Inside Allen Park: Lions OTA Observations
The Detroit Lions enter offseason workouts as a team that is being viewed as being on the rise.
With elevated expectations, the team is working toward drastically improving its play on the field, namely in the secondary.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn expressed prior to practice, "Give a lot of credit to our personnel department. Just recognizing that and understanding exactly where we need to get better at. And, that was in the secondary. And man, the pieces that they brought in are pieces that really fit who we are as a team. First and foremost, they can do the things we need to do defensively -- as far as playing man, playing zone. Really smart guys, really tough guys. Everybody, every piece they brought in like fits us to a 'T.' And, that's probably more important than anything."
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Participation
As expected, Detroit had a significant portion of its roster present at the team's Allen Park practice facility.
Those not spotted during the portion open to the media were center Frank Ragnow, guard Jonah Jackson, along with defensive linemen Benito Jones and Isaiah Buggs.
Running back Craig Reynolds was present, but did not participate in workouts. Also not working out included wide receiver Trinity Benson and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, who was spotted stretching and working with trainers on the sidelines.
Additionally, quarterback Hendon Hooker and cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and Steven Gilmore did not participate in the day's practice, but were on hand.
Head coach Dan Campbell indicated those not present were excused, and even quipped that many members of the roster have expanding families at this time of the year.
Rookie goals
Campbell indicated that he wanted the young players on the roster to understand how the team conducts business, both schematically and off the field.
“I think you want to feel like that, by the end of this, they have a pretty good feel, or grasp, of what we do," said Campbell. "The way we go about our business, the way we meet, the way we practice and then the scheme. Schematics -- they can get lined up, they’re not, ‘I start here and then I gotta go over here, because I forgot,’ and vice versa. Alignment, assignment, all those things. What you’re not able to get this time of year is the physical side of it. No pads, we’ve gotta be careful with each other, so that is not the emphasis. The physical part of this is not, it’s the mental. And, I think that’s the biggest thing for the rookies.”
Detroit's defense has a renewed swagger
In a day where the defense showcased solid coverage all throughout practice, the confidence showcased by C.J. Gardner-Johnson should trickle down throughout the roster.
The veteran is expected to play at multiple positions in Glenn's defense, including at nickel and at safety.
Gardner-Johnson was seen celebrating and exuding excitement when the secondary stepped up and made plays in coverage.
Wideout Kalif Raymond was involved in a slight collision with cornerback Kahlil Dorsey, who held his ground and earned cheers from his defensive teammates for the quality rep. Safety Brady Breeze came up with an interception on the aforementioned play.
Cam Sutton vs. Jameson Williams
Sutton, on the outside, matched up on a couple of occasions against Jameson Williams. In one rep, the veteran defensive back was tight in coverage, and did not allow Williams into space.
The next rep, Williams planted, and used an inside cut to shed Sutton quickly. While the pass over the middle to an open Williams was not made, the speedy wideout clearly bested the veteran.
The 22-year-old showcased his blazing speed, but Detroit's quarterbacks were not able to connect on the couple of deep bombs tossed his way.
Alex Anzalone showcased speed in coverage against Jahmyr Gibbs
The veteran was able to take advantage of his savviness in coverage, and demonstrated positive recognition on multiple reps.
When running back Jahmyr Gibbs was sent deep on a route to the sidelines, Anzalone was in lock-step, resulting in an incomplete deep pass attempt. Detroit's deep passing attack was all but non-existent at OTAs, as the secondary and linebackers held their own in coverage.
Backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld demonstrated zip on multiple passes he attempted deep.
Jack Campbell lines up with veteran linebacker
The young linebacker is expected to be a "damn good football player," according to Glenn.
"I can't sit here and tell you he's going to start, but he'd have a chance to compete to start. We drafted him for a reason," Glenn said.
While switching between first-and-second-team reps, Campbell was seen alongside veteran linebacker Jalen-Reeves Maybin and second-year pro Malcolm Rodriguez.
Following a short completion to running back Jermar Jefferson, Campbell turned on the after- burners, and showcased similar speed to the young running back, en route to the end zone.
