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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 X-Season in the books. Time for final cuts. (19 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
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BoltBacker
Footballguy
I think you did well for yourself. Right now they are +2500 according to SportsBet after peaking at +1800 sometime at the end of July for some reason. Everyone THINKS they know what will happen in the NFL in August. In a four team division if you are getting 35-to-1 odds I don't think you are doing bad. This is football where injuries happen all the time.
Rodgers hates the front office for his team he expects to leave in five months. The Vikings seem to be going backwards and may be heading for a complete rebuild. The Bears probably have a brighter future.... but may have to wade through a QB controversy and HC change this year to get to it. It's not like DET has to beat KC to win the division. It's an entire division in transition.
BoltBacker
Footballguy
This is where I think the pessimism toward the team this year(not from you btw, I mean from the public in general) seems way over the top.
If the expectation is Tyrod Taylor is going to be the QB then ok. But Goff is nowhere near Tryod Taylor level. For that matter, people predicting a Goff led offense in DET having fewer TD's than a Zack Wilson led offense for the NYJ also seems over the top. Maybe Wilson will be better years down the road, I really have no idea. But if I needed to win a game here in a few weeks I would rather have Goff leading my team without question.
Maybe strength of schedule is playing a large factor? Lions have the 6th toughest, HOU has the 15th, and NYJ have the 19th toughest?
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Honestly I am just trying to be realistic with my expectations. I do agree with your previous post’s assessment it won’t take a lot to ascend to the top of a division in transition.
I do think current perception about the 2021 Lions outlook is colored by the fact that most people are looking at this head coach and this roster a little differently than fans who are closer to the situation. We love what Sheila, Brad Holmes & Dan Campbell Ham done to transform the culture of the franchise. This coaching staff is relatively young and lotta former players who are good teachers. This is the kind of staff you need to teach players who were beaten down under the toxic atmosphere which existed under the previous regime.
The other aspect I am trying to be realistic about is the way they are constructing the roster. Traded the franchise QB for three Day 1/Day 2 picks. Let veterans walk. Spent minimal free agent money.. We’ve stockpiling for future years while and taking a ginormous Dead Cap hit in 2021.
Do Campbell and his players want to be competitive in 2021? Of course. Will they be? I don’t think so. I don’t think they have enough talent. I’m OK with that. I want a Top 10 or a Top 5 pick next year when we’re going to be looking for an alpha wide receiver and/or the franchise QB.
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Chris Burke
@ChrisBurkeNFL
5h
5 thoughts off the penultimate Lions practice we'll get to watch in full:
1. A lot of attention will be paid to Penei Sewell's pass protection, but it's obvious the Lions believe they can run off the right side. When Ragnow pulls so he and Sewell are out front, it's impressive.
@ChrisBurkeNFL
2. The Goff-Hockenson connection looks ready. Those two worked on routes off to the side today, just them. And in 11-on-11 sessions, Goff repeatedly found his TE, both over the middle and on out routes. Right now, Hockenson's the guy Goff seems to trust most in a tight window.
3. DC Aaron Glenn said it's "hard not to notice" UDFA LB Tavante Beckett. The Marshall product has put himself right on the roster bubble, especially since he can be a core special-teams player.
Glenn: "He showed out (vs. Pittsburgh). ... He's gonna find the ball."
4. Another guy who's probably at least played his way onto the practice squad: Alijah Holder. He prevented a deep shot over to Tom Kennedy in an early team drill, then popped the ball out of Javon McKinley's hands during an 11-on-11 rep late. Holder has been solid for a bit now.
5. Repeating myself on Swift, but he looked sharp, after Dan Campbell said the Lions were a little worried about his conditioning. Made a *great* jump cut to turn a short run off the right side into a long TD and didn't seem at all hesitant between the tackles. A step forward.
@ChrisBurkeNFL
5h
5 thoughts off the penultimate Lions practice we'll get to watch in full:
1. A lot of attention will be paid to Penei Sewell's pass protection, but it's obvious the Lions believe they can run off the right side. When Ragnow pulls so he and Sewell are out front, it's impressive.
@ChrisBurkeNFL
2. The Goff-Hockenson connection looks ready. Those two worked on routes off to the side today, just them. And in 11-on-11 sessions, Goff repeatedly found his TE, both over the middle and on out routes. Right now, Hockenson's the guy Goff seems to trust most in a tight window.
3. DC Aaron Glenn said it's "hard not to notice" UDFA LB Tavante Beckett. The Marshall product has put himself right on the roster bubble, especially since he can be a core special-teams player.
Glenn: "He showed out (vs. Pittsburgh). ... He's gonna find the ball."
4. Another guy who's probably at least played his way onto the practice squad: Alijah Holder. He prevented a deep shot over to Tom Kennedy in an early team drill, then popped the ball out of Javon McKinley's hands during an 11-on-11 rep late. Holder has been solid for a bit now.
5. Repeating myself on Swift, but he looked sharp, after Dan Campbell said the Lions were a little worried about his conditioning. Made a *great* jump cut to turn a short run off the right side into a long TD and didn't seem at all hesitant between the tackles. A step forward.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Lions camp observations: Goff, Hockenson bond, others brawl in last open practice
Justin Rogers
The Detroit News
Allen Park — Here are some notes and observations from the Detroit Lions' training camp practice on Wednesday. It marks the final practice fully opened to the media this offseason.
► Fight!
For the first time since rookies Amon-Ra St. Brown and Ifeatu Melifonwu exchanged punches in the early days of training camp, there was a larger scuffle between dozens of members of the roster.
It was difficult to see exactly what caused tensions to boil over, and there were so many players in a pile so quickly that is was equally challenging to figure out the principle parties involved, but the coaches managed to quickly get things under control.
After practice, no one seemed bothered by the altercation.
"It’s a great place to do it," offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said. "It’s between the lines, that’s when you want to let out all your frustrations and emotions, but when you walk off that field, you’re teammates."
Defensive tackle Nick Williams mused that the conditions, which have been sweltering the past couple days, played a role.
"Oh man, it's just part of camp," Williams said. "It gets toward the end of camp and it's hot days. The big guys are tired as crap, sweaty and mad at the same time. You like to see it. You like to see a little feistiness, a little fight in some of the younger guys. It's just part of the business.'
► The fracas occurred near the end of practice, when the team was running through some scout team work. The defense was dominating the segments, particularly in the back end, but it was at least somewhat awkward because the offense looked to be going three-quarter speed, by design.
The continued aggressiveness of the secondary, spurred by demands for better energy from position coach Aubrey Pleasant, appeared to irk some of Detroit's receivers.
Asked if Pleasant had his guys going too hard, Lynn flashed a smile and pled the fifth.
► We didn't file observations after Tuesday's practice, but the chemistry between quarterback Jared Goff and tight end T.J. Hockenson is one of the most positive developments of camp.
Hockenson's route running looks incredibly sharp and Goff clearly has unconditional trust in the third-year tight end. At this point, it would be shocking if Hockenson doesn't significantly improve on last year's pass-game production — assuming he stays healthy, of course.
► The one thing the Lions will need to be wary about is how defenses adjust to counter Goff's potential reliance on Hockenson. I would anticipate seeing more and more teams throwing double-team looks at Hockenson on underneath routes.
In Wednesday's practice, the defense did just that, with Will Harris dropping into a short zone across the middle, putting himself in position to make an easy interception on a slant pattern intended for the tight end. Unfortunately for Harris, he dropped the would-be turnover.
► Presumably, Randy Bullock remains the front-runner for the kicking job, but he sent two attempts wide left from approximately 45 yards out.
Backup quarterback Tim Boyle split holding duties with Jack Fox for the first time during a full-team segment of practice. Not only could a change be afoot there, but it could provide some insight into where the team stands with its backup QB competition.
► Tight end Brock Wright, who is pushing for the third job in a competition with Alize Mack, had a pair of miscommunications with his routes, seemingly getting out of his break and turning for the ball far too late on both.
► Jalen Reeves-Maybin came up with an interception off Goff when the quarterback rolled away from pressure during a red-zone drill and tried to loft a high pass for tight end Darren Fells in the back of the end zone. Because the throw was also behind the intended target, Fells couldn't handle it and Reeves-Maybin was there to snag the deflection.
► Another player who looks primed to exceed last year's pass-game production is running back D'Andre Swift. First and foremost, he needs to get fully healthy from the groin injury that's bothered him all camp, but as the workload continues to ramp up, he's essentially been uncoverable. Linebacker Alex Anzalone is typically solid in coverage and he's been getting worked by the shifty, second-year back.
► In two-on-two and four-on-four special teams work, running back Craig Reynolds had a positive showing as he continues his unlikely run at a roster spot.
► I thought Melifonwu had a really strong end to camp. His best play was as much mental as it was physical. During a red zone rep, he followed his guy in motion, but as he weaved through traffic in the confined space, he communicated an assignment switch. The quarterback tried to attack the rookie on the adjustment only for Melifonwu to be in perfect position for the pass breakup.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers
Justin Rogers
The Detroit News
Allen Park — Here are some notes and observations from the Detroit Lions' training camp practice on Wednesday. It marks the final practice fully opened to the media this offseason.
► Fight!
For the first time since rookies Amon-Ra St. Brown and Ifeatu Melifonwu exchanged punches in the early days of training camp, there was a larger scuffle between dozens of members of the roster.
It was difficult to see exactly what caused tensions to boil over, and there were so many players in a pile so quickly that is was equally challenging to figure out the principle parties involved, but the coaches managed to quickly get things under control.
After practice, no one seemed bothered by the altercation.
"It’s a great place to do it," offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said. "It’s between the lines, that’s when you want to let out all your frustrations and emotions, but when you walk off that field, you’re teammates."
Defensive tackle Nick Williams mused that the conditions, which have been sweltering the past couple days, played a role.
"Oh man, it's just part of camp," Williams said. "It gets toward the end of camp and it's hot days. The big guys are tired as crap, sweaty and mad at the same time. You like to see it. You like to see a little feistiness, a little fight in some of the younger guys. It's just part of the business.'
► The fracas occurred near the end of practice, when the team was running through some scout team work. The defense was dominating the segments, particularly in the back end, but it was at least somewhat awkward because the offense looked to be going three-quarter speed, by design.
The continued aggressiveness of the secondary, spurred by demands for better energy from position coach Aubrey Pleasant, appeared to irk some of Detroit's receivers.
Asked if Pleasant had his guys going too hard, Lynn flashed a smile and pled the fifth.
► We didn't file observations after Tuesday's practice, but the chemistry between quarterback Jared Goff and tight end T.J. Hockenson is one of the most positive developments of camp.
Hockenson's route running looks incredibly sharp and Goff clearly has unconditional trust in the third-year tight end. At this point, it would be shocking if Hockenson doesn't significantly improve on last year's pass-game production — assuming he stays healthy, of course.
► The one thing the Lions will need to be wary about is how defenses adjust to counter Goff's potential reliance on Hockenson. I would anticipate seeing more and more teams throwing double-team looks at Hockenson on underneath routes.
In Wednesday's practice, the defense did just that, with Will Harris dropping into a short zone across the middle, putting himself in position to make an easy interception on a slant pattern intended for the tight end. Unfortunately for Harris, he dropped the would-be turnover.
► Presumably, Randy Bullock remains the front-runner for the kicking job, but he sent two attempts wide left from approximately 45 yards out.
Backup quarterback Tim Boyle split holding duties with Jack Fox for the first time during a full-team segment of practice. Not only could a change be afoot there, but it could provide some insight into where the team stands with its backup QB competition.
► Tight end Brock Wright, who is pushing for the third job in a competition with Alize Mack, had a pair of miscommunications with his routes, seemingly getting out of his break and turning for the ball far too late on both.
► Jalen Reeves-Maybin came up with an interception off Goff when the quarterback rolled away from pressure during a red-zone drill and tried to loft a high pass for tight end Darren Fells in the back of the end zone. Because the throw was also behind the intended target, Fells couldn't handle it and Reeves-Maybin was there to snag the deflection.
► Another player who looks primed to exceed last year's pass-game production is running back D'Andre Swift. First and foremost, he needs to get fully healthy from the groin injury that's bothered him all camp, but as the workload continues to ramp up, he's essentially been uncoverable. Linebacker Alex Anzalone is typically solid in coverage and he's been getting worked by the shifty, second-year back.
► In two-on-two and four-on-four special teams work, running back Craig Reynolds had a positive showing as he continues his unlikely run at a roster spot.
► I thought Melifonwu had a really strong end to camp. His best play was as much mental as it was physical. During a red zone rep, he followed his guy in motion, but as he weaved through traffic in the confined space, he communicated an assignment switch. The quarterback tried to attack the rookie on the adjustment only for Melifonwu to be in perfect position for the pass breakup.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers
Now through preseason, this draft class is shaping up to be the Lions best ever. Now they will need some pro bowls to get that title, but look where they are at. All seven will easily make the roster and I think all will consistently get a decent number of snaps.
Round 1, Pick 7 — OT Penei Sewell. Currently starting RT. Has been beaten a few times at pass protection, but looking like a beast in the running game. Some are murmuring the b-word, but that is silly. He is 20 and playing a new position. Most 20 year olds are in their junior seasons. He will make mistakes and get beat and may even be the weakest link in the line early on. But he will constantly learn and develop and will be stellar by mid season. Probably future pro-bowler, but not for a couple years.
Round 2, Pick 9 (41) — DT Levi Onwuzurike. Currently 3rd DE behind Brookers and Hand. Brookers has been limited, but should be OK week 1. Hand's injuries may linger into the season. Levi has been getting rave reviews and when he has been in preseason games has been blowing up plays. He is a future staple on Detroit's DL and will show flashes of greatness this season when given a chance.
Round 3, Pick 8 (72) — DT Alim McNeill. Starting NT. Coaches love this guy and he will be Detroit's top rookie on defense. Potential pro-bowler.
Round 3, Pick 38 (101) — CB Ifeatu Melifonwu. 2nd Right CB behind Okuda. Should see lots of playing time and be a solid contributor. If Aaron Glenn can work his usual magic, this guy will develop into a very good CB.
Round 4, Pick 7 (112) — WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Starting Slot WR. Could very well lead WR in receptions and yards. Very good route running and hands. Ability to run after the catch is going to surprise people. Will draw comparisons to Golden Tate and will put up multiple 1K seasons.
Round 4, Pick 8 (113) — LB Derrick Barnes. 2nd RILB. Should be starting very early. Barnes has been everywhere when given an opportunity. Shows signs of being a good pass defender which was not expected. This guy will be a staple in the heart of Detroit's defense for years.
Round 7, Pick 30 (257) — RB Jermar Jefferson. 3rd RB. Effective tough runner but lack of top end speed limits his upside. Will be a sold backup and should see about 4-5 touches a game. Considering he was two picks ahead of Mr. Irrelevant, just making the team is a big win.
6 guys who will be present or future starters and one solid backup. The Lions have never been close to that.
Round 1, Pick 7 — OT Penei Sewell. Currently starting RT. Has been beaten a few times at pass protection, but looking like a beast in the running game. Some are murmuring the b-word, but that is silly. He is 20 and playing a new position. Most 20 year olds are in their junior seasons. He will make mistakes and get beat and may even be the weakest link in the line early on. But he will constantly learn and develop and will be stellar by mid season. Probably future pro-bowler, but not for a couple years.
Round 2, Pick 9 (41) — DT Levi Onwuzurike. Currently 3rd DE behind Brookers and Hand. Brookers has been limited, but should be OK week 1. Hand's injuries may linger into the season. Levi has been getting rave reviews and when he has been in preseason games has been blowing up plays. He is a future staple on Detroit's DL and will show flashes of greatness this season when given a chance.
Round 3, Pick 8 (72) — DT Alim McNeill. Starting NT. Coaches love this guy and he will be Detroit's top rookie on defense. Potential pro-bowler.
Round 3, Pick 38 (101) — CB Ifeatu Melifonwu. 2nd Right CB behind Okuda. Should see lots of playing time and be a solid contributor. If Aaron Glenn can work his usual magic, this guy will develop into a very good CB.
Round 4, Pick 7 (112) — WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Starting Slot WR. Could very well lead WR in receptions and yards. Very good route running and hands. Ability to run after the catch is going to surprise people. Will draw comparisons to Golden Tate and will put up multiple 1K seasons.
Round 4, Pick 8 (113) — LB Derrick Barnes. 2nd RILB. Should be starting very early. Barnes has been everywhere when given an opportunity. Shows signs of being a good pass defender which was not expected. This guy will be a staple in the heart of Detroit's defense for years.
Round 7, Pick 30 (257) — RB Jermar Jefferson. 3rd RB. Effective tough runner but lack of top end speed limits his upside. Will be a sold backup and should see about 4-5 touches a game. Considering he was two picks ahead of Mr. Irrelevant, just making the team is a big win.
6 guys who will be present or future starters and one solid backup. The Lions have never been close to that.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
per Kyle Meinke:
also CB Mike Ford looks like a cut, which is a bit surprising, I think most thought he was one of their top 4 cover corners and they should carry 6. I thought Corn Elder would be odd man out but I guess I read that situation wrong.
Okudah & Oruwariye will start outside, slot Robey-Coleman, Elder, Melifonw, & A.J. Parker on the bench.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
As expected, Jahlani Tavai has been cut
43rd pick of the NFL draft
debatable if it’s him or Teez Tabor for worst Quinteicia draft pick
thankful we don’t have to watch him chase guys he lost in coverage anymore
43rd pick of the NFL draft
debatable if it’s him or Teez Tabor for worst Quinteicia draft pick
thankful we don’t have to watch him chase guys he lost in coverage anymore
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Geronimo Allison, we hardly knew ya
huh?
I get that he had a great PS but dude was almost surely headed to a cut/sign to practice squad designation. why spend the draft capital on a UDFA with no NFL expereince.
huh?
I get that he had a great PS but dude was almost surely headed to a cut/sign to practice squad designation. why spend the draft capital on a UDFA with no NFL expereince.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
RB Craig Reynolds cut
definitely a practice squad candidate
definitely a practice squad candidate
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
with every passing minute it's looking more and more likely professional lacrosse player Tom Kennedy is going to make the 53 man
good for him, and good on DC for giving the guy a shot
good for him, and good on DC for giving the guy a shot
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Tim Boyle is headed for surgery on a broken right (throwing) thumb. So, David Blough is in as the backup QB
Lions will be looking at WW for OL depth
strange cut
Lions will be looking at WW for OL depth
strange cut
Stoneworker
Footballguy
As a Broncos fan I highly doubt Benson was going to be cut. He's gritty with a my ball mentality. Great cultural fit for what the Lions are trying to build. Besides, giving up a 5th and 7th in return for a 6th is not a ton of draft capital.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
at best Tavai was headed for Reeves-Maybin's special teams role - but even then he didn't have the agility
he wasn't holding back Barnes development in any way
FA signee Alex Anzalone has been the guy in front of him all summer
I thought Barnes (along with A.J. Parker) was the most impressive player in preseason. I won't be surprised at all to see him starting at some point this year.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Moonlight
Footballguy
Its picks like those two that make the average fan feel he could be a GM and probably a better one
These picks weren't highly questioned after results were in but when they were made.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Was Benson mostly playing from the slot? If so, Lions had a lot of slot options on team already.
He was reported to be a good KR in college, did he return kicks for Denver?
Thanks
Stoneworker
Footballguy
Mainly X. Hamler in slot. Lock/Bridgewater liked Benson for bootleg crossing patterns like TD at 2:48 of highlight.Moonlight said:
Broncos didn't use Benson as a KR. In fact, lack of special teams made him expendable since he was competing with Hamilton/Spencer for fifth WR spot. Those two are lesser WR's but better KR's.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRFu7avbDQ8
The Frankman
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
So it looks like we could cut all of our receivers, replace them with other cut receivers and possibly be stronger at that position.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Moonlight
Footballguy
It was speculated that they would cut both kickers and then pick one of them back up later in a week so they could put a player on the team roster and then move to IR without losing him.
Get Kickalicious on the phone stat!
Figured both or one of these PKs would still be available.
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The Frankman
Footballguy
You don't think they'll go after a Nick Folk (who everyone seems to want) or another cut kicker?
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Pride of Detroit blog called the kicker move three days ago
The Detroit Lions should cut both of their kickers
The Detroit Lions should cut both of their kickers
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Makes sense
Pride of Detroit blog posted that three days ago
Detroit Lions should cut both their kickers
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
#neatboard
Moonlight
Footballguy
Thanks for finding that I remember reading an article proposing this earlier.
Another thing some of the guys now on the roster are hanging on by there fingernails. Lions need help at TE, WR, OL and some of them guys will lose their spot.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Either Michael Badgley or we’re going for two every time. Jack Fox can handle FGs but we’re going for it on 4th down a lot this year.
(but srsly the Money Badger makes the most sense)
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Tom Kennedy made the cut.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Full list of today’s cuts:
RELEASED
WR Geronimo Allison
K Randy Bullock
CB Corn Elder
K Zane Gonzalez
CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
WAIVED
LB Tavante Beckett
LB Rashod Berry
S Jalen Elliott
DT Bruce Hector
G Tommy Kraemer
TE Alize Mack
WR Javon McKinley
RB Dedrick Mills
T Darrin Paulo
RB Craig Reynolds
WR Sage Surratt
LB Jahlani Tavai
TE Brock Wright
PLACED ON RESERVE/SUSPENDED
DE Jashon Cornell
RELEASED
WR Geronimo Allison
K Randy Bullock
CB Corn Elder
K Zane Gonzalez
CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
WAIVED
LB Tavante Beckett
LB Rashod Berry
S Jalen Elliott
DT Bruce Hector
G Tommy Kraemer
TE Alize Mack
WR Javon McKinley
RB Dedrick Mills
T Darrin Paulo
RB Craig Reynolds
WR Sage Surratt
LB Jahlani Tavai
TE Brock Wright
PLACED ON RESERVE/SUSPENDED
DE Jashon Cornell
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Anybody want to see John Brown, Travis Fulgham, or KeKe Coutee in the D?
