opens up the path for a decent record at the end of the season. The Caldwell led Lions were able to make the playoffs the last time the team had a historically soft schedule.  

 
Based on off season reports, Hockenson (hand) and Ragnow (turf toe) should be 100%.

Other season ending injuries from 2021: 

ACL - Jameson Williams, James Mitchell, Jerry Jacobs

Achilles - Jeff Okudah, Romeo Okwara

Good reports don’t mean much at this point, but at least we’re hearing about any of these guys struggling or behind schedule.

 
Call your doctor if reading this gives you a reaction lasting longer than four hours 

Bolstered by remade offense, the Detroit Lions’ growing optimism is impossible to miss in Year 2

The Lions also return all five backs from a running game that produced its most yards per carry since 1998, despite all the injuries and peculiar starting combinations they produced up front. But where the real excitement is starting to build is on the perimeter, where the Lions signed one receiver with 4.34 speed (DJ Chark) before drafting another with, well, who knows what Jameson Williams would have run at the combine. But whatever it was, it was going to be faster than that. Because that guy was clocked at 23 mph last year at Alabama.

The number of players in the NFL who were clocked that fast: [error file not found]

With that kind of speed on the outside, that should create more space for everyone else to work underneath and over the middle of the field. And if you watched Amon-Ra St. Brown play football at any point after Thanksgiving last year, you already understand how dangerous that could be. Because that guy caught more footballs than anyone else in the league during that stretch, despite being a rookie trying to function in an offense that was decimated by injury and a general inability to throw the ball downfield.

 
Regular season

Week 1 — vs. Eagles — Sunday, September 11 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 2 — vs. Commanders — Sunday, September 18 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 3 — at Vikings — Sunday, September 25 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 4 — vs. Seahawks — Sunday, October 2 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 5 — at Patriots — Sunday, October 9 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 6 — BYE

Week 7 — at Cowboys — Sunday, October 23 — 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Week 8 — vs. Dolphins — Sunday, October 30 — 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Week 9 — vs. Packers — Sunday, November 6 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 10 — at Bears — Sunday, November 13 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 11 — at Giants — Sunday, November 20 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 12 — vs. Bills — Thursday, November 24 — 12:30 p.m. ET — CBS (Thanksgiving)

Week 13 — vs. Jaguars — Sunday, December 4 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 14 — vs. Vikings — Sunday, December 11 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 15 — at Jets — Sunday, December 18 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 16 — at Panthers — Saturday, December 24 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 17 — vs. Bears — Sunday, January 1 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 18 — at Packers — January 7 or 8 — TBD

 
Leroy Hoard said:
Regular season

Week 1 — vs. Eagles — Sunday, September 11 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 2 — vs. Commanders — Sunday, September 18 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 3 — at Vikings — Sunday, September 25 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 4 — vs. Seahawks — Sunday, October 2 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 5 — at Patriots — Sunday, October 9 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 6 — BYE

Week 7 — at Cowboys — Sunday, October 23 — 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Week 8 — vs. Dolphins — Sunday, October 30 — 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Week 9 — vs. Packers — Sunday, November 6 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 10 — at Bears — Sunday, November 13 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 11 — at Giants — Sunday, November 20 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 12 — vs. Bills — Thursday, November 24 — 12:30 p.m. ET — CBS (Thanksgiving)

Week 13 — vs. Jaguars — Sunday, December 4 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 14 — vs. Vikings — Sunday, December 11 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 15 — at Jets — Sunday, December 18 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 16 — at Panthers — Saturday, December 24 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 17 — vs. Bears — Sunday, January 1 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 18 — at Packers — January 7 or 8 — TBD
Click to expand...
Over the last few years it seems like the Lions have had brutal schedules to start the year. First four games would be GB on the road, SB champion at home, and two impossible west coast games. It's like you blink and they're already 0-4 or 1-3.

This year I like what I'm seeing. I know strength of schedule doesn't mean much before the season but Eagles, Commanders and Seahawks at home seem like very winnable games and those road games are doable. A season looks very different when you survive the first few at .500 or above.

 
Leroy Hoard said:
Regular season

Week 1 — vs. Eagles — Sunday, September 11 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 2 — vs. Commanders — Sunday, September 18 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 3 — at Vikings — Sunday, September 25 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 4 — vs. Seahawks — Sunday, October 2 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 5 — at Patriots — Sunday, October 9 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 6 — BYE

Week 7 — at Cowboys — Sunday, October 23 — 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Week 8 — vs. Dolphins — Sunday, October 30 — 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Week 9 — vs. Packers — Sunday, November 6 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 10 — at Bears — Sunday, November 13 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 11 — at Giants — Sunday, November 20 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 12 — vs. Bills — Thursday, November 24 — 12:30 p.m. ET — CBS (Thanksgiving)

Week 13 — vs. Jaguars — Sunday, December 4 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 14 — vs. Vikings — Sunday, December 11 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 15 — at Jets — Sunday, December 18 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 16 — at Panthers — Saturday, December 24 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 17 — vs. Bears — Sunday, January 1 — 1 p.m. ET — FOX

Week 18 — at Packers — January 7 or 8 — TBD
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Floor: 4-13

My guess: 8-9

Ceiling: 12-5

Lots of teams have put up an 8-9 game turnaround

Not saying it's likely, but it's definitely within the range of outcomes

(Bengals last year improved 6 games then won 3 more in the playoffs - Lions last won a road playoff game in 1957)

***************

The Lions were seldom blown out last year (@GB, PHI and @DEN come to mind)

9 one score games (2-6-1) with five losses by 3 or less - and another by 4

MCDC has made them a team that is easy to root for, it's remarkable how many outsiders feel like they finally figured out how to build a team the right way, good things ahead

But if we're being honest, the head coach needs to improve along with his young players

I liked the aggressiveness last year but I feel like we're at a point talent wise we don't need play perfect or take excessive risk in order to win games

Huge investment in the defensive line the last two years

Ditto for the offensive line (most of it by the prior regime), they're already one of the best units in the league

Can't wait to see this season unfold

 
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Only NFL team without a prime time game 

15 1pm Sunday games, 1230pm Thanksgiving

@ GB Week 18 TBD

Seem to always have an early bye:

7 6 5 5 9 6

(2017-22)

But no complaints tbh 

5th easiest schedule & 2nd fewest miles traveled

 
BobbyLayne said:
Floor: 4-13

My guess: 8-9

Ceiling: 12-5

Lots of teams have put up an 8-9 game turnaround

Not saying it's likely, but it's definitely within the range of outcomes

(Bengals last year improved 6 games then won 3 more in the playoffs - Lions last won a road playoff game in 1957)

***************

The Lions were seldom blown out last year (@GB, PHI and @DEN come to mind)

9 one score games (2-6-1) with five losses by 3 or less - and another by 4

MCDC has made them a team that is easy to root for, it's remarkable how many outsiders feel like they finally figured out how to build a team the right way, good things ahead

But if we're being honest, the head coach needs to improve along with his young players

I liked the aggressiveness last year but I feel like we're at a point talent wise we don't need play perfect or take excessive risk in order to win games

Huge investment in the defensive line the last two years

Ditto for the offensive line (most of it by the prior regime), they're already one of the best units in the league

Can't wait to see this season unfold
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Don't want to set my expectations too high for Campbell. He definitely has room for improvement and will still make some mistakes. Will be interesting to see if he tones down the aggressiveness. I like going for it on 4th more than I used to but he really threw caution to the wind last year. 

 
Apple Juice said:
Don't want to set my expectations too high for Campbell.
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Why not?

Sure, Year 2 of 6, be patient, yada yada yada.

Like I don’t want to see 5-7 wins being called progress. I’m not interested in going 9-8 in 2023, losing a road playoff game for the 12th straight time, and thinking “now we’re getting somewhere.” #### that - we don’t need the Jim Swartz/Jim Campbell scenario that strings us along for another 5 years.

#### that. Do something extraordinary in my lifetime. Once. I want them to exceed expectations one. #######. time.

I don’t think it’s too much to expect a division title. Next season will 30 years - holy ####, three decades? - without winning the NFC North.

There’s only one team that’s been in existence since SB I who has never even made the game. Sick of it.

Are those things happening in 2022? Probably not. You know what though…a third of the league had seen a season with an 8 or 9 game improvement from one year to the next. Why can’t that be us? Why can’t that be this year?

 
We are expecting improvement this year. Improvement that shows us that we can expect to be a perennial contender. Not sure if we make the jump to that this year or next.

Its going to take time to sort out the new talent, whether the injured players from last year are ready and for the defense to gel.

We can be hopeful because the schedule is easier, our division is weak, we are in year 2 of the rebuild- coaching staff and players are buying in to the new culture, we closed out the year playing well, we have put more talent into the defense and the offense should be able to score some points while the defense works at coming together.

We are a very young team and lack depth at QB, OL, WR (until Jamo plays) and the defense is a question mark as to whether the rookies can play and injured players can play at a high level (okudah, levi , Okwara, Jacobs). Biggest ? is what we see from Goff- with more talent at WR, time together and OL intact we should expect competent QB play.

 
BobbyLayne said:
 
of course we do

  • Aidan Hutchinson: 97  🏆
  • Jameson Williams: 18 mid, hope he changes after cuts and summer roster moves
  • Josh Paschal: 93   seems right 
  • Kerby Joseph: 31   sneaky good 
  • James Mitchell: 82   yeah, that sounds about right 
  • Malcolm Rodriguez: 44   destined for the starting lineup
  • James Houston: 59 sneaky good
  • Chase Lucas: 36  doubt he ever sees the field 
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I’m seeing about 7 wins in that schedule. Kind of typical for the Lions to get a cake walk schedule, the one year where it would be helpful for them to amass a bad record, grab a top QB and THEN start the upward curve 

 
Not for nuthin, that Matt Stafford AT&T commercial is really well done. Super clever. And a nice cap tip to the Lions as well.

I know I’m late to the party, but I don’t watch a lot of live television other than sports and just saw it last night for the 1st time during the Dubs game. 

 
Ilov80s said:
  • Aidan Hutchinson: 97  🏆
  • Jameson Williams: 18 mid, hope he changes after cuts and summer roster moves
  • Josh Paschal: 93   seems right 
  • Kerby Joseph: 31   sneaky good 
  • James Mitchell: 82   yeah, that sounds about right 
  • Malcolm Rodriguez: 44   destined for the starting lineup
  • James Houston: 59 sneaky good
  • Chase Lucas: 36  doubt he ever sees the field 
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This is about the way I see them, on a relative basis. But I felt really good about last year's class, too. The offensive guys were fantastic (Penei and ARSB), but Levi, Barnes and Iffy all battled injuries. Alim was decent, Jemar seemed no better than the journeymen UDFA guys he was competing with.

Holmes killed it with the UDFA signing last year. Jerry Jacobs was as good as 1st round rookie CBs; Parker (CB), Patterson (K), Brock Wright (TE) and Tommy Kraemer (G) were all rookie UDFAs who contributed. Igwebuike and Reynolds bounced around several teams, both played exceptional when called on. The roster was thin last year so having that many UDFAs get significant snaps is not a great thing, but credit to the scouts and coaches.

Zein Obeid (Ferris State OT) and Kalil Pimpleton (CMU WR) are a couple in state UDFAs who might make the team this year.

Hutch and Paschal were both really great last year setting the edge. Of course we are hoping they'll get lots of QB pressures but that was a real weakness last year.

If Levi Onwuzurike doesn't make a huge leap in year 2, it won't be from lack of effort. Dude has been in the facility literally every day since the season ended. I feel like if he steps up his game he's got good leadership skills.

There are consistent themes in Holmes roster construction. Great athletic skills, production at the college level, high quality character traits. Like not just keep their nose clean kids, but guys who were team captains and leaders. MCDC talked about it last year. "No turds allowed, man."

Positivity is great. Has to translate to wins at some point, but sure feels right so far.

 
Hot Sauce Guy said:
Not for nuthin, that Matt Stafford AT&T commercial is really well done. Super clever. And a nice cap tip to the Lions as well.

I know I’m late to the party, but I don’t watch a lot of live television other than sports and just saw it last night for the 1st time during the Dubs game. 
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He’s a really good dude.

Hard to find a parallel for Staff. Lots of guys leave their long time teams looking for a ring. Totally understandable, accolades don’t mean as much once you’re an established star. But a merc who is still beloved that much…IDK, Ray Bourque?

Now that he’s got his ring I hope they tank this year and never win another playoff game. My allegiance is to the franchise. 

 
MCDC Saturday morning rookie camp presser

Jaemo, Mitchell, play calling, no floaters, Rodriguez

said it’s awesome they have all 1pm games, makes the weekly prep easy 

rookies get a little time off then they’ll be with the vets for a 2-3 weeks:

OTA Offseason Workouts: 

May 24-26.    
June 1-3
June 13-16

Mandatory Minicamp:

June 7-9
 

Last year they ditched the last set of OTAs

 
Hot Sauce Guy said:
Not for nuthin, that Matt Stafford AT&T commercial is really well done. Super clever. And a nice cap tip to the Lions as well.

I know I’m late to the party, but I don’t watch a lot of live television other than sports and just saw it last night for the 1st time during the Dubs game. 
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Agree 100%. Continues to raise awareness of the Lions. This combined with Hard Knocks and Detroit as a draft site are part of the culture change. 

Prime time games will follow but its really nice to have all the 1pm starts.

 
Bettors bullish on the Lions chances may like the odds this year.  Of their 17 games,  the Lions are only favored in four according to DraftKings. Home games against the Commanders, Seahawks, Jaguars, and Bears.

💲🏈💲❓

 
Kerby great personality 

Paschal (still no contract) beat cancer 2018, Captain for 3 years

Hutch “he’s in his domain” - MCDC / sounds like he & Josh are bonding

Jaemo think he’s been carrying that ball everywhere for 2 days

none of these means much, just running around in shorts and installing the offensive/defensive schemes

great class though, good chance 5 of these guys will be starting this year or next

 
Rookie camp observations from The Athletic (behind paywall)

:

The Lions have 29 players on the field for rookie camp this weekend: eight draft picks, 12 undrafted free agents and nine tryout invites. The three-day minicamp doesn’t reveal a whole lot, but it does provide a nice baseline for the coaching staff.

”I would say we’re trying to get them acclimated with what we’re doing schematically, so an introduction to our schemes, offense, defense and special teams,” Detroit coach Dan Campbell said of the goal for this Friday-to-Sunday stretch. “Then, we’re trying to assess their movement skills and their shape: What kind of shape are they in? What do they really look like as athletes now that we’re around them?”

The Lions were on the field for a little less than two hours Saturday. They opened with an 11-on-11 install, closed with a quick seven-on-seven period and worked a handful of wide receiver/defensive back drills in between.

A few observations on how it looked:

• No. 2 NFL Draft pick Aidan Hutchinson comes with a reputation of never taking reps off. And that was on display even in this (relatively) relaxed setting. When the D-line was working to the side on agility and bag drills, Hutchinson was popping the tackling dummies at every swipe. After one rep, defensive line coach Todd Wash even came up and tossed an arm around him as if to tell him to keep up the good work.

“This is what I do at the end of the day,” Hutchinson said. “All that talk … I hate the talk. It’s been a lot of months of talking, a lot of rah-rah. But now we’re out here getting the work in, which is what I do.”

• It was interesting to watch Hutchinson and second-round pick Josh Paschal go through those agility drills back to back because there was a clear contrast in styles. Both were at max-effort levels, but Hutchinson showed far more bend than Paschal in slicing through the bags.

That fits the scouting reports and likely usages for the Lions’ rookie defenders. Hutchinson will play almost exclusively off the edge, with an occasional inside rep; Paschal figures to see most of his 2022 snaps as an interior pass rusher (where he won’t need that bend as much), but with the versatility to help elsewhere.

“I think I fit as that guy — a big guy, a big defensive end,” Paschal said. “That’s what we’re calling it. I feel like I can play across that front, but particularly on the edge, or even if I need to kick inside for the run game. I can do that, too, and for the pass game.”

• Wide receiver Jameson Williams acknowledged it’s been hard to pace himself this week as he continues to rehab his January ACL injury. During a couple of brief interludes Saturday, he stood in place and had Antwaan Randle El and then Campbell toss passes to him.

Williams carried a football around with him for the entire two hours or so. In the other hand: the Lions’ offensive script for the day so he could stay on top of the calls.

“Oh, he’s engaged now,” Campbell said. “We put him out there on the grass, and that’s his domain. He’s very much engaged. He’s asking questions, he’s got the script, he’s on it.”

• The Lions have only two safeties in for the weekend: third-round pick Kerby Joseph and North Carolina A&T tryout player Najee Reams. In almost every team rep Saturday, Reams aligned in more of a high, free-safety role, while Joseph dropped down to play strong/nickel safety.

That is different from how Illinois tended to use Joseph, so we’ll see when the vets get here if his alignment shifts.

“That’s actually what I want to do,” Joseph said of expanding his slot/nickel abilities. “I want to be able to be more versatile on the field. I would always be on the field, so I wouldn’t have to come off for different packages and stuff. If I could play nickel, safety … you could throw me in the corner spot if you wanted to. As long as I could stay on the field, as long as possible.”

• Also sidelined Saturday: tight end James Mitchell, who’s coming back from an ACL tear of his own, and fellow tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (undisclosed). Mitchell said Saturday that “as far as I know” he’ll be ready for camp. He didn’t have a target date for full clearance yet, but his injury occurred several months before Williams’.

“You just want to get out there, especially when you see guys moving around,” Mitchell said. “The mental reps I’m getting (are) very helpful. But also, I like to gain reps, so it is a disadvantage in that respect.”

The lone active tight end for Saturday’s practice was Southeastern Louisiana UDFA Nolan Givan, a native of Berkley, Mich.

• (Very, very) early indications are that seventh-round pick James Houston is headed for a hybrid off-ball/edge job, with an emphasis on the former. When the team split for positional drills Saturday, Houston hung with linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard and the linebackers. And during 11-on-11 work, he spent the bulk of his time in a stack alignment next to sixth-round pick Malcolm Rodriguez.

Houston and Rodriguez played together at this year’s NFLPA Bowl, so they came in with a bit of familiarity.

“It’s just been great having him right next to me,” Houston said. “I was watching the film yesterday, and I was like, ‘Man, we look good together.’”

Rodriguez just looks great, in general. His legs almost look like they belong to a defensive tackle — they’re that thick — but he still flows well in space.

Houston showed some chops dropping, too, from an off-ball alignment or as an edge in zone. He nearly came down with a pick during the practice-ending seven-on-seven drill despite slipping when he tried to jam Givan at the line.

• The last draft pick to mention is the No. 237 selection, cornerback Chase Lucas. He’s a unique case because he’s already 25, he spent six years in college and he played at Arizona State for a pair of former NFL coaches (Herm Edwards and Marvin Lewis). Because of all that, the Lions expected his transition to be a little shorter than that of other rookies. Lucas already sounds rather comfortable.

“My knowledge of the game, my work ethic, just being consistent every day — I feel like that’s probably the biggest things I brought from Arizona State,” Lucas said. “It’s just embedded in me; it’s kind of in my blood.”

Saturday, he played almost exclusively out of the slot, which is where he saw a bunch of work during his final two Sun Devils seasons. There’s a good chance he’ll settle in there once the full roster comes to town, too.

• Tryout quarterback Connor Sampson, a Belleville, Mich., native and Western Illinois product, definitely can sling it a little bit. He has a quick release, and he threw several nice deep balls — into a slight breeze — during positional drills. His seven-on-seven work was a little clunky (and brief): two completions on four attempts, plus two “scrambles.”

If nothing else, it helped the Lions to have a quarterback here for rookie camp. They didn’t last season, pressing assistant coach Tanner Engstrand into duty. But Sampson’s presence allows the coaches to get a decent look at the receivers and defensive backs, as well as to run those seven-on-seven sets.

• One cool aspect of this for Sampson: As the only quarterback on the premises this weekend, he’s enjoying exclusive access to QBs coach Mark Brunell and senior offensive assistant John Morton, who joined the Lions’ staff this year after interviewing for the offensive coordinator gig in 2021.

It’s the same for San Diego State running back Greg Bell, who got one-on-one time with Duce Staley during positional drills.

Later, Bell dusted Rodriguez and Houston on consecutive reps during a special teams “tackling” (read: two-hand touch) drill. After the first win by Bell, Staley danced over toward the defensive line to taunt Rodriguez a bit; after the second, Williams walked out to celebrate with the Lions’ UDFA running back.

• As the Lions started nabbing undrafted free agents, we said to keep an eye on TCU offensive tackle Obinna Eze. That’s still the case after watching him. He is a presence at 6-foot-6, 321 pounds and with an almost 86-inch wingspan.

The arm length is legit and impressive, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Lions bet on those traits by keeping him around into the regular season. There wasn’t any live blocking Saturday, but Eze did take reps against Hutchinson and Paschal.

• A wide receiver (aside from Williams) could emerge from this rookie group over the coming weeks. Kalil Pimpleton out of Central Michigan is small as heck (listed at 5-8, 172, and both might be exaggerations), but he’s tough to cover. He hauled in one of Sampson’s two completions during seven-on-sevens, after smoking a defensive back on a shallow crossing route.

Corey Sutton from Appalachian State is at the opposite end of the spectrum with size that should play. We’ll see.

 
On the numbers situation. Jamo said he chose 18 because Moss wore it and it’s Calvin’s number reversed though he acknowledged he is not sure he keeps it 

 
Ilov80s said:
On the numbers situation. Jamo said he chose 18 because Moss wore it and it’s Calvin’s number reversed though he acknowledged he is not sure he keeps it 
Click to expand...


Didn't Swift wear 6 in his rookie preseason then switch at the end of the summer? Sumtin' like that.

IDC either way. But I am looking forward to 93 and 97 coming at QBs & ball carriers from opposite sides.

 
list of new player numbers and changes:

Jeff Okudah – 1 (previously 23)

DJ Chark – 4

DeShon Elliott – 5

Aldrick Rosas – 13 (previously 5)

Austin Seibert – 19 (previously 4)

Mike Hughes – 23

Mark Gilbert – 29 (previously 40)

JuJu Hughes – 33

Jarrad Davis – 40

Chris Board – 49

Garrett Griffin – 86

Michael Brockers – 90 (previously 91)

Levi Onwuzurike – 91 (previously 75)

Bruce Hector – 92 (previously 76)

****************

K is a semi interesting battle. Riley Patterson was 13/14 and perfect on PATs over the last 7 G. He’s thought to have the weakest leg - he badly missed a 55 FGA v Seattle - but is very consistent. Mr Jack Fox will handle kickoffs if he retains the job.

Siebert was 10/12 over the 6 G he played.

Rojas was all pro in 2018 but is very boom/bust.

(Santoso - missed PAT and mid-range FG in the loss @PIT - has moved on to JAX, his 6th team)

 
NFC North projected starters for 2022 NFL season: Receiver wide open for Packers; Lions to contend?

Detroit Lions

Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes had a vision when they took this team over. They wanted to be deep up front on both sides of the ball and prized versatility on defense. They have made enormous strides in two offseasons.

Josh Reynolds went from the waiver wire to a top target last season in a few weeks. Once No. 12 overall pick Jameson Williams returns from his torn ACL, Reynolds should be WR4 in Detroit. That shows the quick growth in this unit.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of the better slot receivers in football as a rookie. He thrives running the timing routes over the middle that Jared Goff likes to throw best.

Sewell is sticking at right tackle for this season after improving throughout his rookie year. If Vaitai stays healthy, this could be a top-three offensive line, making everyone around them look better.

While the Lions might have uncertainty on defense, they make for up it in flexibility. The depth of the defensive line stands out the most, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn can shapeshift at every position group depending on the down, distance and opponent.

The defensive line could be special. Here are some players that didn’t even crack the group above: Michael Brockers, second-round pick Joshua Pascal, promising second-year pro Levi Onwuzurike and Romeo Okwara’s brother, Julian, who improved under Glenn last year.

To put it another way: Aidan Hutchinson does not need to carry the group. He’ll have plenty of help.

The weakness of the defense is off-ball linebacker. Alex Anzalone played a role in giving up a lot of big plays last year. Second-year pro Derrick Barnes will get plenty of snaps.

Jeff Okudah is a wild card. Heading into his third year, there’s no doubt that 2019 fifth-round pick Amani Oruwariye is a more reliable player than Okudah, who was taken No. 3 overall in 2020. Okudah could be anywhere from an outside starter to nickel back to benched.

The lack of additions at cornerback in the draft could be a show of confidence in defensive backs/pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, who is one of the best at what he does. The Lions could play with three safeties plenty, with DeShon Elliott an underrated free-agent pickup and third-round rookie Kerby Joseph in the mix.

The Lions still don’t have a long-term quarterback, but this roster is so much better than when Campbell and Holmes arrived. They can contend for a playoff spot now and be ready for the next step in 2023.

 
Internet polls are mostly garbage, but still this is a pretty good indicator how fans feel about Brad Holmes as GM:

Job Approval

March 2021 (pre-free agency): 97 percent approval
May 2021 (post-draft): 98 percent
September 2021 (post-cuts): 90 percent
October 2021: 87 percent
November 2021: 79 percent
December 2021: 97 percent
January 2022: 97 percent
March 2022 (pre-free agency): 96 percent
May 2022 (post-draft): 98 percent

(courtesy Pride of Detroit blog/podcast)

 
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