6 Storylines to Watch at Lions' Rookie Minicamp
Just one full week after the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions' rookie class is getting ready to work.
The Lions' rookie minicamp will mark the beginning of the team's offseason programs, as it will get its first look at the crop of newcomers.
First-round picks Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell will be the headliners, but minicamp also offers the undrafted free agents their first chance to make a bold statement.
Here are six storylines to watch at Lions' rookie minicamp, which runs May 12-14.
Top UDFAs get first shot
The Lions assembled a solid crop of prospects on undrafted free-agent deals, following the draft's conclusion. In particular, there are intriguing players at several positions of need.
Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim received a $100,000 signing bonus to ink a deal with the Lions. Gibbs and David Montgomery are set as the top two backs, but Ibrahim has an outside shot at earning the third roster spot.
Wide receiver Chase Cota and safety Brandon Joseph are also among the candidates to earn a roster spot. A strong first impression can help their chances throughout the rest of offseason activities.
Quarterback Adrian Martinez possess mobility that none of the other signal-callers on the roster offer. The Lions brought him in on a top-30 visit prior to the draft, so there was clear interest.
With a good showing, the Kansas State signal-caller could throw his name into the battle for the backup spot.
Top picks' time to shine
Gibbs and Campbell will have their first chance to prove their mettle during the three days of workouts.
The running back and linebacker are both projected to be instant contributors, so fans will be clamoring for a strong first look.
In Gibbs, Detroit has a potential game-breaking addition to its offense. Meanwhile, it's hoping that Campbell will anchor its defense.
Minicamp will come with very low stakes for the two first-rounders, but it's a chance for them to begin their respective journeys strongly.
Evaluating wide receivers
With top receiver Jameson Williams set to miss the first six games of the year, the Lions' depth at the position will be tested.
There will be plenty of faces at minicamp at the position. Antoine Green was drafted in the seventh round, while Cota and Virginia's Keytaon Thompson are UDFAs.
The trio of prospects gets its first chance to stake its claim at a roster spot beginning Friday.
All three profile as "X" receivers, with Cota and Thompson standing in at 6-foot-4 and Green at 6-foot-2.
The Lions lost DJ Chark, who held that role last season, in free agency. With him and Williams out of the picture to start the year, there's a path for at least one of the aforementioned prospects to make the final roster.
What role will Brian Branch play?
In Alabama's Brian Branch, the Lions drafted a versatile defensive back. He played both the cornerback and safety positions in college, exhibiting strengths at both positions.
With the Lions overhauling their secondary, his future role is to be determined.
Where he begins his career, whether it be safety, cornerback or nickel, will be exciting to monitor. He's a skilled tackler, with good coverage instincts.
The new additions lessen the pressure for him to perform in the immediate future. But, his abilities help strengthen the Lions' defense. He'll be a fun watch during the offseason, as his role becomes clear.
Local linebackers battle for roster spots
Campbell will be a headliner, but two others at his position are battling for roster spots as undrafted free agents.
Detroit native Isaac Darkangelo and Saginaw Valley State's Trevor Nowaske will be vying for spots when minicamp opens.
With ties to Michigan, the two players have the opportunity to take a positive step forward in their hopes to make the roster.
Hendon Hooker's health
The Tennessee product won't be doing much throughout the three days, as he's recovering from a torn ACL.
With Detroit general manager Brad Holmes spending a third-round pick on the signal-caller, he is hoping to get some production from Hooker. Yet, the Lions won't rush him back from the injury.
Where he's at in his rehab is intriguing. His surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, sent a letter to all teams declaring that Hooker would be healthy by the first weekend of the regular season.
NFL teams are usually quiet on injuries, so there may be no update given on his health. However, Lions head coach Dan Campbell and company could share an update on what the next few months will look like for the injured quarterback.
