BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Y’all need to stop ruining the thread. Why don’t you put each other on ignore?
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2025 Detroit Lions: 4-1 Lions win battle of the big cats. (67 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
msudaisy26
Footballguy
I will try .you best, but it is difficult when I just made a simple post and he goes off the rails.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
This morning Jeremy Reisman (Pride of Detroit) posted the depth chart as he sees it after OTAs & Minicamp.
Nate Sudfeld
Hendon Hooker
Hendon Hooker received all the second-team reps that I saw, and much of the third-team reps. However, if the season were to start tomorrow, I believe Nate Sudfeld would be the backup to Jared Goff. The reason Hooker is getting the huge majority of the non-starter reps is because he needs those reps. The long-term plan is undeniably for him to be the backup, but he still has a ways to go, and I won’t be going into training camp assuming the job is his.
David Montgomery
Craig Reynolds
Sione Vaki
Zonovan Knight
Jermar Jefferson
Jake Funk
Nothing too surprising here. It’s worth noting that Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t practice all spring, but that allowed more reps with the first and second teams for rookie Sione Vaki. The Lions’ fourth-round pick impressed enough for me to believe he could compete for the RB3 spot by the start of the regular season, but there are still a lot of fundamentals to learn at the position before Detroit will throw him in.
Brock Wright
James Mitchell
Shane Zylstra
Parker Hesse
Sean McKeon
It’s a make-or-break season for James Mitchell, and I think Shane Zylstra has a real shot at jumping him before the season starts. That said, by the end of minicamp, Mitchell was still repping ahead of him.
Jameson Williams
Antoine Green
Kalif Raymond
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Maurice Alexander
Daurice Fountain
Tom Kennedy
Kaden Davis
Isaiah Williams
Tre’Quan Smith
Jalon Calhoun
While neither particularly moved the needle much with their play, when both players were healthy, Antoine Green regularly repped with the starters over Donovan Peoples-Jones. So, he’ll go into training camp as the favorite to win the starting job. That said, Kalif Raymond continues to prove why he deserves a role with the offense.
As for the depth, two players to keep an eye on: Daurice Fountain and Kaden Davis. Fountain appeared to become a favorite target of Hooker with the reserves, and Davis always seemed to make at least one big play per practice.
Penei Sewell
Dan Skipper
Connor Galvin
Colby Sorsdal
Giovanni Manu
Dan Skipper is clearly still OT3, as he was the fixture at left tackle during practices with Decker out. Connor Galvin also got a handful of first-team reps when Penei Sewell was taking a break. Colby Sorsdal, who appears to be moving full-time to tackle, was regularly with the second-team offense, while rookie Giovanni Manu didn’t budge much from the third-team left tackle spot.
Graham Glasgow
Kayode Awosika
Netane Muti
Christian Mahogany
Matt Farniok
It’s hard to know exactly where Kayode Awosika fits, as he missed all of spring with an undisclosed injury, but based on history, the Lions seem to trust him. One player to watch for is Netane Muti, who regularly got first-team reps when Kevin Zeitler had off days. Muti has 22 games of experience and four starts at the NFL level. Christian Mahogany seemingly locked down the right guard spot with the second-team offense.
Michael Niese
Bryan Hudson
Duke Clemons
Kingsley Eguakun
We saw a heck of a lot of Michael Niese with Frank Ragnow sidelined for OTAs. Obviously, if something happens to Ragnow, the Lions will likely move Graham Glasgow to center, but don’t be surprised if Niese makes a case for a roster spot given all the reps he’s been getting.
While Eguakun is at the bottom of the center depth chart here, it’s worth noting that he was getting some second/third-team guard reps. His path to the roster may be there.
Josh Paschal
John Cominsky
Marcus Davenport
James Houston
Mitchell Agude
Mathieu Betts
Isaac Ukwu
Nate Lynn
This is a difficult position to project because Marcus Davenport missed all of spring and James Houston the majority of it. Without a doubt, though, it was Josh Paschal who took the majority of reps opposite Aidan Hutchinson with the starters.
It gets a lot murkier beyond those top three, though. Mitchell Agude is a player to watch, as he got a ton of second-team reps and even slipped in there with the first team in certain subpackages. And despite me having him so low on the list, don’t count out Mathieu Betts, either. I thought he had a strong spring, but he has mostly been repping with the second and third teams.
DJ Reader
Levi Onwuzurike
Chris Smith
Mekhi Wingo
Brodric Martin
Kyle Peko
Don’t be too dismayed to see the Lions’ two draft picks at the bottom of this list. Again, the Lions like to make their young players work their way up the depth chart. And with Peko missing the last week or two of practices, both Brodric Martin and Mekhi Wingo got plenty of reps, albeit with the reserves.
Levi Onwuzurike made a very strong case for a defensive role this year, but also don’t forget that many of the players listed at the defensive end position have the versatility to kick inside.
Jack Campbell
Derrick Barnes
Malcolm Rodriguez
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Steele Chambers
DaRon Gilbert
This linebacker ranking feels pretty set in stone right now. Jack Campbell has clearly been the No. 1 MIKE linebacker in the spring, with Barnes getting some time with the ones at the SAM position.
In my opinion, Steele Chambers has made a strong case for the team’s LB6/special teams role. Although, it remains to be seen whether the Lions will carry six.
Terrion Arnold
Kindle Vildor
Emmanuel Moseley
Khalil Dorsey
Morice Norris
Steven Gilmore
Craig James
While Kindle Vildor occupied the CB2 spot for almost all of the spring, on the final week of camp—with Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold healthy enough for full-time roles—those were the two primary cornerbacks. That seems almost surely to be the Week 1 lineup, but Emmanuel Moseley could contend for a job once he is healthy.
Another name to watch here is Morice Norris, as he snuck in some a handful of first-team reps late in minicamp. The UDFA rookie out of Fresno State could contend with a guy like Steven Gilmore for a developmental spot on the roster or the practice squad. He also took reps at nickel, adding some versatility to his repertoire.
Amik Robertson
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Amik Robertson held down the starting nickel spot for all of OTAs and looked good doing it. But there is little question that when he is back and healthy, that is Brian Branch’s job—even if he’s expected to play some safety, too. Ennis Rakestraw has almost exclusively been repping at nickel, so it may be tough for him to see playing time in his rookie season.
Ifeatu Melifonwu
Brandon Joseph
C.J. Moore
Loren Strickland
Chelen Garnes
This, too, is relatively straightforward. With Kerby Joseph sidelined this spring, it was almost exclusively Brandon Joseph repping with the first team alongside Ifeatu Melifonwu. He’s also earned some serious praise from his coaches.
James Turner
While James Turner both displayed a stronger leg and was more accurate in situational drills, Michael Badgley was consistently repping first, and I believe he’s still the favorite to be Detroit’s kicker in 2024. That said, I do think Turner significantly closed the gap this spring, and if he continues to build on that performance during training camp, Detroit will have a tough position.
Hogan Hatten
I admittedly didn’t pay close attention to the long snapper battle, but Scott Daly is the incumbent and was still repping ahead of Hatten in the spring.
The only player on the roster running unopposed and for good reason.
Quarterbacks
Jared GoffNate Sudfeld
Hendon Hooker
Hendon Hooker received all the second-team reps that I saw, and much of the third-team reps. However, if the season were to start tomorrow, I believe Nate Sudfeld would be the backup to Jared Goff. The reason Hooker is getting the huge majority of the non-starter reps is because he needs those reps. The long-term plan is undeniably for him to be the backup, but he still has a ways to go, and I won’t be going into training camp assuming the job is his.
Running back
Jahmyr GibbsDavid Montgomery
Craig Reynolds
Sione Vaki
Zonovan Knight
Jermar Jefferson
Jake Funk
Nothing too surprising here. It’s worth noting that Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t practice all spring, but that allowed more reps with the first and second teams for rookie Sione Vaki. The Lions’ fourth-round pick impressed enough for me to believe he could compete for the RB3 spot by the start of the regular season, but there are still a lot of fundamentals to learn at the position before Detroit will throw him in.
Tight end
Sam LaPortaBrock Wright
James Mitchell
Shane Zylstra
Parker Hesse
Sean McKeon
It’s a make-or-break season for James Mitchell, and I think Shane Zylstra has a real shot at jumping him before the season starts. That said, by the end of minicamp, Mitchell was still repping ahead of him.
Wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. BrownJameson Williams
Antoine Green
Kalif Raymond
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Maurice Alexander
Daurice Fountain
Tom Kennedy
Kaden Davis
Isaiah Williams
Tre’Quan Smith
Jalon Calhoun
While neither particularly moved the needle much with their play, when both players were healthy, Antoine Green regularly repped with the starters over Donovan Peoples-Jones. So, he’ll go into training camp as the favorite to win the starting job. That said, Kalif Raymond continues to prove why he deserves a role with the offense.
As for the depth, two players to keep an eye on: Daurice Fountain and Kaden Davis. Fountain appeared to become a favorite target of Hooker with the reserves, and Davis always seemed to make at least one big play per practice.
Offensive tackle
Taylor DeckerPenei Sewell
Dan Skipper
Connor Galvin
Colby Sorsdal
Giovanni Manu
Dan Skipper is clearly still OT3, as he was the fixture at left tackle during practices with Decker out. Connor Galvin also got a handful of first-team reps when Penei Sewell was taking a break. Colby Sorsdal, who appears to be moving full-time to tackle, was regularly with the second-team offense, while rookie Giovanni Manu didn’t budge much from the third-team left tackle spot.
Guard
Kevin ZeitlerGraham Glasgow
Kayode Awosika
Netane Muti
Christian Mahogany
Matt Farniok
It’s hard to know exactly where Kayode Awosika fits, as he missed all of spring with an undisclosed injury, but based on history, the Lions seem to trust him. One player to watch for is Netane Muti, who regularly got first-team reps when Kevin Zeitler had off days. Muti has 22 games of experience and four starts at the NFL level. Christian Mahogany seemingly locked down the right guard spot with the second-team offense.
Center
Frank RagnowMichael Niese
Bryan Hudson
Duke Clemons
Kingsley Eguakun
We saw a heck of a lot of Michael Niese with Frank Ragnow sidelined for OTAs. Obviously, if something happens to Ragnow, the Lions will likely move Graham Glasgow to center, but don’t be surprised if Niese makes a case for a roster spot given all the reps he’s been getting.
While Eguakun is at the bottom of the center depth chart here, it’s worth noting that he was getting some second/third-team guard reps. His path to the roster may be there.
Defensive end
Aidan HutchinsonJosh Paschal
John Cominsky
Marcus Davenport
James Houston
Mitchell Agude
Mathieu Betts
Isaac Ukwu
Nate Lynn
This is a difficult position to project because Marcus Davenport missed all of spring and James Houston the majority of it. Without a doubt, though, it was Josh Paschal who took the majority of reps opposite Aidan Hutchinson with the starters.
It gets a lot murkier beyond those top three, though. Mitchell Agude is a player to watch, as he got a ton of second-team reps and even slipped in there with the first team in certain subpackages. And despite me having him so low on the list, don’t count out Mathieu Betts, either. I thought he had a strong spring, but he has mostly been repping with the second and third teams.
Defensive tackle
Alim McNeillDJ Reader
Levi Onwuzurike
Chris Smith
Mekhi Wingo
Brodric Martin
Kyle Peko
Don’t be too dismayed to see the Lions’ two draft picks at the bottom of this list. Again, the Lions like to make their young players work their way up the depth chart. And with Peko missing the last week or two of practices, both Brodric Martin and Mekhi Wingo got plenty of reps, albeit with the reserves.
Levi Onwuzurike made a very strong case for a defensive role this year, but also don’t forget that many of the players listed at the defensive end position have the versatility to kick inside.
Linebacker
Alex AnzaloneJack Campbell
Derrick Barnes
Malcolm Rodriguez
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Steele Chambers
DaRon Gilbert
This linebacker ranking feels pretty set in stone right now. Jack Campbell has clearly been the No. 1 MIKE linebacker in the spring, with Barnes getting some time with the ones at the SAM position.
In my opinion, Steele Chambers has made a strong case for the team’s LB6/special teams role. Although, it remains to be seen whether the Lions will carry six.
Cornerback
Carlton Davis IIITerrion Arnold
Kindle Vildor
Emmanuel Moseley
Khalil Dorsey
Morice Norris
Steven Gilmore
Craig James
While Kindle Vildor occupied the CB2 spot for almost all of the spring, on the final week of camp—with Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold healthy enough for full-time roles—those were the two primary cornerbacks. That seems almost surely to be the Week 1 lineup, but Emmanuel Moseley could contend for a job once he is healthy.
Another name to watch here is Morice Norris, as he snuck in some a handful of first-team reps late in minicamp. The UDFA rookie out of Fresno State could contend with a guy like Steven Gilmore for a developmental spot on the roster or the practice squad. He also took reps at nickel, adding some versatility to his repertoire.
Nickel cornerback
Brian BranchAmik Robertson
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Amik Robertson held down the starting nickel spot for all of OTAs and looked good doing it. But there is little question that when he is back and healthy, that is Brian Branch’s job—even if he’s expected to play some safety, too. Ennis Rakestraw has almost exclusively been repping at nickel, so it may be tough for him to see playing time in his rookie season.
Safety
Kerby JosephIfeatu Melifonwu
Brandon Joseph
C.J. Moore
Loren Strickland
Chelen Garnes
This, too, is relatively straightforward. With Kerby Joseph sidelined this spring, it was almost exclusively Brandon Joseph repping with the first team alongside Ifeatu Melifonwu. He’s also earned some serious praise from his coaches.
Kicker
Michael BadgleyJames Turner
While James Turner both displayed a stronger leg and was more accurate in situational drills, Michael Badgley was consistently repping first, and I believe he’s still the favorite to be Detroit’s kicker in 2024. That said, I do think Turner significantly closed the gap this spring, and if he continues to build on that performance during training camp, Detroit will have a tough position.
Long snapper
Scott DalyHogan Hatten
I admittedly didn’t pay close attention to the long snapper battle, but Scott Daly is the incumbent and was still repping ahead of Hatten in the spring.
Punter
Jack FoxThe only player on the roster running unopposed and for good reason.
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
My memory is murky, but didn't Zylstra show some pass catching athleticism prior to getting hurt? With the limited-ish depth at WR, does he possibly become more valuable than Mitchell in the slot; 2/3 TE sets?
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jeremy is going off what he’s seen this spring. I never thought Shane was anything special as a receiving TE & he missed the entire 2023 season. His brother Brandon was a WR on the Lions practice squad for a couple years.
Mitchell is underwhelming. Brock Wright never really runs routes, but they’ll throw him TE leaks once in awhile (he’ll block initially and then release.) That 25 yard seam route for a TD v the Chargers was the only time I remember him running a vert.
He’s had some big moments - the 51 yard TD at the Jets with 2 minutes left, the 30 yard catch and run in the NFCCG (slowest juke evah but hey it worked.) He’s the clear #2 when they’re in 12 personnel.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
On the PFF NFL podcast today, Sam Monson & Steve Palazzolo broke down the team roster rankings article that came out last week. Interestingly, while the author (Trevor Sikema) had Detroit 6th best, Steve said he’s got the Lions at #2. Sam countered he thought they have the done the best job of roster construction over the last 3+ years.
Breaking down Detroit’s roster
There are timestamps in the description if you want to jump around. SF was 1st, KC #2, the Eagles #3, NYJ (lol) 4th, BAL 5th, DET #6.
The podcast reorders the rankings but essentially the same Top 8.
Breaking down Detroit’s roster
There are timestamps in the description if you want to jump around. SF was 1st, KC #2, the Eagles #3, NYJ (lol) 4th, BAL 5th, DET #6.
The podcast reorders the rankings but essentially the same Top 8.
Just a couple surprises on the depth chart. I would have guessed Green and DPJ would have been flipped. And also would have expected Davenport and Pascal would have been flipped. Hopefully that is a sign that Green and Pascal have taken big steps up. I am glad Levi looks like he may be finally healthy enough to contribute.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
His accuracy has been poor in both OTAs and Minicamp. He made the same bonehead clock management mistake in the 2 minute drill on consecutive days & Ben Johnson went off on him.
Apparently our OC is generally not a screamer - has more of a teachable moment approach most times - but they said you could hear him from a few hundred yards away.
It’s early. He’s going to be given every reasonable chance to win the backup job, they’re trying to get him as many reps as they can. But rn he’s the QB3.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
The more competition the better. Michigan kicker James Turner is the other guy to watch, his college numbers are pretty decent.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Lions final thoughts: Impressive cornerbacks, Jameson Williams’ time and enchiladas
By Colton Pouncy
8h ago
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — And with that, the Detroit Lions’ offseason workouts are all but finished.
By now, the vets have left town. The young guys still here will wrap things up this week. They’ll be given north of a month to wind down with their families before reporting back for training in July, for the start of what they hope will be a special season.
But until then, here are our final thoughts on a productive spring period.
Arguably the most impressive position group this spring, relative to how far they’ve come, was the cornerback room.
It was easy to say the group was much-improved based on all the offseason activity, but actually watching it on the field and the way these guys carry themselves, it’s unlike anything I’ve seen from the position over the years. Lions LBs coach Kelvin Sheppard co-signed those sentiments.
“Being on this practice field, hearing corners talking trash out the huddle saying, ‘I got this guy and it’s nothing you gonna do about it,’ — I haven’t been around that since I’ve been here and I’ve rarely been around it in the league,” Sheppard said. “It’s rare you get guys like that — that walk, talk and act with that type of confidence — and we have multiple of them right now.”
Yes, yes they do. Carlton Davis III is one of the most physical corners I’ve watched up close. He’s exactly what they’ve been missing in terms of an in-your-chest man corner. I can’t help but remember a game plan against the Miami Dolphins in 2022, in which former DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant revealed he wanted to jam those dangerous Dolphins receivers at the line of scrimmage and get physical with them. Lions corners weren’t up to the task and couldn’t execute. I don’t think that’ll be a problem with Davis leading this group.
Beyond him, Terrion Arnold showed flashes of being the player Detroit drafted him to be. He exudes confidence, but not in a cocky, arrogant way that some defensive backs are wired. It all stems from a place of confidence and knowing exactly who he is. Corners get in trouble when they try to fake who they are. Arnold is as real as they come.
Amik Robertson is sometimes the forgotten man, but the word that’s often associated with him is “compete.” That’s what he’s here to do. He has a challenge mindset, packaged in a smaller body. Like the DB equivalent of Scrappy Doo. He just wants a chance and will fight until the very last bell. The Lions love that about him.
And then there’s Ennis Rakestraw — more reserved by nature, but his words carry weight when you really listen.
“I mean, you feel like rookies, but at the end of the day, if you feel like a rookie and you let the moment get too big for you, then what are you?” Rakestraw said Tuesday. “So you know, you gotta put yourself on the same pedestal as them. Those guys get paid and we get paid as well. So, it’s a privilege and competition is what we like to do.”
This room has done a complete 180 in terms of mindset and mentality. The hope is that it translate to the field this fall. If it does, watch out.
It can be a daunting thought, losing a solid veteran wide receiver like Josh Reynolds. He’s played with Jared Goff for almost the entirety of his NFL career, developing trust and comfort over the years. Ever since the Lions added him during the 2021 season, he was a steady presence in the receiver room. Reynolds was a reliable third option for the Lions last season with 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns. Every player and coach will tell you what he meant to that room.
Same time, there’s reason to be excited about his replacement: Jameson Williams.
You know all about Williams by now. The 2022 No. 12 pick with an aura that can’t help but draw attention — positive or negative. An injury his rookie year, followed by a suspension-shortened sophomore year has everyone in town wondering if this is Williams’ time. And by all accounts, Williams himself has taken the necessary mental strides to prepare for a starter’s workload.
Williams has impressed with his work on the outside, winning over the middle and downfield. He seems far more focused, far more engaged. He’s getting consistent reps with the first team, and he’s been tied to the hip of All-Pro WR Amon-Ra St. Brown after each one. His chemistry with Goff is also steadily improving, and even when they’ve been out of sync, it’s rarely because Williams ran the wrong route or wasn’t where he was supposed to be. Instead, it’s been instances of Goff overthrowing Williams, perhaps trusting him to go get it. You’d rather have that than Goff miss Williams short. They’re working on the deep ball together. This spring was the perfect time to iron things out.
I get the sense they’ll look better in training camp because of this time in May and June. They’ve been getting four, five, six plays together at a time, as opposed to one or two like last year. Those add up when you’re doing multiple team scrimmage periods per practice. All in all, Williams is in a good place — easily the best he’s been as a Lion. What happens from here is up to him.
This offseason period has been one of ups and downs for Hendon Hooker. It’s nothing too surprising. We knew there would be a developmental period in his first full offseason, coming from a college system that doesn’t translate well to the NFL. But it was nice learning why those struggles — accuracy, holding onto the ball too long, perhaps a bit of overthinking — have been so prevalent.
Lions passing game coordinator helped explain the root of it all. The Lions are changing his footwork.
“Really, it’s just getting him engulfed in the footwork at which we want the quarterback to play within the passing game, within the system. He comes from a different system at Tennessee in college where really he was almost standing still — almost like sitting in cement at times where there was no movement going on and he’s waiting. Where now it’s things are in rhythm, in timing, the routes should be coming open at a specific time in his drop and the ball needs to be thrown at those at those times.”
Hearing that, on the final open practice of spring, really put things into perspective. There were times you’d question why the ball wasn’t thrown or why a pass would sail. But if the Lions are breaking down Hooker’s footwork to build it back up in their system, it makes all the sense in the world. Even as he continues to re-wire his footwork, one thing coaches have been consistent about is his mindset of improvement. Engstrand said it’s been drastic since the first day of OTAs. He believes his accuracy has improved, he’s more comfortable calling plays and continues to develop.
The more time on task he has, the better off they’ll think he’ll be.
“I think just as that becomes second nature to him, you’ll continue to see the improvement there,” Engstrand said. “For sure.”
One thing that’s been clear as day is just how far along the Lions are under head coach Dan Campbell. This is Year 4. Many of the assistants he started this thing with are still in team meetings with him. Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson, Dave Fipp, Antwaan Randle El, Hank Fraley, Mark Brunell, Sheppard and Engstrand are all in their fourth seasons together. Steve Heiden and Scottie Montgomery are in their second seasons with this crew, after an extremely successful first year. And while there are some new faces joining the crew this offseason, you don’t see this sort of continuity often in the NFL.
With that in mind, I asked Engstrand what this offseason, in particular, has been like.
“I think it’s been fantastic because as coaches, you’re always coaching, but last year, there was a lot of coaching the coaches because they were new,” Engstrand said. “This year, everybody’s on the same page, we all know what we’re doing, we’re able to jump into Year 3 in the offense and (we’re) not necessarily being — not dragged, but bringing along slowly as we’re teaching the players and the coaches. Now the coaches are coaching the players as we go and everybody’s really on the same page in continuity understanding why we’re doing things. What are the details? Where do we need to be? I think that’s been a huge advantage for us this spring for sure.”
The byproduct of that? A heightened sense of urgency and attention to detail. When the Lions had their vets in here for minicamp, each day included a hyperfocused situational period. Red zone. Ball on the 1. Two-possession late-game scenarios. You name it, the Lions did it — or so it felt. Factor in growth from young players, and you can see this team taking those advanced steps in real time.
These Lions have progressed beyond the basics of the teaching stage, thanks to that continuity. That’s a potentially scary thought for the league.
8h ago
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — And with that, the Detroit Lions’ offseason workouts are all but finished.
By now, the vets have left town. The young guys still here will wrap things up this week. They’ll be given north of a month to wind down with their families before reporting back for training in July, for the start of what they hope will be a special season.
But until then, here are our final thoughts on a productive spring period.
The cornerback room could finally be ready
Arguably the most impressive position group this spring, relative to how far they’ve come, was the cornerback room.
It was easy to say the group was much-improved based on all the offseason activity, but actually watching it on the field and the way these guys carry themselves, it’s unlike anything I’ve seen from the position over the years. Lions LBs coach Kelvin Sheppard co-signed those sentiments.
“Being on this practice field, hearing corners talking trash out the huddle saying, ‘I got this guy and it’s nothing you gonna do about it,’ — I haven’t been around that since I’ve been here and I’ve rarely been around it in the league,” Sheppard said. “It’s rare you get guys like that — that walk, talk and act with that type of confidence — and we have multiple of them right now.”
Yes, yes they do. Carlton Davis III is one of the most physical corners I’ve watched up close. He’s exactly what they’ve been missing in terms of an in-your-chest man corner. I can’t help but remember a game plan against the Miami Dolphins in 2022, in which former DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant revealed he wanted to jam those dangerous Dolphins receivers at the line of scrimmage and get physical with them. Lions corners weren’t up to the task and couldn’t execute. I don’t think that’ll be a problem with Davis leading this group.
Beyond him, Terrion Arnold showed flashes of being the player Detroit drafted him to be. He exudes confidence, but not in a cocky, arrogant way that some defensive backs are wired. It all stems from a place of confidence and knowing exactly who he is. Corners get in trouble when they try to fake who they are. Arnold is as real as they come.
Amik Robertson is sometimes the forgotten man, but the word that’s often associated with him is “compete.” That’s what he’s here to do. He has a challenge mindset, packaged in a smaller body. Like the DB equivalent of Scrappy Doo. He just wants a chance and will fight until the very last bell. The Lions love that about him.
And then there’s Ennis Rakestraw — more reserved by nature, but his words carry weight when you really listen.
“I mean, you feel like rookies, but at the end of the day, if you feel like a rookie and you let the moment get too big for you, then what are you?” Rakestraw said Tuesday. “So you know, you gotta put yourself on the same pedestal as them. Those guys get paid and we get paid as well. So, it’s a privilege and competition is what we like to do.”
This room has done a complete 180 in terms of mindset and mentality. The hope is that it translate to the field this fall. If it does, watch out.
Jameson Williams can take the offense to a new level — if he’s ready to
It can be a daunting thought, losing a solid veteran wide receiver like Josh Reynolds. He’s played with Jared Goff for almost the entirety of his NFL career, developing trust and comfort over the years. Ever since the Lions added him during the 2021 season, he was a steady presence in the receiver room. Reynolds was a reliable third option for the Lions last season with 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns. Every player and coach will tell you what he meant to that room.
Same time, there’s reason to be excited about his replacement: Jameson Williams.
You know all about Williams by now. The 2022 No. 12 pick with an aura that can’t help but draw attention — positive or negative. An injury his rookie year, followed by a suspension-shortened sophomore year has everyone in town wondering if this is Williams’ time. And by all accounts, Williams himself has taken the necessary mental strides to prepare for a starter’s workload.
Williams has impressed with his work on the outside, winning over the middle and downfield. He seems far more focused, far more engaged. He’s getting consistent reps with the first team, and he’s been tied to the hip of All-Pro WR Amon-Ra St. Brown after each one. His chemistry with Goff is also steadily improving, and even when they’ve been out of sync, it’s rarely because Williams ran the wrong route or wasn’t where he was supposed to be. Instead, it’s been instances of Goff overthrowing Williams, perhaps trusting him to go get it. You’d rather have that than Goff miss Williams short. They’re working on the deep ball together. This spring was the perfect time to iron things out.
I get the sense they’ll look better in training camp because of this time in May and June. They’ve been getting four, five, six plays together at a time, as opposed to one or two like last year. Those add up when you’re doing multiple team scrimmage periods per practice. All in all, Williams is in a good place — easily the best he’s been as a Lion. What happens from here is up to him.
Hendon Hooker’s on his way, but it’s going to take time
This offseason period has been one of ups and downs for Hendon Hooker. It’s nothing too surprising. We knew there would be a developmental period in his first full offseason, coming from a college system that doesn’t translate well to the NFL. But it was nice learning why those struggles — accuracy, holding onto the ball too long, perhaps a bit of overthinking — have been so prevalent.
Lions passing game coordinator helped explain the root of it all. The Lions are changing his footwork.
“Really, it’s just getting him engulfed in the footwork at which we want the quarterback to play within the passing game, within the system. He comes from a different system at Tennessee in college where really he was almost standing still — almost like sitting in cement at times where there was no movement going on and he’s waiting. Where now it’s things are in rhythm, in timing, the routes should be coming open at a specific time in his drop and the ball needs to be thrown at those at those times.”
Hearing that, on the final open practice of spring, really put things into perspective. There were times you’d question why the ball wasn’t thrown or why a pass would sail. But if the Lions are breaking down Hooker’s footwork to build it back up in their system, it makes all the sense in the world. Even as he continues to re-wire his footwork, one thing coaches have been consistent about is his mindset of improvement. Engstrand said it’s been drastic since the first day of OTAs. He believes his accuracy has improved, he’s more comfortable calling plays and continues to develop.
The more time on task he has, the better off they’ll think he’ll be.
“I think just as that becomes second nature to him, you’ll continue to see the improvement there,” Engstrand said. “For sure.”
The continuity of the coaching staff is more evident than it’s ever been
One thing that’s been clear as day is just how far along the Lions are under head coach Dan Campbell. This is Year 4. Many of the assistants he started this thing with are still in team meetings with him. Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson, Dave Fipp, Antwaan Randle El, Hank Fraley, Mark Brunell, Sheppard and Engstrand are all in their fourth seasons together. Steve Heiden and Scottie Montgomery are in their second seasons with this crew, after an extremely successful first year. And while there are some new faces joining the crew this offseason, you don’t see this sort of continuity often in the NFL.
With that in mind, I asked Engstrand what this offseason, in particular, has been like.
“I think it’s been fantastic because as coaches, you’re always coaching, but last year, there was a lot of coaching the coaches because they were new,” Engstrand said. “This year, everybody’s on the same page, we all know what we’re doing, we’re able to jump into Year 3 in the offense and (we’re) not necessarily being — not dragged, but bringing along slowly as we’re teaching the players and the coaches. Now the coaches are coaching the players as we go and everybody’s really on the same page in continuity understanding why we’re doing things. What are the details? Where do we need to be? I think that’s been a huge advantage for us this spring for sure.”
The byproduct of that? A heightened sense of urgency and attention to detail. When the Lions had their vets in here for minicamp, each day included a hyperfocused situational period. Red zone. Ball on the 1. Two-possession late-game scenarios. You name it, the Lions did it — or so it felt. Factor in growth from young players, and you can see this team taking those advanced steps in real time.
These Lions have progressed beyond the basics of the teaching stage, thanks to that continuity. That’s a potentially scary thought for the league.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
The Lions believe they’re ready to win a Super Bowl
Before his veterans left for the summer, off to train on their own and enjoy an extended break before a much-anticipated 2024 season, Campbell was asked what his message to them would be.
He told them to remember what they’re playing for. To think about what they want out of this season. To envision what they want their February to look like.
Then, Campbell was asked what he wants out of this season.
“You know what I want,” Campbell said. “I want the whole enchilada.”
These were not comments Campbell or anyone in the building were making this time a year ago. Back then, there was a cautious optimism to all of this. The Lions had finished 9-8 but missed the playoffs. Campbell was a coach who knew what he had if things came together, but publicly, it was about winning the division, getting in the dance and seeing what happens. There was little to no talk of enchiladas. That’s no longer the case.
“Before you can set goals, you have to set a foundation,” Sheppard said. “So I think right now, the things we’ve been discussing this offseason have been foundationally. I think we all know where we’re at as an organization and what the goal is this year. Dan, the whole enchilada, he’s been eating a lot of Mexican. But that’s what we’re all in this year, is for the whole enchilada.”
Yes, the Detroit Lions are openly talking about the Super Bowl. And they should. There’s no need to roll your eyes. It’s not coachspeak. This is where they’re at as a franchise.
Lions CB Terrion Arnold signs 4-year deal, says he's faster than injury-slowed 40-time
I always believed his 40 time was faster than 4.51. He plays much faster than that, similar to Brian Branch.
I always believed his 40 time was faster than 4.51. He plays much faster than that, similar to Brian Branch.
nittanylion
Footballguy
(disappointed WFT'skinsguy)...was really hoping the 'skins would sign Bates. Good for you guys. Been around these parts since Ol' Yeller, commiserating by osmosis with the vets in this Thread through years of disfunction and disappointment. Keep rolling, and hopefully our time is coming on the next wave.
Gonna be fun watching him launch boomers indoors!
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I bet Bates is glad that his parents didn't name him Norman.
No ******** I lived with a Norman Bates when I was in the navy, but he went by Rusty.. hope u see this brah...
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Any relation to Bates Burgers in Livonia ? Best sliders around.
msudaisy26
Footballguy
Hopefully his nickname isn't master if he is as good of a kicker as we all hope.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Bates signing is another Holmes move to strengthen a weakness. He may or may not work out but instead of losing some game due to a PK making a record breaking FG we now have a guy who can win one doing the same. Bates is an example of a franchise that is on a roll and is finding a way to attract and obtain difference making talent.
Bates was 17 for 22, so 77% is kind a ok, but when you dive down it is more impressive. He was 11 for 12 from inside 50, with his miss being from 39 yards outdoors into the wind. 92 percent inside the 50 yards is very solid. From 50 plus, he was 6 for 10, which is pretty good. But what makes it impressive is 4 of those attempts were from 58 plus (58, 62, 62 and 64).
So even with Bates numbers dropping off towards the end, his overall season was impressive when you realize the heavy mix of very long range attempts.
Badgley is toast. IMHO, it is a toss-up between Turner and Bates. But with mostly indoor games, I would give the nod to Bates.
So even with Bates numbers dropping off towards the end, his overall season was impressive when you realize the heavy mix of very long range attempts.
Badgley is toast. IMHO, it is a toss-up between Turner and Bates. But with mostly indoor games, I would give the nod to Bates.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
including the playoff game:
21 of 28
75%
7 of 12 from 50+
58.3%
14 of 16 from inside 50
87.5%
misses on the season were from 39, 44, 51 51, 53, 58, 62
critical error late in the 4th Q of the playoff game, kicking the ball out of bounds with less than 5 minutes left which led to the other team scoring the go ahead score off a short field
AFAIK he has never attempted an XPA at any level
Would be an awesome story if he makes the team, look at what Brandon Aubrey did last year - similar lack of game experience at any level, UFL sensation, crushed it
21 of 28
75%
7 of 12 from 50+
58.3%
14 of 16 from inside 50
87.5%
misses on the season were from 39, 44, 51 51, 53, 58, 62
critical error late in the 4th Q of the playoff game, kicking the ball out of bounds with less than 5 minutes left which led to the other team scoring the go ahead score off a short field
AFAIK he has never attempted an XPA at any level
Would be an awesome story if he makes the team, look at what Brandon Aubrey did last year - similar lack of game experience at any level, UFL sensation, crushed it
When Detroit moved up from the 29th to the 24th pick from Dallas, they had competition from Arizona who also had a deal on the table for that pick. Arizona offered their 27th pick in exchange to swap 3rd and 4th round picks (104th and 174th). The Lions offer was far superior offering a much better 3rd (73rd) in exchange for a 7th, but dropping down 5 spots instead of 3.
The Lions won out and got their man Terrion Arnold at 24. By the book the Lions overpaid, but the Lions considered Arnold a top 15 pick in by far their weakest position which probably kept them from the #1 seed last season and is essential upgrade to compete for a Super Bowl this year.
The Lions won out and got their man Terrion Arnold at 24. By the book the Lions overpaid, but the Lions considered Arnold a top 15 pick in by far their weakest position which probably kept them from the #1 seed last season and is essential upgrade to compete for a Super Bowl this year.
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
base salaries of $795,000 and $960,000 with $50,000 of his first-year salary guaranteed, $75,000 workout bonus in 2025, no split salaries $50,000 roster bonus this year
K James Turner has been waived.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
It looks like Bates already found his first victim. Watch out in the shower Badgley...
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Not sure about that move. We know Badgley isn’t it and Bates is a huge ?. By all accounts Turner had a big leg and wasn’t missing this spring. I might have preferred a 3 player kicker battle.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Meaning they'd have to cut a positional player to open a spot on the 90 man. Even with their multiple fields in Allen Park not sure we'd have enough LS to get all 3 of the reps Fipp would want. Typically Fox, the PK & LS all work together on one field while the offense/defense uses the other one.
Badgley did make a key 54 yarder in the Rams WC game they won by 1, so I guess that might have played into it. They gave Bates less GTD ($150K) than two UDFAs - it's a tryout contract.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
It’s my understanding (based on a lions bloggers post) that the Lions now have an open roster spot.
It is clear the Lions did not want to utilize three spots for kickers. It could have been the Lions have a trust level with Badgley and liked the floor that he provided and/or that Turner was unhappy with the signing of Bates and wanted a better opportunity elsewhere.
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Gotcha - that’s possible. I do remember a few weeks back Campbell mentioning in passing during a presser they were at 89. But it appears they are currently maxed out at 90.
In 2021 they went a few months at 89 (post UDFA until TC opened) just to have flexibility. Last year there was a time - I forget exactly when, it wasn’t lengthy like in Y1 - they were at 89 for a week or two. And then again in December when they were trying to figure out the DL rotation they wanted to keep for the playoffs they stayed at 52 players for about 10 days with a bunch of guys coming back (CJGJ, Alim, JH4.)
But there are no NFI designations and pre-TC I don’t think there is a mechanism that would allow them to hide anyone who is injured as far as I can see.
Once camp opens, Reader and possibly 1-2 might be put on PUP bc they’re not fully cleared. AFAIK BB & Kerby will be ready, not sure who else is dealing with anything.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Barry Sanders had a heart related health scare last weekend
Bill Walton, Jerry West, Willie Mays…I’m glad things don’t come in fours! Stay well, Legend - gonna win one before you go. Bet.
Bill Walton, Jerry West, Willie Mays…I’m glad things don’t come in fours! Stay well, Legend - gonna win one before you go. Bet.
Sutton is filing a grievance against the Lions which could impact the Lions cap space. As part of the grievance process, 40 percent of Sutton's $10.5 million voided salary cap hit for this year is being counted against the Lions cap until it is resolved. NFL so far has not taken any action against Sutton concerning suspensions yet. If the NFL is serious about domestic violence they will hit Sutton with a 4-game suspension and deny his grievance, but the NFL is lacks consistency, so who knows.
massraider
Footballguy
That is a really nice looking secondary.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Looks good on paper, don't it?
Have to give Brad Holmes credit, took a page out of the Howie Roseman playbook. Annoyed by a faulty position group? Attack it from every angle.
- Trade (Carlton Davis III)
- Free Agency (Amik Robertson)
- Draft (traded up for Terrion Arnold)
- Draft double down - why not take another swing (Ennis Rakestraw) since 50% of 1st rounders don't pan out.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
PFF ran an article on Best Duos at various positions. Taking the top spot at IDL was DJ Reader & Alim McNeil.
In another article on receiving corps - which takes into account TE & RB - Detroit was ranked 7th.
Other articles about best at each position:
The biggest question marks with the new guys are health. DJ Reader won’t be ready when camp opens but should be OK for Week 1. Marcus Davenport has had one season with 500+ snaps; missed 32 games in 6 years. Carlton Davis III is coming off his worst year and he’s missed 16 games the last 3 years and left several more games with injury.
Couple of takes on the latter:
Everything you need to know about new Lions cornerback Carlton Davis (Jeremy Reisman)
First impression report right after the trade with a former Bucs beat writer & Pride of Detroit contributor
Carlton Davis Film Review: Veteran CB Gives Secondary Big Upgrade (Christian Booher)
Not a fan of FanSided articles, they're usually just blogger fans or part timers who are barely credentialed. This guy is mostly the latter - part-time assistant basketball coach at a BFE Community College up north (Harrison) and has been writing for SI the last 3.5 years. But he's churning out a lot of content this offseason and I'm starting to take a shine to him.
Anyway, the one encouraging thing about 23 is he's a good press man corner. That is strongly preferred by AG but he hasn't really had the horses to employ it consistently. Conversely, TB was a lot of Cover 3 - the Detroit scheme fit is probably going to be better suited to Davis' strengths. He's not great against quick smaller guys and can't click n close v burners, but he's taken on some bigger guys (Michael Thomas at his peak, Michael Pittman last year) and pretty much erased them. I do question if he's all in when it comes to being a run stopper, I think the injuries have sort of done a number on him mentally (plus he's probably still thinking about that block Craig Reynolds laid on him last year.)
In another article on receiving corps - which takes into account TE & RB - Detroit was ranked 7th.
Other articles about best at each position:
- QB Goff 16th
- RB Gibbs 9th Monty 23rd
- WR ARSB 7th
- TE LaPorta 5th
- T Sewell 3rd, Decker 14th
- G Zeitler 6th, GG 27th
- C Ragnow 2nd
- DI Reader 13th, McNeil 15th
- ED Hutch 6th, Davenport 32nd
- LB none
- CB Branch 13th, CD3 22nd
- S none
The biggest question marks with the new guys are health. DJ Reader won’t be ready when camp opens but should be OK for Week 1. Marcus Davenport has had one season with 500+ snaps; missed 32 games in 6 years. Carlton Davis III is coming off his worst year and he’s missed 16 games the last 3 years and left several more games with injury.
Couple of takes on the latter:
Everything you need to know about new Lions cornerback Carlton Davis (Jeremy Reisman)
First impression report right after the trade with a former Bucs beat writer & Pride of Detroit contributor
Carlton Davis Film Review: Veteran CB Gives Secondary Big Upgrade (Christian Booher)
Not a fan of FanSided articles, they're usually just blogger fans or part timers who are barely credentialed. This guy is mostly the latter - part-time assistant basketball coach at a BFE Community College up north (Harrison) and has been writing for SI the last 3.5 years. But he's churning out a lot of content this offseason and I'm starting to take a shine to him.
Anyway, the one encouraging thing about 23 is he's a good press man corner. That is strongly preferred by AG but he hasn't really had the horses to employ it consistently. Conversely, TB was a lot of Cover 3 - the Detroit scheme fit is probably going to be better suited to Davis' strengths. He's not great against quick smaller guys and can't click n close v burners, but he's taken on some bigger guys (Michael Thomas at his peak, Michael Pittman last year) and pretty much erased them. I do question if he's all in when it comes to being a run stopper, I think the injuries have sort of done a number on him mentally (plus he's probably still thinking about that block Craig Reynolds laid on him last year.)
Don't forget the resigning of Moseley. Mosely is like the invisible man on our defense, nobody talks about him, but he could contribute as our nickle corner or CB2. I get it, he was only able to play two snaps last year and may be unavailable for camp, but he should not be overlooked. He is a darn good football player.
Moseley was a starting CB on a very good SF defense. He was hurt in game 5, but up to that point had 22 tackles, a TFL, 5 passes defended, and a pick 6. Really solid player who has 4.4 speed. As good as Arnold has looked, there are no gaurentees our rookies are NFL ready this season. .
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
All the reports from minicamp is Arnold is the CB2 opposite Davis, and he made plenty of plays to demonstrate he's a different cat.
No pads, so can't tell too much from that, but by all accounts the job is his to lose. If Robertson, Moseley or Rakestraw earn snaps, so much the better - they have insane competition at CB this summer.
As Brad Holmes said, "It's a bloodbath in that Cornerback room rn."
No pads, so can't tell too much from that, but by all accounts the job is his to lose. If Robertson, Moseley or Rakestraw earn snaps, so much the better - they have insane competition at CB this summer.
As Brad Holmes said, "It's a bloodbath in that Cornerback room rn."
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
well this news sux
Top 2 or 3 beat writer IMO and asks the best question at the coaches weekly pressers. He has lobbied the News often to make take down the paywall on specific Lions articles free bc he knows it's about a subject fans have Tweeted or DMed him about. Seems like a good guy who doesn't take himself to seriously.
Wish him nothing but the best going forward, will be missed.
Top 2 or 3 beat writer IMO and asks the best question at the coaches weekly pressers. He has lobbied the News often to make take down the paywall on specific Lions articles free bc he knows it's about a subject fans have Tweeted or DMed him about. Seems like a good guy who doesn't take himself to seriously.
Wish him nothing but the best going forward, will be missed.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jared did a thing over the weekend
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Hotel staff claim that on their wedding night, one could hear her chanting "Jared Goff, Jared Goff".
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I got a YouTube notification last week bc the Pistons were introducing their new Head of Bball Operations. While we were waiting for the livestream to start the Live Chat broke into a Jared Goff chant.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
If anyone wants to head over to Allen Park this summer, here is the schedule of practices open to fans:
Looks like free Giants Training Camp tickets are only available for Season Ticket holders.
I had hoped to watch the Giants-Lions joint practices, but my only option is to buy on the secondary market. FTN
- Saturday, July 27 — 8:30 a.m. ET — Season ticket holders only
- Monday, July 29 — 8:30 a.m. ET
- Tuesday, July 30 — 8:30 a.m. ET
- Wednesday, July 31 — 8:30 a.m. ET
- Thursday, Aug. 1 — 8:30 a.m. ET
- Friday, Aug. 2 — 8:30 a.m. ET — Season ticket holders only
- Sunday, Aug. 11 — 1:15 p.m. ET
- Monday, Aug. 12 — 6 p.m. ET — Season ticket holders only
- Wednesday, Aug. 14 — 8:30 a.m. ET
Looks like free Giants Training Camp tickets are only available for Season Ticket holders.
I had hoped to watch the Giants-Lions joint practices, but my only option is to buy on the secondary market. FTN
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
OG3 could be a pretty important role with both starters (GG & Zeitler) being older players.
I presumed with Sorsdal sliding outside this year (at least that's the early indication), Kayode Awosika would have the inside track. Not good.
Mixed bag (mostly bad) in 370 snaps last year. 27 pressures allowed. Pass blocking grades in his first 3 years: 31.7, 41.6, 46.0. Gave up 11 pressures in the Divisional and NFCCG rounds on 118 snaps after Jonah was re-injured in the 2nd Q of the Bucs win.
Chief competition will be Netane (Nuh-tahn-E) Muti (Moo-T). Similar career trajectory to Kayode on the surface - 22 g, 4 gs, 468 career snaps for Muti v 26 g, 5 gs and 568 snaps for Yode.
Muti once benched 44 reps (225 lbs), and is a former wrestler. Didn't start playing varsity until his junior year of h.s., two ruptured achilles in college. Easy to see why he's a long shot to make the 53 man.
All that said, Al Karsten makes some interesting points in this 12-post tweetstorm with commentary analysis with 12 game clips (most from 2020-2021.) Doubt this works out but was kind of fun to discover more about a guy who will be in a TC battle that likely decides which one of these two gets to keep the dream alive. Both men are in their age 25 season.
This kind of content and grinding through 500 FF player projections, that's my pre-vacation life rn lol.
I presumed with Sorsdal sliding outside this year (at least that's the early indication), Kayode Awosika would have the inside track. Not good.
Mixed bag (mostly bad) in 370 snaps last year. 27 pressures allowed. Pass blocking grades in his first 3 years: 31.7, 41.6, 46.0. Gave up 11 pressures in the Divisional and NFCCG rounds on 118 snaps after Jonah was re-injured in the 2nd Q of the Bucs win.
Chief competition will be Netane (Nuh-tahn-E) Muti (Moo-T). Similar career trajectory to Kayode on the surface - 22 g, 4 gs, 468 career snaps for Muti v 26 g, 5 gs and 568 snaps for Yode.
Muti once benched 44 reps (225 lbs), and is a former wrestler. Didn't start playing varsity until his junior year of h.s., two ruptured achilles in college. Easy to see why he's a long shot to make the 53 man.
All that said, Al Karsten makes some interesting points in this 12-post tweetstorm with commentary analysis with 12 game clips (most from 2020-2021.) Doubt this works out but was kind of fun to discover more about a guy who will be in a TC battle that likely decides which one of these two gets to keep the dream alive. Both men are in their age 25 season.
This kind of content and grinding through 500 FF player projections, that's my pre-vacation life rn lol.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Always wondered where the term "room" came from or started. It is not like they are all locked up in a classroom competing and fighting each other.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Always wondered where the term "room" came from or started. It is not like they are all locked up in a classroom competing and fighting each other.
I imagine the fact the different position groups literally go to separate rooms with their position coaches for film study plays a part here.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Diehard Fans Only
Detroit Lions Head Coach Quiz
(fill-in the blank)
This was fun. How many can you name? My results + the answer key inside the Spoiler Tags at the bottom of the post.
Hints - 30 HC postings but only 29 names (1 repeat.) 4 of the coaches were interim ONLY; couple more were interims who became the HC but not rquired here.
1930
1931–1936
1937–1938
1939
1940
1941–1942
1942
1943–1947
1948–1950
1951–1956
1957–1964
1965–1966
1967–1972
1973
1974–1976
1976–1977
1978–1984
1985–1988
1988–1996
1997–2000
2000
2001–2002
2003–2005
2005
2006–2008
2009–2013
2014–2017
2018-2020
2020
2021-Current
Detroit Lions Head Coach Quiz
(fill-in the blank)
This was fun. How many can you name? My results + the answer key inside the Spoiler Tags at the bottom of the post.
Hints - 30 HC postings but only 29 names (1 repeat.) 4 of the coaches were interim ONLY; couple more were interims who became the HC but not rquired here.
1930
1931–1936
1937–1938
1939
1940
1941–1942
1942
1943–1947
1948–1950
1951–1956
1957–1964
1965–1966
1967–1972
1973
1974–1976
1976–1977
1978–1984
1985–1988
1988–1996
1997–2000
2000
2001–2002
2003–2005
2005
2006–2008
2009–2013
2014–2017
2018-2020
2020
2021-Current
Lions HC Quiz
(Portsmouth 1930-33)
1930
INCORRECT: Left Blank
Answer: Hal Griffen
1931–1936
Potsy Clark
1937–1938
Dutch Clark
1939
Incorrect: Left Blank
Answer: Gus Henderson
1940
Potsy Clark
1941–1942
INCORRECT: Left Blank
Answer: Bill Edwards
1942 (interim)
INCORRECT: Frankie Sinkwich
Answer: Bull Karcis
1943–1947
Gus Dorais
1948–1950
Bo McMillan
1951–1956
Buddy Parker
1957–1964
George Wilson
1965–1966
Harry Gilmer
1967–1972
Joe Schmidt
1973
Don McCafferty
1974–1976
Rick Forzano
1976–1977
Tommy Hudspeth
1978–1984
Monte Clark
1985–1988
Darryl Rogers
1988–1996
Wayne Fontes
1997–2000
Bobby Ross
2000 (interim)
Gary Moeller
2001–2002
Steve Mariucci
2005 (interim)
**** Jauron
2006–2008
Rod Marinelli
2009–2013
Jim Schwartz
2014–2017
Jim Caldwell
2018-2020
Matt Patricia
2020 (interim)
Darell Bevell
2021-current
Dan Campbell
I got 25 out of 30. Not giving myself credit for MM, took too long to remember him, had to keep going back to it. Three of my five misses were left blank, no clue on the prewar history. Also, I remembered Sinkwich as a HC lol - actually, a year later (1943) he was the 1st Overall Pick by the Lions - the first of four instances they held the 1.01 in the draft.
(Portsmouth 1930-33)
1930
INCORRECT: Left Blank
Answer: Hal Griffen
1931–1936
Potsy Clark
1937–1938
Dutch Clark
1939
Incorrect: Left Blank
Answer: Gus Henderson
1940
Potsy Clark
1941–1942
INCORRECT: Left Blank
Answer: Bill Edwards
1942 (interim)
INCORRECT: Frankie Sinkwich
Answer: Bull Karcis
1943–1947
Gus Dorais
1948–1950
Bo McMillan
1951–1956
Buddy Parker
1957–1964
George Wilson
1965–1966
Harry Gilmer
1967–1972
Joe Schmidt
1973
Don McCafferty
1974–1976
Rick Forzano
1976–1977
Tommy Hudspeth
1978–1984
Monte Clark
1985–1988
Darryl Rogers
1988–1996
Wayne Fontes
1997–2000
Bobby Ross
2000 (interim)
Gary Moeller
2001–2002
- That guy who kicked off in OT after winning the toss
- Marty Markowitz - no wait, he was the Brooklyn Borough President
- Marty Mornhinweg
Steve Mariucci
2005 (interim)
**** Jauron
2006–2008
Rod Marinelli
2009–2013
Jim Schwartz
2014–2017
Jim Caldwell
2018-2020
Matt Patricia
2020 (interim)
Darell Bevell
2021-current
Dan Campbell
I got 25 out of 30. Not giving myself credit for MM, took too long to remember him, had to keep going back to it. Three of my five misses were left blank, no clue on the prewar history. Also, I remembered Sinkwich as a HC lol - actually, a year later (1943) he was the 1st Overall Pick by the Lions - the first of four instances they held the 1.01 in the draft.
