Roundtable: How Concerned Should Lions Be about Josh Paschal?
1.) What is your takeaway from Week 1 of training camp for the Lions?
Vito Chirco: According to my colleagues at All Lions and pundits from a variety of other outlets, the Lions look like a different team thus far. They seem to have more of the right pieces in place, and seem to be ready to make a jump that should lead to an increase in wins in 2022.
Additionally, if it wasn't evident a season ago that the players love Dan Campbell, it's clearly visible now. To me, it'll be interesting to observe whether the players' undeniable chemistry leads to a more competitive year for Campbell's squad this upcoming season.
John Maakaron: Jeff Okudah is really working to get his career kickstarted. Despite all of the setbacks he has experienced, the former No. 3 overall pick is grinding to earn a starter's spot playing opposite of Amani Oruwariye. He has had a positive start to training camp so far.
2.) How promising is it to see Aidan Hutchinson acclimating well to playing at the NFL level?
Chirco: I think it is very promising. As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, he will start his professional career with very high expectations, and there are some pundits that believe he has the potential to be a generational pass rusher at the NFL level.
So, to see him succeed as much as he has through the first four days of camp is a big-time positive. And, for the Lions' sake, hopefully it's a sign of things to come for the 6-foot-6, 265-pound EDGE defender.
Maakaron: In a way, the play of the ex-Wolverines defensive lineman will dictate how this rebuild, led by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, will turn out. If he has a solid career, he can galvanize an entire city.
While the offense sells tickets, the play of the defense will determine how many wins the Lions eventually end up with the next few seasons.
3.) Can Jared Goff take a big step forward in 2022?
Chirco: I think the Lions' starting signal-caller will take a step forward, but I find it hard to believe that he will take a big step forward in 2022.
At this juncture in his career, I think he is what he is, and that is precisely an average quarterback. He can string together a few good weeks, like at the end of last season. But, he won't be able to keep it up consistently.
So, yes, he's slightly better than the 24th-best QB in the league (which is where his 39.5 QBR placed him last year). However, at his very best, I think Goff is only the 20th-best QB in today's game.
Maakaron: I am among the many who believe Goff has peaked. But, that is not to say that he cannot be a productive quarterback.
With a solid offensive line, run game and speedy outside weapons, the veteran signal-caller can play well. But, I do not see him getting drastically better, especially since he is not working with a big arm to launch passes down the field with regularity.
4.) How concerned are you about Josh Paschal?
Chirco: I am at least slightly concerned regarding the health status of the Lions' 2022 second-round pick. He underwent sports hernia surgery this spring, and also battled the ailment during his time at Kentucky. There's no timetable for his return at the moment, and this only stunts his development as he transitions to the professional ranks.
Maakaron: It stinks that he is not out on the field with the other rookies. The defensive line is a unit that needs to improve drastically. Detroit has invested heavily at the spot over the past two seasons. I will be more concerned if he is not able to start the season. But, Paschal missing time is a significant setback to the start of his NFL career.
Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY NETWORK
5.) What excites you the most about the team being in pads this upcoming week?
Chirco: Just like John, it's getting to see Hutchinson go head-to-head with second-year offensive tackle Penei Sewell. The two of them are both ferocious competitors, so it will be interesting to see how they fare going one-on-one with each other. It should make for some must-see content coming out of Allen Park.
Maakaron: It's all about Aidan Hutchinson vs. Penei Sewell. Supporters got a small taste of that matchup over the weekend, as Hutchinson put some moves on the young offensive lineman.
With pads on, the competition level is going to ramp up significantly. Iron sharpens iron, so the hope is both will come away significantly better for having battled each other. I will have a nice view of this battle, each and every day. Cannot wait to report on what happens.
