Lions Stock Watch: Young Defensive Line Is Thriving, Jameson Williams' Potential
The Detroit Lions' young defensive line is hungry, competitive and understands that no player will be "grandfathered" into a starting job.
Through the first week of training camp, several young defensive linemen have started to emerge and have garnered more attention.
Here is a look at how several players on the roster have performed over the past week at training camp.
Stock rising
Josh Paschal
Paschal's development throughout training camp has been stellar, as the second-year defensive lineman has also caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Aaron Glenn noted, “That’s one player that I’m very excited for, for the simple fact of what you just said that he really didn’t get a chance to go through training camp last year. He really didn’t get a chance to go through an offseason program last year, and he’s been able to do that. So, I think we’re starting to see the fruits of that show up. He’s a powerful, physical man and again, that’s why we drafted him in the second round."
"We expected those things from him, and he’s going to be a good player," Glenn continued. "He’s going to be a really good player, and I’m excited to see what he’s going to give us in the season.”
Brodric Martin
Martin's stock is on the rise, as his ability to stuff the run has been on display during training camp. Lions' backs just could not find space to run through when Martin clogged the middle.
His ascent up the depth chart should not be a surprise to anyone, as the coaching staff is banking on what he can bring to the interior of the defensive line.
Jack Campbell
Chris Spielman told 97.1 The Ticket that the young linebacker has the instincts to excel at the position.
"When you draft that position, he better have instincts. If he doesn’t have instincts, he’s got no shot. And Jack has them," Spielman said of Campbell.
Playing with the first-team defense, mostly with Alex Anzalone, has introduced Campbell to what top offenses look like and are capable of.
The 2023 No. 18 overall pick has a quick burst and downhill speed that will bode well in his pursuit of quarterbacks, and he showcases a relentless motor on a daily basis.
His no-nonsense, all-business approach will bode well, as he acclimates to life in the NFL.
Competing with Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and Anthony Pittman has given the young linebacker the added edge to try and earn a spot as a starter in Glenn's defense. Campbell's stock is on the rise and at a very fast rate.
Stock stalled
Mohamed Ibrahim
With veteran Justin Jackson on the roster, Ibrahim has likely slipped down the depth chart.
While he is a young, developing player, it does not appear -- at least at this point -- that the former Golden Gophers back has a pathway to make the 53-man roster out of training camp.
With three preseason games ahead, there is an opportunity to make enough noise to potentially land on another team that needs a running back. Otherwise, Ibrahim could spend the 2023 season on Detroit's practice squad.
Starling Thomas V
Monday was Thomas' worst day at camp, as taller wideouts forced the young back to hold with regularity.
Wideout Denzel Mims took the most exception to Thomas' tactics.
Thomas struggled in team and individual drills, as well, on Monday. Prior to his worst practice, the young defensive back had experienced a steady first camp in the NFL.
With increased opportunities, including playing alongside Steven Gilmore on the second team, Thomas has garnered much more attention.
"I think the first thing that I will say about that is, man, just our personnel guys do a heck of a job of finding these type of guys," said Glenn. "I guess it’s starting to be a trend of us finding DBs, so I appreciate what those guys do and the work they put in. Now Starling, he is physical, he can run, he’s highly competitive, he’s raw.
"Those same things I told you about Jerry (Jacobs) when he was here, and our guys do a really good job of understanding those traits that we need as an undrafted free agent to be able to come and compete to be a part of this team. Now, he still has a ways to go, and we’re not locking him in on as a guy that’s going to make the team or whatnot. But, again, to see if he can play, you have to let him play with the first team, so please stop writing he’s with the first team. Please, alright. He’s getting his reps.”
James Houston
Houston understands what he must accomplish in order to play more. However, despite the praise of his defensive coordinator, Houston's stock has steadily slipped, as compared to the other young defensive linemen on the roster.
“He’s handling it very well, and he has to, he understands that," said Glenn, when asked how Houston has handled the elevated expectations from the coaching staff "And, I’m going to say the same thing, you earn your keep and you develop as a player, and our job as the coaches is to make sure we develop that player. And, he’s one player that’s been working his butt off, too. I give him – he is working his butt off to do the things that we need him to do to improve. So, I like exactly where he’s at.”
Julian Okwara
Okwara must showcase more consistency throughout the next couple of weeks, to justify his spot on the roster.
A young player that oftentimes gets lost in the mix, Okwara has been given the opportunity to be more impactful, but has yet to stand out at practice on a consistent basis.
Glenn did not exactly give him a ringing endorsement, when he was asked how Okwara could take a step forward.
“Keep practicing. That’s what training camp’s for," Glenn said. "Listen, no one’s grandfathered in here. It’s been like that since we got here. You earn your keep, and I’ve said that before. That’s not going to change.”
Holding pattern
Jameson Williams
The 2022 No. 12 overall pick is a work in progress.
At times, some forget that players get coached up on a daily basis, both on the field and off the field.
As should be expected, making mistakes on the field is not met with pleasant dialogue from competitive coaches, many who have also played in the NFL.
So, while Williams flashes what makes him a very promising prospect, it is time to take his game into another gear at practice.
No doubt the potential is there, but it is time to showcase the massive potential on a consistent basis.
Being at training camp has excited the young wideout, as he was on the sidelines last season.
“I feel like I get work every day,” Williams said. “I’m getting the same work as the whole team. I get to practice with the team, I get to work out with the team. I get to do everything with the team, so I wouldn’t say it’s a sense of urgency.”
Williams did not reveal his own goals for 2023, but indicated the team's goal is to win as many games as possible, including in the postseason.
“A lot of people ain’t got a chance to see me play,” Williams said. “I played six games last year, got to miss six this year. So, I’m just hoping to go put a show on with me and my team, showing that we can do this.”
