Ranking Lions' Position Battles Ahead of OTAs
The Detroit Lions still have plenty to settle as they enter phase three of the NFL offseason.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell is currently tasked with evaluating competitions at a number of key spots. General manager Brad Holmes upgraded the talent on the roster, so now the coaching staff must sort through the position battles to best put together the pieces of this puzzle.
There's plenty of time separating Detroit from its regular season opener in Kansas City. The position battles facing the Lions likely won't be settled until cuts are made at the conclusion of the preseason.
Here are the top five position battles facing the Lions, ahead of the start of organized team activities.
5.) Kicker
The Lions will once again have a kicker competition throughout the offseason. Michael Badgley is the incumbent, having made 24-of-28 field goals last season.
The newcomer is John Parker Romo, who was the XFL's top kicker during the spring. He's yet to appear in an NFL regular season game, but spent time with the New Orleans Saints in 2022.
Romo made nine kicks over 40 yards with the San Antonio Brahmas during the spring season. One of those was a 57-yarder, a sign that he brings a big leg to Detroit.
Badgley was two-for-three, with a long of 53, from beyond 50 yards. He's got the advantage currently, but the newcomer can make things interesting by being consistent from long distances.
This position battle won't offer much consequence in the immediate future, but the winner will face plenty of pressure in key situations. Whoever secures the kicking duties will be counted on to be consistent in clutch situations.
4.) Right Guard
Detroit's offensive line is set in four of five spots, with right guard being the only position still up in the air. Halapoulivaati Vaitai is back after missing the entire 2022 season with a back injury, and will face competition in the form of Graham Glasgow.
The veterans will compete for a spot where both have plenty of starting experience. Each also has positional versatility, with Vaitai having played tackle in the past and Glasgow possessing experience at center.
3.) Tight End
There was no setback in the offensive production for Detroit after trading star tight end T.J. Hockenson. The trio of Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra thrived in their respective roles.
Rookie Sam LaPorta will enter the picture, and already looks the part of an NFL starter. He's an adept receiver who holds his own as a blocker.
Detroit often deploys multiple tight ends, but its starter should be someone who it feels comfortable with as a pass-catcher.
The incumbents didn't produce eye-popping numbers in their opportunities last season, so LaPorta could secure the job with a strong training camp.
2.) Cornerback
Detroit overhauled its secondary through free agency, particularly at the cornerback position. Gone is Jeff Okudah, who was traded to Atlanta for a fifth-round pick.
Replacing him will be Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, a pair of signings who bring starting pedigree. Sutton looks to step in and immediately be the team's starter on one side of the field.
The other side is a little more tricky. Moseley was enjoying a solid start to the 2022 season before he suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
There's also a pair of competitive returning players in Will Harris and Jerry Jacobs. Harris is a converted safety who has held his own when asked to play a starting role.
Jacobs, meanwhile, is an undersized but tough player who has produced solid stretches. Both players haven't been awe-inspiring with their performance, but their scheme familiarity and respective traits will allow them to compete with Moseley for the second spot.
1.) Linebacker
Detroit spent its second first round pick on linebacker Jack Campbell after re-signing Alex Anzalone to a three-year deal.
The commitments signal that the duo will be the team's starters in 2023 and beyond. However, Malcolm Rodriguez established himself as a key player last season and will compete for the job.
A sixth-rounder in 2022, the Oklahoma State product worked his way onto the first team defense with his toughness and knack for being in the right spot.
Those traits aren't going anywhere, so he will be firmly in the mix. Rodriguez winning the job would allow his rookie counterpart to spend time developing and learning the scheme.
Yet, Campbell has the skill-set to make a big impact right away. This competition should be fun to follow throughout the offseason.
