Roundtable: Lions' Training Camp Surprises
1.) What is your impression of Detroit Lions training camp through the first week?
Christian Booher: It's been encouraging to see both sides of the ball have their days during the first week of training camp. The back and forth leads me to believe that the team will be balanced.
I think the offense has plenty that it will keep under wraps for the majority of camp. There's still a lot to see, but the early returns from camp have been encouraging.
Vito Chirco: My first impression is that the hype surrounding the Lions isn't going away. Dan Campbell and his staff will need to continue doing their best to diffuse it and block out all the outside noise. But, at the end of the day, it's just a reality and his team has to accept it. And to a large degree, it's a good thing, especially considering where this Lions franchise has been in recent memory and how it started off last season (1-6).
Second, it's become apparent that the Lions' rookie class will contribute in a significant fashion this upcoming season. Most notably, Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta – two Iowa products – both could very well be starters come Week 1 of the regular season.
Lastly, it's been great to witness how EDGE Aidan Hutchinson and right tackle Penei Sewell have become leaders on their respective sides of the ball. I believe those two are cornerstones for the franchise and will enable the Lions to be relevant for many years to come.
2.) Who has surprised you at training camp?
Booher: I think the Lions have found a gem in tight end Sam LaPorta. The Iowa product has big-time pass-catching potential and should help as a run blocker.
So far, he's deservedly been logging snaps with the first-team offense. He's going to be a fun watch when the season begins.
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Chirco: So far, one player who has stood out has been rookie defensive tackle Brodric Martin. The third-round pick who was deemed to be extremely raw going into camp has already gained some valuable first-team reps with the defense. He still has multiple items to work on, including his pad level and footwork. However, I still believe he's been a pleasant surprise through the first week of camp.
I think the same of seventh-round pick Antoine Green. He's gained some valuable playing time in camp so far due to the absences of Marvin Jones Jr. (Non-Football Injury list) and Jameson Williams.
3.) Who needs to step up their game?
Booher: The signing of Justin Jackson puts plenty of pressure on the likes of Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson. With the starters likely to be limited in preseason games, these will turn into showcases for those competing to be Detroit's third back.
I also need to see someone take control of the linebacker position. The competition remains open, so I'm looking forward to seeing who runs away with the job.
Chirco: I'm going to say defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu. He's already clearly a backup on the safeties depth chart, and he put together a disappointing day of practice on Saturday. He not only allowed rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs to easily get past him during one rep, but he also – on a separate rep – failed to take advantage of an opportunity to make a hit against tight end Shane Zylstra. He'll need to step up his play and show a lot more to the Lions' coaching staff as the regular season nears. If he doesn't, his roster spot could be in jeopardy.
4.) What position battle is shaping up to be super competitive?
Booher: Linebacker is getting exciting. There's plenty of talent at the position, and experienced talent at that.
There's a trio of folks believed to be the starter, but don't forget about Malcolm Rodriguez. The plethora of depth is making this be ultra competitive.
Chirco: As expected, I'm going to say the battle at defensive back. Gardner-Johnson suffered an injury scare earlier in the week, but has looked good and like a leader of the defense when he's been out on the field. Undrafted rookie free-agent cornerback Steven Gilmore has also put together some good reps in Allen Park, most notably on Saturday in front of a large crowd of fans and media members.
Meanwhile, early on in camp, Detroit's coaching staff has also expressed a ton of confidence in defensive back Will Harris, who has the ability to line up at both corner and safety.
As training camp progresses, I expect the competition at defensive back to increase even more, and it's something I'll definitely be on the lookout for.
5.) How concerned are you that Jameson Williams has already missed a few training training camp practices?
Booher: Not very much, as far as the severity of the injury goes. But, he's missing out on valuable developmental time.
The second-year wideout missed out on training camp last year, so these practices are huge for his growth as a player. Though the organization shouldn't rush him back at the expense of his health, he needs the reps before he's forced to depart from the team to serve his suspension.
Chirco: I'm very concerned since I'm of the mindset that Williams needs as many reps as possible before he starts serving his six-game suspension. The second-year pro already missed more than half of last season recovering from a torn ACL. So, I don't think he can afford to miss practice time and the opportunity to garner valuable reps with Detroit signal-caller Jared Goff.
