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Detroit—Cincinnati gave the Lions their first live look at several young defenders competing for rotational roles, special-teams jobs and the final spots on the 53-man roster. Washington gives Detroit another look before time runs out for players on the bubble.

The edge room is especially crowded. Derrick Moore returns after missing the opener, Eric O’Neill continues making plays, Anthony Lucas received one of the heaviest workloads on the defense, and the linebacker competition could ultimately be decided as much by special teams as defensive snaps.

These are the seven defensive players I’ll be watching closest - plus two bonus players on the bubble.

1. LB JOE BACHIE

Joe Bachie played 27 defensive snaps against Cincinnati and another 14 on special teams, where he recorded one tackle. Damone Clark’s injury has opened another path to the roster, leaving Bachie, Troy Reeder, Erick Hunter and Amen Ogbongbemiga competing for limited linebacker spots.

Bachie’s advantage is experience. He can play MIKE, communicate the defense and handle the green dot if Detroit needs him. Dave Fipp also identified Bachie among the players who caught his attention in the kicking game.

Against Washington, Bachie needs to show that his experience still provides enough defensive value to separate from younger competition. Dependability is Bachie’s strongest argument for the final linebacker spot.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• RUN-FIT DISCIPLINE

• GREEN-DOT COMMUNICATION

• OPEN-FIELD TACKLING

• SPECIAL-TEAMS PRODUCTION

2. EDGE DERRICK MOORE

Derrick Moore did not play against Cincinnati because of the groin injury that cost him part of training camp. Since returning, the second-round pick has produced his best stretch of work, generating sacks and pressures while Detroit has moved him around the defensive front.

The Lions have rushed Moore from the edge, reduced him inside to three-technique and incorporated him into stunts and twists. Moore said playing in the preseason will help him get back into rhythm after missing two weeks and expose him to different competition and blocking looks.

The pass-rush ability has already shown up in practice. Washington is the first opportunity to evaluate how much Detroit can trust him before obvious passing downs. If Moore holds up against the run, Kelvin Sheppard can use him in far more situations than third-down packages.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• EDGE-SETTING

• OUTSIDE LEVERAGE

• RUN-BLOCK DEFEATS

• SPEED-TO-POWER

• INSIDE PASS-RUSH FLEXIBILITY

3. EDGE ERIC O’NEILL

Eric O’Neill played 38 defensive snaps against Cincinnati and produced one of Detroit’s better early pressures when he beat the protection and hit Joe Burrow, forcing a third-down incompletion.

The production continued after the opener. O’Neill returned an interception for a touchdown during Detroit’s intrasquad scrimmage and followed it with a sack in the next practice.

The question now is where the undersized edge defender fits. Detroit needs to know whether O’Neill can handle enough responsibilities outside obvious pass-rush situations to justify one of the final defensive roster spots.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• EDGE STRENGTH

• PASS-RUSH COUNTERS

• MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS

• PURSUIT

• SPECIAL-TEAMS VALUE

4. EDGE ANTHONY LUCAS

Anthony Lucas played 50 defensive snaps against Cincinnati, approximately 71 percent of Detroit’s defensive workload and more than any other Lions edge defender. That snap total gave Detroit a large sample. What it did not produce was one defining play that separated Lucas from a crowded position group.

At 6-foot-5, Lucas gives Detroit the length and athleticism the organization targeted when rebuilding its edge room. The next step is converting those traits into more disruption. Detroit has already given Lucas the opportunity. Against Washington, he needs to create more production with it.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• LENGTH AT CONTACT

• EDGE CONTROL

• PASS-RUSH COUNTER

• QUARTERBACK PRESSURE

• SPECIAL-TEAMS CONTRIBUTION

5. LB ERICK HUNTER

Erick Hunter played 43 defensive snaps and another 12 on special teams against Cincinnati. The athletic ability showed, but so did some of the inconsistency expected from an undrafted rookie learning NFL run fits, coverage responsibilities and special-teams assignments.

Campbell praised Hunter’s approach during camp.

“He’s athletic and he takes notes, he listens, he works his tail off in practice.”

Hunter does not need another splash play to prove he has upside. His next step is eliminating the assignment errors that can turn a missed run fit into an explosive gain or compromise a special-teams unit.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• ASSIGNMENT DISCIPLINE

• RUN-FIT ACCURACY

• COVERAGE SPACING

• TACKLING

• SPECIAL-TEAMS EXECUTION

If the athletic flashes remain while the mistakes decrease, Hunter can put real pressure on the veterans competing for the same job.

6. DT TYRE WEST

Tyre West received only four defensive snaps against Cincinnati. That usage left Detroit with very little game tape to evaluate while several other defensive linemen received 30, 40 or even 50 snaps.

The interior competition has also become more difficult. Skyler Gill-Howard produced pressure in the opener, while other defensive tackles have continued receiving significant opportunities throughout camp. West needs to force his way into a larger snap share against Washington—and produce a reason to keep expanding his workload.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• LOW PAD LEVEL

• GAP CONTROL

• DOUBLE-TEAM ANCHOR

• INTERIOR DISPLACEMENT

• BLOCK DESTRUCTION

7. CB EKOW BOYE-DOE

Ekow Boye-Doe was not with Detroit for the Cincinnati game. The Lions signed him after injuries continued thinning the secondary, leaving him less than a week to learn Kelvin Sheppard’s defense before facing Washington. That puts the mental part of the position under immediate evaluation.

Detroit is expected to use more zone coverage, pattern matching and interchangeable defensive backs. Boye-Doe has to process motions, route exchanges and leverage rules quickly enough to avoid communication breakdowns. Detroit may have an opening in the secondary if Rakestraw is out for any length of time.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• MOTION COMMUNICATION

• ZONE-MATCH RESPONSIBILITIES

• ROUTE EXCHANGES

• PERIMETER TACKLING

• SPECIAL-TEAMS VALUE

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ON THE BUBBLE — BONUS WATCH

CB KHALIL DORSEY

Khalil Dorsey played only 16 defensive snaps against Cincinnati, leaving special teams as the strongest part of his roster argument. He already has experience in Detroit’s kicking game, but Dave Fipp has emphasized that players near the bottom of the roster generally need to contribute in more than one phase unless their special-teams production is exceptional.

I had Dorsey off my initial 53-man roster. With Rakestraw likely not playing Saturday—he should see an increased snap load. If Dorsey can provide trustworthy outside-corner depth while maintaining his special-teams value, his path to the 53 becomes much stronger.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• VERTICAL COVERAGE

• PERIMETER TACKLING

• ZONE DISCIPLINE

• SPECIAL-TEAMS RELIABILITY

DT SKYLER GILL-HOWARD

Skyler Gill-Howard earned another look after producing three pressures on 38 defensive snaps against Cincinnati. His best rep came through effort. Gill-Howard chased Josh Johnson down from behind after initially being held, helping force Cincinnati to settle for a field goal. Campbell later identified the chase as one of his favorite plays from the game.

The opener established that Gill-Howard’s interior quickness can create pressure against NFL offensive linemen. Washington will test the other half of his game. Gill-Howard has shown he can penetrate. If he proves he can hold his ground against the run, his case for rotational defensive snaps becomes much stronger.

Having made my initial 53-man roster as the 53rd man in—this week will solidify that placement if Gill-Howard has another productive day.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• DOUBLE-TEAM ANCHOR

• GAP INTEGRITY

• HAND PLACEMENT

• INTERIOR COUNTERS

• RUN-GAME STRENGTH

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Detroit’s final defensive roster spots will favor players who can handle more than one responsibility without creating a weakness somewhere else.

That means edge defenders who can rush the passer and survive the run, linebackers who can execute defensively while contributing on special teams, and defensive backs who can handle multiple coverage responsibilities without communication breakdowns.

The talent is there across several of these competitions. Washington should help determine which players Detroit can actually trust with regular-season snaps.

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• The Detroit Lions have something

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Detroit — got its first live evaluation against Cincinnati last week. Saturday against Washington brings a different test: some starters are expected to play, Jared Goff will sit, Josh Dobbs will start, and the remaining roster battles are entering their final stages before Detroit cuts to 53.

Dan Campbell wants growth from the players who were on the field in Cincinnati. The mistakes from Week 1 cannot carry into Week 2, particularly at quarterback, center and wide receiver, where Detroit still has legitimate decisions to make.

These are the seven offensive players I’ll be watching closest—with two bonus picks today.

1. C JUICE SCRUGGS

Juice Scruggs was supposed to be part of Detroit’s answer when Cade Mays suffered the wrist injury that will cost him significant time. A soft-tissue injury kept Scruggs out against Cincinnati and pushed Seth McLaughlin into the starting lineup.

Scruggs will make his preseason debut Saturday, and Campbell plans to start him at center. Campbell said Detroit needs to “kick some of the rust off” and get the offensive line working together.

Detroit had communication and assignment problems along the offensive line during practice this week, putting more responsibility on Scruggs to stabilize the operation.

McLaughlin already put useful game tape on film against Cincinnati. Scruggs now has to show he can take control of the temporary starting-center job rather than simply inherit it because of his NFL experience.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• IDENTIFY THE FRONT

• MAKE THE PROTECTION CALLS

• DELIVER CLEAN SNAPS

• KEEP THE INTERIOR POCKET FIRM

• CLEAN SNAPS

2. WR TAY MARTIN

Tay Martin has become one of Detroit’s biggest roster risers. He played 30 offensive snaps and seven more on special teams against Cincinnati, catching a 14-yard pass during Detroit’s late fourth-quarter touchdown drive.

Since then, Martin has continued receiving first-team offensive opportunities while maintaining an important role on special teams. Dave Fipp’s evaluation was direct:

“Tay Martin’s jumped off the film every day.”

Campbell has also praised Martin’s ability to make plays on offense and special teams. That two-phase value is his strongest path to the roster.

The roster may be capped at five—should they keep a sixth receiver, he must be active on special teams. That player has to cover kicks, block, handle assignments across special teams and still be trustworthy when called into the offense.

Against Washington, Martin needs to continue showing that his offensive value can match what he has already established in the kicking game. If that continues, Martin becomes increasingly difficult to leave off the 53.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• BLOCKING

• WIN HIS ROUTES

• FINISH CONTESTED CATCHES

• HANDLE EVERY ASSIGNMENT

• SHOW HE CAN HANDLE SPECIAL TEAMS

3. WR DOMINIC LOVETT

Dominic Lovett led Detroit with eight targets against Cincinnati, catching three passes for 28 yards. His route running created opportunities, but drops and a muffed punt kept the performance from becoming a clear step forward.

The special-teams picture has also changed. Dave Fipp identified Tom Kennedy and Greg Dortch as the primary punt-return options this week, leaving Lovett without an obvious path to the roster through the return game.

That puts more pressure on his receiving work. Lovett needs separation and reliable hands against Washington while proving he can contribute on special teams away from the returner position. The route-running ability is there—the consistency is not.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• CONSISTENCY

• WIN WITH SEPARATION

• SECURE THE FOOTBALL

• HANDLE SPECIAL-TEAMS ASSIGNMENTS

• CREATE VALUE AWAY FROM THE RETURN JOB

4. C SETH McLAUGHLIN

Seth McLaughlin played 39 offensive snaps against Cincinnati and gave Detroit useful tape at center. His game was not perfect, but the quickness, awareness and effort showed up. On one of his better reps, McLaughlin finished his initial assignment and immediately worked back to help Christian Mahogany rather than standing idle after the block—showing his awareness and alertness on the play.

Campbell has praised McLaughlin’s intelligence, leverage and ability to compete against larger defensive linemen. Jared Goff said McLaughlin “didn’t miss much of a beat, mentally.”

Scruggs gets the first opportunity Saturday, but McLaughlin remains directly involved after replacing Scruggs during Detroit’s night scrimmage and helping the starting offense operate more cleanly.

Against Cincinnati, McLaughlin showed he could function with the first unit. Washington gives him a chance to prove that performance can be repeated. Detroit needs more than one center it can trust before Week 1. McLaughlin has put himself in position to become one of them.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• ANCHOR AGAINST POWER

• KEEP THE SNAP CLEAN

• COMMUNICATE

• GET TO THE SECOND LEVEL

5. TE JACKSON MEEKS

Jackson Meeks played 24 offensive snaps and nine special-teams snaps against Cincinnati, catching one pass for 17 yards. He has continued producing as a receiver in practice, including another touchdown this week.

Campbell has called the former wide receiver a “big skill player.” Moving Meeks inside gives Detroit more athleticism against linebackers and safeties. The areas of concern center on the “Dirty Work,” as Dan Campbell put it.

Detroit needs to know whether he can handle the physical responsibilities of tight end. The receiving traits have translated. If the blocking continues developing, Meeks becomes much easier to carry on the roster—especially if LaPorta’s injury affects the start of the regular season.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• BLOCK FROM THE H-BACK ROLE

• HANDLE EDGE DEFENDERS

• EXECUTE SPLIT-FLOW ASSIGNMENTS

• STAY ATTACHED IN THE RUN GAME

• CONTRIBUTE ON SPECIAL TEAMS

6. QB JOSH DOBBS

Detroit signed Josh Dobbs four days before the Cincinnati game and gave him 22 offensive snaps. Dobbs completed 4-of-8 passes for 32 yards, took one sack and added nine rushing yards. He avoided turnovers, but the limited preparation and offensive production made it difficult to draw much more from the performance.

He has had a full week to work inside Drew Petzing’s offense and will start vs the Commanders. Dobbs still has a long way to go, but his veteran status and relationship with Petzing should show through on Saturday. Luke Altmyer is expected to play the entire second half.

Dobbs has NFL experience and understands the position. This game is about whether that experience translates into command of this offense. Cincinnati tested how much Dobbs could handle with four days of preparation. Washington tests whether he can operate like Detroit’s QB2.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• CHECKS & AUDIBLES

• SET THE PROTECTION

• PROTECT THE FOOTBALL

• DELIVER THE BALL ON TIME

• USE HIS LEGS WHEN NEEDED

• GET THE PLAY CALL OUT CLEANLY

• RECOGNIZE THE DEFENSIVE LOOK

7. QB LUKE ALTMYER

Luke Altmyer completed 13-of-22 passes for 130 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his NFL debut. The first interception went off Isaac TeSlaa’s hands. The second came during Detroit’s final attempt to steal the game. Altmyer also directed a 12-play, 80-yard fourth-quarter touchdown drive that ended with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Tarik Black.

The rookie looked composed enough to support what Campbell had been saying throughout camp, “the stage has not looked too big for him.” Altmyer’s play has created a legitimate reason to reconsider the bottom of that room.

Dobbs starts Saturday, but Altmyer is expected to receive roughly half the quarterback work. His evaluation now moves from proving he belongs to proving he can clean up the mistakes.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• FINISH DRIVES

• RECOGNIZE PRESSURE FASTER

• MOVE OFF THE FIRST READ

• KEEP THE OFFENSE ON SCHEDULE

• PROTECT THE FOOTBALL

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ON THE BUBBLE — BONUS WATCH

WR TOM KENNEDY

Tom Kennedy played 25 offensive snaps against Cincinnati and finished with one reception for five yards. Since then, Kennedy has caught a touchdown from Jared Goff during Detroit’s night scrimmage and moved directly into the punt-return competition with Greg Dortch.

Kennedy needs to secure punts, make good return decisions and create field position while maintaining the positional flexibility that has kept him around Detroit for years. His reliability is already known—the question is whether that reliability still provides enough value to win one of the final receiver spots.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Kennedy may make this roster. Dave Fipp mentioned Kennedy as one of the two primary returners, “You have the returner position with (Tom) Kennedy and (Greg) Dortch really at punt returner… but really probably Kennedy and Dortch right now in my opinion.”

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• CLEAN PUNT FIELDING

• SHORT-AREA SEPARATION

• SLOT / OUTSIDE FLEXIBILITY

• SPECIAL-TEAMS RELIABILITY

WR TARIK BLACK

Tarik Black played only 16 offensive snaps against Cincinnati, but he made them count. His first reception went for 35 yards from Luke Altmyer, but it was erased by a questionable offensive pass interference call for a push-off. Later, Black turned a drag route into a 24-yard touchdown with 1:35 remaining and also played seven special-teams snaps.

The explosive ability is not new. Black joined Detroit after catching 27 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns in the UFL, including seven receptions of at least 20 yards. Detroit released him August 3, then brought him back two days later.

Black has shown he can create a big play—the challenge is roster value. Tay Martin, Tom Kennedy and others have stronger special-teams cases, while Detroit has limited room at receiver.

Against Washington, Black needs to turn limited opportunities into another complete performance.

Areas Of Improvement To Watch This Week

• BLOCK

• SEPARATE

• PRODUCE ON SPECIAL TEAMS

• EARN MORE TARGETS

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Detroit’s offensive roster decisions are increasingly tied to one question: how many jobs can a reserve player handle without weakening the unit?

That applies at center, where Scruggs and McLaughlin are competing to become reliable insurance behind Cade Mays. It applies at quarterback, where Dobbs’ experience is being measured against Altmyer’s developmental upside. And it applies most clearly at wide receiver, where catching passes alone may not be enough to win the final roster spot.

Detroit already has its offensive stars. The final jobs will go to players the coaching staff can trust when injuries force the depth chart onto the field.

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• Detroit Lions minicamp 13 stories

• Brad Holmes plays it smart

• The Detroit Lions have something

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Allen Park—Saturday vs the Saints starts the countdown for Dominic Lovett to prove his value. Lovett can get open, he has shown it throughout training camp, and there were flashes against Cincinnati. He is quick underneath, can create separation from the slot and still shows some of the traits that made Brad Holmes interested in him coming out of Georgia.

But with two preseason games remaining, I am struggling to find room for Lovett to make the Lions’ 53-man roster. Lovett is officially on the bubble

The problem is not necessarily Lovett as a receiver. It is everything Detroit needs from the fifth receiver on this roster, and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp may have provided the biggest clue about how that decision will ultimately be made

Detroit’s top four receivers appear established with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch. That leaves the remaining candidates fighting for a role that will require much more than catching passes.

The fifth receiver is not going to dress on Sunday expecting six targets. He has to block, cover kicks, potentially play gunner, contribute in the return game and give Fipp enough special-teams value to justify using one of the active roster spots on him.

That is where Lovett has yet to separate himself.

Special teams were supposed to be part of his NFL profile from the beginning. Detroit selected Lovett in the seventh round, 244th overall, in 2025, and Holmes specifically mentioned his speed, slot ability and potential value on special teams after the draft.

WHO IS LOVETT ON THE FIELD?

The receiving résumé was never the concern. Lovett began his college career at Missouri before transferring to Georgia and finished with 197 career receptions. He produced at least 54 catches and 600 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons, with much of his work at Georgia coming from the slot on quick throws, screens and option routes designed to get the ball into his hands.

That production never carried into his rookie season with Detroit. Lovett appeared in 12 games without recording a reception, while his only official return was a 22-yard kickoff return.

Year 2 was supposed to be his opportunity to make a move.

There have been encouraging moments, but the preseason opener against Cincinnati also showed why his roster spot remains in question. Lovett was targeted eight times, the most of any Lions receiver, and finished with three catches for 28 yards. Two drops left additional production on the field, and he also bobbled one of his punt-return opportunities.

Eight targets and three receptions are difficult numbers for a bubble receiver when every rep matters.

Lovett responded with one of his better plays of camp in the next practice, climbing for a deep throw from Luke Altmyer and securing it with his fingertips. Plays like that are why I am not dismissing his receiving ability. The talent is there.

The issue is that Detroit has other receivers competing for the same limited roster space who are providing clearer secondary roles.

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE ROOM?

Tay Martin has been making an impression both offensively and on special teams. Cedrick Wilson brings veteran experience and has continued stacking reliable receiving reps. Tarik Black put a touchdown on film against Cincinnati.

Lovett cannot simply be another capable receiver in that group. He needs to give Detroit a reason to keep him over players who can contribute in multiple phases.

The special-teams rotation has offered clues throughout camp. Greg Dortch and Tom Kennedy were receiving multiple opportunities in the return game before Lovett received his lone rep during one early return period, and Detroit has continued evaluating several other players in those roles.

That is why I currently have Lovett projected to the practice squad.

It is not because he cannot play receiver. It is because his game-day role remains difficult to define.

If Tay Martin wins the job, there is an obvious path to special-teams snaps. If Cedrick Wilson gets the spot, Detroit has an experienced receiver who can step directly into the offense when needed. Lovett’s receiving ability has not yet produced enough to offset the lack of a clearly established role for Fipp’s units.

He still has two preseason games to change that.

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For Dominic Lovett, the question is no longer whether he has enough talent to play receiver in the NFL. The question is whether he can show Detroit enough value outside of the receiving game to earn one of the final spots on the roster.

If the Lions have only one receiver spot left, that could ultimately make the decision come down to Lovett’s receiving upside against Tay Martin’s broader special-teams value.

Side note: With all due respect to the players I critique, these guys are phenomenal athletes. Fewer than 0.00478% of American males ages 20 to 34 will occupy an NFL training-camp, active-roster or practice-squad spot at any given time. A final 53-man roster spot represents roughly 0.00282% of that population.

So when fans casually call these players busts, trash, glass, or throw around some other cheap label, I think it gets way out of line. These guys are the best of the best. And if you’re reading this sitting on your couch, there’s a pretty good chance they’re working out right now.

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Allen Park—Erick Hunter has become one of the easiest rookies to notice in Lions camp. And I still don’t think he makes the 53-man roster.

That probably sounds strange considering how often Hunter’s name has come up over the last three weeks. He’s made plays on defense. He’s made plays on special teams. Dan Campbell has talked about him. Dave Fipp has talked about him.

But what Fipp said today may actually explain why Hunter is more likely headed to the practice squad than the active roster.

Dave Fipp on special teams & Erick Hunter

That’s the evaluation with Hunter right now. The plays jump out, and so do the mistakes.

For an undrafted rookie linebacker trying to take a roster spot primarily through special teams, consistency may be more important than producing two or three highlight plays during practice.

WHO IS HUNTER?

Hunter came to Detroit from Morgan State, where production was never the issue.

He finished his college career with 298 tackles, second-most in school history.

His final season was outstanding.

• 102 tackles.

• 14 tackles for loss.

• Four sacks.

• Four forced fumbles.

• An interception.

He was a Buck Buchanan Award finalist and earned FCS All-American honors.

Hunter also already had legitimate special-teams experience. One of his biggest plays in 2025 was a 90-yard touchdown after recovering a blocked kick.

Physically, there was enough there for Detroit to take a serious developmental swing.

He’s around 6-foot-2, 224 pounds with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, and he ran approximately 4.48.

Detroit also gave him $175,000 guaranteed as an undrafted free agent, which tells you this wasn’t just another body brought in for camp. The Lions wanted him, and once camp started, you could see why.

HUNTER'S CAMP

Early in camp, Hunter absolutely ran through veteran Joe Bachie during a special-teams drill. Then on the same day, he put himself in position for an interception—and dropped it.

That sequence almost perfectly describes his camp.

A few days later, Hunter intercepted Jared Goff during a scrimmage against the first-team offense.

During special teams that same practice, he won consecutive one-on-one reps—one as the blocker and another trying to release downfield.

Then he followed that by continuing to flash as a blitzer, including a clean A-gap sack during another padded practice.

VS BENGALS

The Cincinnati game gave Detroit its first chance to evaluate whether any of those practice moments translated. Hunter played a lot.

43 defensive snaps—61 percent of Detroit’s defensive plays. Another 12 snaps on special teams. He finished with four solo tackles.

Detroit didn’t hide him. They gave him enough work to make an evaluation. And I came away seeing exactly what Campbell and Fipp have been describing.

• There’s an NFL athlete here.

• There’s pursuit speed.

• There’s length.

• There’s natural ability to find the football.

• There’s enough coverage ability to develop.

• And there’s clearly something Fipp likes on special teams.

But Hunter is making an enormous jump from Morgan State to the NFL.

Campbell said something about Hunter before the Bengals game that I think is critical.

He essentially said Hunter’s deficiencies come from things he simply hasn’t experienced yet.

(Hunter) “doesn’t know what he doesn’t know.”

That isn’t an insult, it’s development.

Hunter played 45 college games, but the NFL is giving him formations, blocking schemes, leverage rules, coverage responsibilities and special-teams situations he hasn’t processed at this speed before.

THE ROOM

Look at the linebacker room he has to beat for a spot on the roster.

• Jack Campbell.

• Derrick Barnes.

• Devin White.

• Trevor Nowaske.

• Malcolm Rodriguez.

• Damone Clark.

Several of those guys also have established special-teams value (Clark, Nowaske & Rodriguez) and they can all play a defined role on defense.

Hunter isn’t trying to just beat out the other rookie (Jimmy Rolder) for the sixth linebacker job. He’s trying to convince Dan Campbell that his upside today is worth more than the reliability of an experienced player.

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So today, my projection is simple:

I don’t think he’s there yet, and that doesn’t mean Detroit should give up on him. Actually, I think the opposite.

Give him a year in an NFL strength program. Give Shaun Dion Hamilton and Kelvin Sheppard a full season to develop his recognition and technique. Let Fipp continue developing him on every special-teams unit.

The plays Hunter is making aren’t accidental. The talent is real. The consistency isn’t there yet. Erick Hunter does not make the initial 53. But he absolutely makes my practice squad.

If Detroit gets him through waivers, he could become one of those developmental players we’re talking about very differently a year from now.

QUESTIONS

• What would you do?

• Would you keep Hunter on the 53 based on the upside?

• Or do you risk waivers and try to develop him on the practice squad?

• Who would you cut to keep Hunter?

Let me know in the comments.

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• Brad Holmes Mastering Of The NFL Draft

• NFC North Index Rankings

• Detroit Lions minicamp 13 stories

• Brad Holmes plays it smart

• The Detroit Lions have something

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The 16-14 loss to Cincinnati provided the first live evaluation of several roster battles, while injuries to players such as Cade Mays, Jimmy Rolder, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch continue to change the numbers at several positions.

Sifting through the depth of this roster is not as easy as it has been in seasons past. Changes on the defensive side of the ball—particularly the expected increase in nickel personnel—have changed the value of certain players and helped identify some core pieces. Other roster spots aren’t even close to settled.

This projection isn’t simply about identifying the 53 best players. Special teams, positional versatility, injuries, developmental value and the ability to cover multiple jobs could decide the final five or six spots.

QUARTERBACK: 2

• Jared Goff

• Josh Dobbs

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Luke Altmyer

Goff requires no explanation. Dobbs gets the QB2 job in this projection because the veteran gives the offense experience behind Goff. His previous connection with Drew Petzing also carries value here. However, if Dobbs is willing to take the handshake deal on the veteran practice squad, the Lions wouldn’t have to expose Altmyer to waivers.

Altmyer played most of the Cincinnati game and showed enough poise to remain an interesting developmental quarterback, but the practice squad provides a path to continue developing him without using a third active-roster spot. The risk of exposing him to waivers is real and should be considered.

Let’s see how this plays out over the next two weeks.

RUNNING BACK: 4

• Jahmyr Gibbs

• Isiah Pacheco

• Sione Vaki

• Jacob Saylors

OUT: Trayveon Williams & Raheem Blackshear

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Jabari Small

Gibbs and Pacheco headline the room, while Vaki’s special-teams value gives him another path onto the roster beyond his offensive role. Vaki was back at practice over the weekend, lending to the idea he won’t become a roster stash IR candidate.

Saylors has taken advantage of his opportunity. Against Cincinnati, he strengthened his argument for RB4 with a productive preseason debut and has consistently created plays as injuries ahead of him increased his workload. The ankle injury could reduce the room to three if Saylors is not back before the third preseason game.

WIDE RECEIVER: 5

• Amon-Ra St. Brown

• Jameson Williams

• Isaac TeSlaa

• Greg Dortch

• Cedric Wilson

OUT: Malik Cunningham — Lucky Jackson — Tarik Black

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Dominic Lovett & Tay Martin

• VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Tom Kennedy

• IR / SEASON ENDED: Kendrick Law

The first four spots are straightforward. The debate begins at WR5—or do the Lions keep six? Campbell has kept six receivers on the initial 53-man roster only once, in 2025.

Lovett flashed some of the route-running ability that has made him intriguing against Cincinnati and followed the game with a deep connection from Luke Altmyer during practice. This is honestly one of the hardest calls on the roster, but the ball security issues cannot be ignored.

Martin has been moving in the right direction. Dan Campbell gave him significant praise this past weekend:

“(Martin) makes plays every day. He’s intriguing on offense, but he makes special teams plays every day, and that’s important to us, and he’s not the only one.”

Black has also forced himself into the conversation. Against Cincinnati, he turned a routine reception into a 24-yard touchdown and struck the Paul Bunyan pose after redeeming himself from an earlier penalty that erased a 35-yard gain on a questionable offensive pass-interference call.

Wilson has quietly had a strong camp, highlighted by a one-handed sideline grab, a contested 23-yarder from Josh Dobbs and another 23-yard catch against Cincinnati. He has continued making tough catches in practice and has been more consistent than Martin, Lovett & Black.

I would like to see Wilson take a vet squad role, leaving the roster with another developing receiver, Tay Martin. This competition isn’t finished.

TIGHT END: 4

• Sam LaPorta

• Brock Wright

• Tyler Conklin

• Jackson Meeks

OUT: Thomas Gordon

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Zach Horton

The top three are established. The Lions have kept four tight ends on the initial 53-man roster only once under Dan Campbell, in 2022. This season has all the makings of becoming the second.

Meeks has been developing as a hybrid tight end and saw relatively early action against Cincinnati. His receiving ability gives the room something different behind LaPorta, Wright and Conklin, and his preseason work has strengthened his case.

The biggest argument for keeping Meeks is twofold. First, there is considerable upside because he remains very early in his development at the position. Second—and potentially more important—is Drew Petzing’s scheme.

The offense will likely use three-tight-end personnel more than just occasionally. With the possibility of injury and some uncertainty surrounding Conklin, Meeks gives the roster enough depth to explore the full menu of Petzing’s multiple-tight-end packages.

OFFENSIVE LINE: 9

• Penei Sewell

• Christian Mahogany

• Juice Scruggs

• Tate Ratledge

• Blake Miller

BACKUPS:

• Larry Borom — RT/LT

• Miles Frazier — T/G

• Ben Bartch — RG/LG

• Michael Niese — C

OUT: Devin Cochran — Melvin Priestly — Colby Sorsdal

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Mason Miller & Seth McLaughlin

• IR TO RETURN: Cade Mays — Week 8/9 projection

• RESERVE/NFI: Giovanni Manu

Mays’ fractured wrist completely changed the interior-line conversation. His injury gave McLaughlin first-team center opportunities, but Scruggs has returned and Ratledge is now also getting work at center. That directly affects whether the roster needs to carry another dedicated center.

Borom provides veteran tackle insurance. Frazier can cover multiple positions, and Bartch remains part of the interior competition. This offensive line is in the best position it has been in for quite some time when it comes to functional depth.

Borom and Frazier can cover virtually every position outside of center. Ratledge is now getting center reps as well, which leads me to believe the Lions would rather create additional positional versatility and potentially save a roster spot for another area—such as the secondary or defensive line.

I realize Niese isn’t the sexy pick, but let me explain.

He has been in the system, has regular-season experience and provides another interior option at a time when center has suddenly become one of the most important depth questions on the roster.

Here’s my pivot.

Niese is eligible for the veteran practice squad. If he were willing to take the handshake deal, that could solve two problems at once. Niese would remain available as a likely elevation if Scruggs went down, while McLaughlin could continue developing.

Niese is unlikely to start—or potentially even play—unless injuries hit. Using the veteran practice-squad designation could give the 53 additional flexibility elsewhere.

WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR MY TAKE ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE

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DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE: 5

• Alim McNeill

• Tyleik Williams

• Levi Onwuzurike

• Chris Smith

• Skyler Gill-Howard

OUT: Tyre West

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Mekhi Wingo

• VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Myles Adams

I wouldn’t want to be in Dan Campbell’s shoes. This defensive line class has some very good problems with depth, and players that you want to see develop over the next 2-3 seasons.

Speaking of such players, Gill-Howard helped himself against Cincinnati. The rookie produced disruptive plays and showed the athleticism that has made him an intriguing developmental interior defender. Right now, he’s my final decision to make the 53. This defense doesnt have another 280+ pound defensive tackle that can run a 4.65 seconds forty—a legit sideline to sideline DT is insane!

Dan Campbell mentioned Levi Onwuzurike over the weekend:

“Yeah, I like Levi. I feel like Levi’s had a good camp. Um, you know, he... Levi, as we all know, man, he’s coming off a ton of injuries, man. But uh, it’s nice to have two ACLs. He would tell you that, uh, it helps him move a lot better. He’s got a lot more power.”

Onwuzurike is one of those players where you have to accept some risk with the reward. When he’s healthy, he can be dominant. On a defensive front that shouldn’t require him to play more than roughly half the defensive snaps, his value can increase substantially. The injury risk is legitimate, but the grimy interior work he provides is not easy to replace.

Chris Smith represents almost the opposite roster argument. His value isn’t built around splash plays. Campbell has praised his reliability, assignment discipline and willingness to handle the dirty work.

“It’s a nasty job and it’s not for everybody.”

“He just does everything right.”

“He takes three guys on.”

Wingo is a lock for my practice squad projection. I don’t believe the Lions are ready to give up on him, but unless Gill-Howard falls flat over the next couple of weeks, it may be extremely difficult for Wingo to latch onto the initial 53. He needs to stack good practices and produce in the final two preseason games.

EDGE: 5

• Aidan Hutchinson

• D.J. Wonnum

• Tyler Lacy

• Derrick Moore

• Ahmed Hassanein

OUT: Eric O’Neill & Ben Stille

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Anthony Lucas

• INJURY SETTLEMENT: Payton Turner

Hassanein went from an interesting developmental edge to one of the biggest stories of the preseason opener. He sacked Joe Burrow on his first snap, later produced a strip-sack and continued a camp in which his energy and development have repeatedly drawn attention.

Lacy has been listed as a defensive tackle on several depth charts and 53-man projections. There is one major problem—the Lions don’t appear to view him that way exclusively. Their unofficial depth chart ahead of the Bengals game listed him at EDGE.

Lacy is a versatile weapon for this defensive front. He gives the group something different because his size allows him to operate as a bigger end while still kicking inside when necessary. That flexibility could allow Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard to go lighter at either EDGE or defensive tackle because Lacy can cover responsibilities in both rooms.

Anthony Lucas entered camp with legitimate buzz after flashing in the spring, and his 6-foot-5, 265-pound frame gives Detroit developmental upside at EDGE. He played 50 defensive snaps against Cincinnati and showed flashes, but not enough to jump the current rotation. I still have him just outside the 53 and headed for the practice squad.

Eric O’Neill was relatively quiet early in camp but made a stronger push against Cincinnati, playing 38 defensive snaps and creating disruption off the edge. He has closed some ground in the competition, but I still have him outside the 53 unless he stacks another strong performance over the final two preseason games.

Payton Turner may require a short term injury settlement to maximize the IR to return options (2) on cut day, depending on what the plan is with Rolder.

LINEBACKER: 6

• Jack Campbell

• Derrick Barnes

• Devin White

• Trevor Nowaske

• Malcolm Rodriguez

• Damone Clark

OUT: Troy Reeder & Amen Ogbongbemiga

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Erick Hunter

• VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Joe Bachie

• IR TO RETURN: Jimmy Rolder

This may be one of the more difficult rooms to evaluate purely because of the style of defense Kelvin Sheppard appears prepared to run in 2026. You can make a legitimate argument for carrying only five linebackers if the plan is to play significantly more nickel than traditional 4-3 base personnel.

Jimmy Rolder’s injury appears to be trending in the right direction. He has been working with trainers off to the side, but with only two weeks remaining in the preseason, the Lions may choose to give him a slower recovery path with an IR stash.

White should leapfrog Rodriguez and Clark for one of the primary linebacker roles. He has been one of the strongest performers in camp, while Campbell has praised his speed, intelligence and physical downhill play. I don’t believe Rolder’s injury was the only reason White was added. During his first media session his statement lends credibility to the idea that White was already on Brad Holmes’ radar during free agency.

“We talked early in free agency and said we wanted to revisit it. So it was always kind of on the radar.”

Special-teams utility heavily favors Nowaske and Clark securing roster spots. Nowaske looked roster-ready against Cincinnati and handled green-dot responsibilities. That leaves Bachie and Ogbongbemiga facing uphill battles despite strong camp days and preseason production.

Hunter will be a difficult cut, having produced throughout camp—drawing praise for his development and special-teams work. The decision may ultimately come down to veteran-practice-squad flexibility and whether exposing Hunter to waivers creates a risk Detroit isn’t willing to take.

If the Lions decide they have to keep Hunter—Clark or Rodriguez becomes the logical candidate to move toward the veteran practice squad. Clark has been a four-phase special-teams contributor, with his best season coming in 2025. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is coming off his weakest season in Detroit.

SECONDARY: 10

This may be the most competitive room on the defense. The first preseason game also gave us our first meaningful glimpse of what to expect schematically during the regular season.

The opening outside corners were Nick Whiteside and Ennis Rakestraw, with Christian Izien receiving the early nickel work.

When Rakestraw left with an injury, Roger McCreary replaced him outside. Later, Izien shifted to safety while Keith Abney handled significant nickel work. I felt this was an important roster-construction test.

Sheppard wasn’t simply evaluating individual cornerbacks. He was testing whether several defensive backs could handle multiple jobs without forcing the defense to substitute personnel.

OUTSIDE CORNERBACK: 5

• D.J. Reed

• Rock Ya-Sin

• Ennis Rakestraw

• Nick Whiteside

• Keith Abney

OUT: Aamaris Brown & Ryan Cooper Jr.

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Khalil Dorsey

Many fans and pundits believe this unit is weak—I tend to disagree. I would love to see a true lockdown corner emerge in Detroit. With all due respect to Reed, that player is not on this roster. The long-term answer may still be a couple of seasons away.

The defensive identity has changed, but the underlying philosophy remains familiar: Do your job. This group is scrappy and aggressive. Playing together—and understanding where the help is coming from—will be central to its success.

Whiteside has climbed from the bottom of the depth chart into first-team opportunities and has repeatedly been one of the biggest risers of camp.

Abney also had a standout preseason opener—he was everywhere. He recovered a critical fumble in the red zone and finished with five tackles. When he delivered a clean, violent open-field tackle that de-cleated a Bengals ball carrier, he immediately separated himself.

Dorsey would be a difficult cut because his special-teams work has been spectacular. But I’m willing to hedge on getting him onto the veteran practice squad rather than risk losing a young player such as Abney or Whiteside.

And then there’s Rakestraw. I don’t believe he struggled against Cincinnati to the degree some people want you to believe. He’s been sticky in camp against two of the best receivers in football, and I like his chances against the rest of the field.

If you trust PFF for everything, save yourself some time and stop reading my breakdowns. PFF can provide useful statistics—their grading system is flawed.

NICKEL CORNERBACK: 2

• Roger McCreary

• Christian Izien

McCreary entered camp as the natural veteran candidate in the slot. Izien’s biggest advantage is versatility. He has legitimate NFL experience at both nickel and safety, making him particularly valuable while Branch and Joseph remain unavailable.

With Abney also getting increased work inside, the defense has several players capable of handling slot responsibilities. That versatility allows Detroit to carry only two players in this specific roster bucket without leaving the defense short on actual nickel options.

SAFETY: 3

• Chuck Clark

• Avonte Maddox

• Thomas Harper

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

• PRACTICE SQUAD: Dan Jackson

• RESERVE/PUP: Kerby Joseph & Brian Branch

This room is being shaped almost entirely by health and versatility. The primary reason for carrying only three safeties on the initial 53 is the versatility already built into the secondary and the expected eventual returns of Joseph and Branch.

Clark gives the defense veteran communication and starting experience. He has played extremely well in camp, producing takeaways without many negative plays.

Harper continues to push for a starting role opposite Clark. He played well against Cincinnati and has continued rotating into first-team situations throughout camp. His special-teams value strengthens the argument further. Harper played 264 special-teams snaps during his first NFL season with the Raiders in 2024 and another 47 for Detroit in 2025.

Izien is interchangeable at multiple positions. He was brought in to compete for safety, slot and nickel responsibilities and has legitimate NFL experience at each. He played 657 slot snaps in 2023, then 308 snaps at free safety and another 205 in the slot with Tampa Bay in 2024. He is also a valuable special-teams player, having been heavily involved in that phase throughout his first three seasons.

Maddox provides another layer of versatility and veteran leadership. Most of his career has been spent handling slot responsibilities, but Detroit gave him his largest workload at free safety last season with 248 snaps.

Unless another position creates additional space, I don’t see a path for Dan Jackson onto the initial 53-man roster. His limited NFL experience should make exposing him to waivers a more acceptable risk than sacrificing one of the veterans who can cover several jobs immediately.

SPECIALISTS: 3

There is no reason to manufacture drama here.

• Jake Bates — K

• Jack Fox — P

• Hogan Hatten — LS

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This roster is loaded with good players. I do believe there is a possibility the Lions decide to run with four receivers to create a roster spot for another position. With Gibbs entering 2026 as a viable receiving weapon, it almost makes too much sense.

The handshake deals will be critical for this roster to maintain the playmakers who have proven they belong—on both sides of the ball.

Another major sticking point for me: I don’t see the necessity of carrying McLaughlin or Niese if Ratledge is getting center reps. That could open another roster spot for a seventh linebacker or an 11th defensive back. There may also be a case for keeping an 11th defensive lineman.

Then there is the eventual probability that Brad and Dan settle on 51 players, leaving the window open to bring back players who were cut. The Lions have good problems.

RECOMMENDED READS

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Detroit Lions — Training camp injuries has created movement throughout Detroit’s defensive depth chart. Several players enter Thursday night with an opportunity to strengthen their case for a larger role.

Ahmed Hassanein, Nick Whiteside and Erick Hunter have emerged as legitimate camp risers. Skyler Gill-Howard has started generating pressure inside, Tyler Lacy has been one of the more surprising performers along the defensive front, and Ennis Rakestraw enters the preseason needing consistency in an increasingly competitive secondary. Damone Clark also gets an important opportunity to show how his experience and coverage ability fit into Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.

These seven players represent different stages of the same evaluation: determining who can turn training-camp production into dependable defensive snaps.

1. EDGE AHMED HASSANEIN

Ahmed Hassanein has gone from developmental edge rusher to one of Detroit’s strongest camp stories after moving into the big-end role. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound defender produced 22 sacks and 33 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at Boise State, and his combination of power and relentless effort has translated into pressures and backfield disruption during camp.

Campbell has noticed.

“He has had a really good camp. He is all out all the time.”

The next step is discipline. Hassanein must control the edge, squeeze rushing lanes and maintain rush-lane integrity rather than simply chasing sacks. If he can handle those assignments while continuing to generate disruption, Detroit may have found another legitimate rotational piece.

2. CB NICK WHITESIDE

Few Lions have improved their standing more than Nick Whiteside. After playing primarily on special teams in 2025, Whiteside has repeatedly produced interceptions and pass breakups during camp and earned first-team opportunities while D.J. Reed has dealt with a groin injury.

Campbell’s assessment has been direct.

“He is rising. It is not too big for him.”

Whiteside also has limited regular-season evidence, recording three passes defended on 40 defensive snaps against Tampa Bay last season. Cincinnati will provide a broader test of his leverage, route recognition, tackling and eye discipline. Training camp earned Whiteside more opportunities. A strong preseason can establish him as legitimate defensive depth rather than simply a special-teams player.

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3. CB ENNIS RAKESTRAW JR.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. enters Year 3 needing something simple but important: consistent football. Injuries limited the former second-round pick to eight games as a rookie and cost him the entire 2025 season, leaving him in a competitive cornerback room with limited NFL tape.

There have been encouraging camp reps, including tight coverage against Jameson Williams and work both outside and in the slot. The inconsistency remains.

Campbell summarized the situation clearly.

“He’s had some ups and downs. He needs to string a few days together here of some good stuff.”

Cincinnati gives Rakestraw an opportunity to do exactly that. Detroit needs reliable leverage, tackling and coverage discipline over an extended series—not one splash play surrounded by avoidable losses.

4. EDGE TYLER LACY

Tyler Lacy has quietly become an important piece of Detroit’s defensive-front flexibility. At roughly 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Lacy can play big end on early downs and reduce inside when Detroit changes personnel. He appeared in 10 games with four starts last season, finishing with 21 tackles and one sack.

Campbell values the reliability.

“He’s a football guy. He’s a professional. He prepares, practices hard and will do whatever you ask him to do.”

The next step is adding more pass-rush value. Lacy already has the size to anchor the edge and absorb physical run-game assignments. If he can consistently compress the pocket from inside, his role expands beyond early-down run defense.

5. LB DAMONE CLARK

Damone Clark brings something most players fighting for linebacker depth cannot: substantial NFL experience. Clark has appeared in 55 games with 26 starts, including a 109-tackle season with Dallas in 2023.

His value changed last season when he emerged as one of the league’s most productive special-teams tacklers, finishing with 18 special-teams stops.

Detroit’s linebacker room is crowded, so Clark may not need to win one specific defensive job. His roster value comes from being useful across several roles. Cincinnati will test his run fits, coverage spacing and ability to finish in space, but his special-teams snaps may be equally important. Veteran defensive experience combined with legitimate kicking-game value gives Clark a clear path to staying in the conversation.

6. DT SKYLER GILL-HOWARD

Skyler Gill-Howard has started flashing the interior quickness Detroit drafted him for. After working back from the ankle injury that ended his 2025 college season, the sixth-round rookie produced his strongest practice on Day 9, generating multiple pressures and eventually earning first-team opportunities late in the session.

Gill-Howard finished his final college season with a 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade, but his NFL evaluation involves more than penetration.

At roughly 6-foot and 280 pounds, he must keep larger guards from controlling his chest and moving him off the football. Cincinnati will test his pad level, hand placement and ability to anchor against double teams. Pressure gets noticed. Holding his gap earns defensive snaps.

7. LB ERICK HUNTER

Undrafted rookie Erick Hunter has given Detroit reasons to keep watching. The Morgan State linebacker finished 2025 with 102 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks, then carried that activity into training camp.

His biggest defensive play was an end-zone interception of Jared Goff during a team scrimmage, but Hunter has also produced on special teams—an important pathway for any reserve linebacker.

Campbell has praised the rookie’s approach.

“He’s athletic and he takes notes, he listens, he works his tail off in practice.”

Hunter’s challenge is playing fast without losing assignment discipline. Detroit needs clean run fits, reliable tackling and coverage awareness. If those traits hold up alongside his special-teams work, Hunter can make the roster decision considerably more difficult.

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Detroit’s defensive roster decisions may ultimately come down to more than who makes the most splash plays in August.

Kelvin Sheppard is building a defense expected to use more zone coverage, interchangeable personnel and multiple fronts. That places a premium on defenders who can handle more than one assignment without forcing Detroit to substitute every time the situation changes.

That is where these preseason evaluations become important. A corner who can play outside and inside, an edge defender who can reduce into the interior, or a linebacker who can contribute in coverage and on special teams carries additional value when the defense is trying to remain unpredictable.

The roster will absolutely look different this season—not because the talent level has changed, but because the type of player Sheppard needs has changed.

Thursday night begins the process of finding out which players fit that vision.

RECOMMENDED READS

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• Brutal Test For Lions Safety Room

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• Detroit Lions minicamp 13 stories

• Brad Holmes plays it smart

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Detroit Lions — Thursday’s preseason opener gives fans an opportunity to watch some ugly football—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The game against Cincinnati moves the evaluation out of controlled training-camp periods and into live football, where communication breaks down, protections change and young players have to solve problems without a coach standing behind the play.

Isaac TeSlaa would have been on my list if Jared Goff were expected to play significant snaps. His second-year development could become especially important in the red zone, where his size, physicality and catch radius give Detroit another matchup option.

But tonight belongs primarily to the players fighting for roles behind the established starters. The final score will mean very little compared with what Detroit sees on film afterward.

These are the seven offensive players I’ll be watching closest.

1. QB LUKE ALTMYER

Luke Altmyer will start after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement and Josh Dobbs’ late arrival changed Detroit’s quarterback room. The undrafted rookie completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions at Illinois in 2025, and his composure has stood out during camp despite normal rookie mistakes with timing and processing.

Dan Campbell has been encouraged by how Altmyer has handled the position.

“It doesn’t feel too big to him right now. And that’s a great sign at that position.”

Thursday provides the first real measurement. Detroit needs to see Altmyer command the huddle, handle protections, work through progressions and keep the offense on schedule when the picture changes after the snap.

2. RT BLAKE MILLER

Blake Miller has spent camp receiving exactly the education Detroit expected when it selected him 17th overall, including repeated work against Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wonnum. Miller started all 54 games at Clemson, logging a school-record 3,778 offensive snaps, but Cincinnati will provide his first NFL game-speed test.

Campbell likes the rookie’s emotional control.

“He does not get too high. He does not get too low. So, his demeanor’s just right.”

The important evaluation isn’t whether Miller loses a rep. Rookie tackles will. Detroit needs to see his pass-set discipline, hand timing and anchor—and whether he can diagnose what beat him before the same counter gets him again.

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3. TE JACKSON MEEKS

Jackson Meeks has become one of Detroit’s more interesting roster experiments after moving from wide receiver into a hybrid tight end/H-back/big-slot role. His receiving ability has translated during camp, particularly with the second-team offense, but catching the football is only part of this evaluation.

Campbell explained exactly what Detroit is exploring.

“We want to find out if there’s something in there where he can be this hybrid H-back, tight end, big slot.”

Cincinnati will test whether the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Meeks can handle the physical responsibilities attached to the position. If he can block from multiple alignments and contribute on special teams, his receiving background gives Detroit a legitimate reason to keep developing the role.

4. C SETH MCLAUGHLIN

Seth McLaughlin’s opportunity increased when starting center Cade Mays injured his wrist and Juice Scruggs was sidelined. McLaughlin has since received first-team work against Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams, settling into those reps after some difficult early battles.

The 2024 Rimington Trophy winner tore his Achilles late in his final season at Ohio State, went undrafted and spent 2025 on Cincinnati’s practice squad.

His evaluation against his former team goes well beyond blocking. Detroit needs to see whether McLaughlin can identify fronts, communicate protections, deliver consistent snaps and hold his ground against NFL interior power. The center has to organize the protection while surviving physically inside it.

5. OL MILES FRAZIER

Miles Frazier’s strongest argument for a roster role is versatility. The second-year lineman appeared in five games without allowing a sack in 2025 and has worked both inside and outside, including first-team left-guard reps during camp.

Campbell has highlighted exactly why that flexibility carries value.

“He can play the guard, he can play tackle ... he can sustain blocks, he’s got power, he’s pretty tenacious.”

The preseason will determine how functional that versatility really is. Frazier needs to show he can handle speed and inside counters at tackle while maintaining the anchor and displacement required at guard. A reserve capable of playing multiple positions at a trustworthy level becomes significantly more valuable on game day.

6. G BEN BARTCH

Ben Bartch finally has an opportunity to reenter the left-guard competition after spending much of the offseason and early camp recovering from the Lisfranc injury that ended his 2025 season.

His return has been encouraging. Bartch was described as a “complete roadblock” during recent one-on-one work and finished last season with zero sacks allowed and zero penalties in six games.

Campbell never ruled him out of the competition.

“There’s a reason he’s here, we think he brings outstanding competition. He’s got a shot.”

The next evaluation is durability and consistency. Bartch needs to anchor against power, reset his hands and maintain his technique through an extended series of live snaps.

7. WR DOMINIC LOVETT

Dominic Lovett has started making his move in a crowded competition for Detroit’s final receiver spots. After appearing in 12 games without a reception as a rookie, Lovett has produced more consistently during the later stages of camp, including a deep connection with Teddy Bridgewater and a contested catch over the middle.

His roster case, however, cannot be built exclusively as a receiver.

With Cedrick Wilson Jr. and others competing for the same jobs, Lovett needs to show separation, reliable hands and route discipline while becoming useful on special teams. For players fighting for the fifth or sixth receiver position, special-teams value often becomes the deciding factor when the receiving evaluations are close.

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Dan Campbell is entering his first preseason game of 2026 with a new offensive coordinator and a roster built with a deep collection of talent and experience. But there is a reason it is called the preseason—the offense is rarely polished, and Detroit does not need it to be.

What the Lions need to find is functional depth—players who can enter the lineup without forcing the offense to change what it wants to do. Most importantly, the evaluation will center on one thing: trust.

That is especially important on the offensive line and at quarterback, where one injury can affect protections, communication and the operation of the entire unit. The same principle applies at receiver and tight end: versatility only has value if a player can execute enough assignments to stay on the field.

For Dan Campbell and Drew Petzing, that is where trust gets earned.

Not by producing one highlight against Cincinnati’s backups, but by lining up correctly, recognizing the assignment, handling the physical responsibility and doing it again on the next snap.

Detroit already knows who its offensive stars are. Thursday night is about finding out who can be trusted behind them.

RECOMMENDED READS

• Training Camp Day 2 Observations

• Training Camp Day 1 Observations

• Detroit Lions Roster Shakeup Day 1

• Brutal Test For Lions Safety Room

• Brad Holmes Mastering Of The NFL Draft

• NFC North Index Rankings

• Detroit Lions minicamp 13 stories

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DREW PETZING KNOWS KYLER MURRAY

Detroit Lions — Drew Petzing was hired to run the offense, but his previous coaching experience could become a secret weapon against Minnesota this season.

Petzing spent three years coaching Kyler Murray, Minnesota’s new QB1 for 2026. That gives defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard a significant advantage, with direct access to the coach who designed Arizona’s offense around Murray.

Murray made 30 starts under Petzing from 2023 through 2025. Petzing worked through protections, quarterback movement, play-action concepts, pressure answers and Murray’s progressions within the offense.

Petzing learned which concepts played to Murray’s strengths, which defensive looks created problems and how Murray responded when the structure of a play broke down. This may not give Detroit Minnesota’s playbook, but it does provide Sheppard with context. Something film study alone cannot fully provide: firsthand insight into how Murray processes, reacts and adjusts within an offense.

PETZING SPENT THREE YEARS STUDYING MURRAY

When Petzing arrived in Arizona in 2023, he didn’t just study Murray’s previous NFL film. He went back to the Oklahoma film to better understand Murray’s ability as a runner. After Murray returned from ACL rehabilitation late that season, Arizona spent the following offseason examining his strengths, weaknesses, and scheme fit before expanding the offense to fit around him.

Petzing was actively studying him to make him better. He learned what Murray wanted against pressure, where he preferred to escape when protection failed and which defensive structures forced him into bad decisions.

Where The magic happens is during Vikings week. Sheppard can identify a tendency on film and take the diagnosis a step further with Petzing:

• Was the decision dictated by the offensive design?

• Was it Murray’s preferred answer?

• Did the defense force him away from what he wanted?

• Was another option available that Murray passed over?

That is where Petzing’s intelligence becomes so valuable. He can help identify what portions of the scheme belong to O’Connell, and what belongs to Murray himself.

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DETROIT ALREADY HAS A BLUEPRINT

The Lions have a recent defensive performance against Murray and Petzing to study. On September 22, 2024, Aaron Glenn’s defense held Arizona to 13 points and Murray to 207 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Cardinals converted just 1-of-9 third downs.

Detroit did not solve Murray by assigning a permanent spy or recklessly blitzing him. Glenn varied the presentation, mixing four-man rushes, selective pressure, changing fronts and situational six-man pressures while maintaining rush-lane integrity.

That game becomes even more valuable now because Petzing was on the opposite sideline calling Arizona’s offense. The question for Petzing becomes: Why was Glenn’s defensive plan so effective against Murray that day? Sheppard can study what Glenn did, then use Petzing to understand what Arizona was trying to accomplish against it.

• If a particular front changed Murray’s protection, Petzing knows why.

• If pressure forced Arizona away from a preferred concept, Petzing knows what the original answer was supposed to be.

• If Detroit’s coverage forced Murray to hold the football or leave the pocket, Petzing can explain what Murray believed he was seeing.

Glenn’s film provides the defensive blueprint. Petzing can provide the offensive autopsy. Sheppard can use both rather than simply copying old calls.

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Detroit Lions Training Camp Day 6

Detroit Lions — The Lions second consecutive padded practice Tuesday finished with the advantage shifting decisively toward the defense once again.

The roughly two-hour session included individual work, receiver-versus-defensive-back matchups, kickoff and punt periods, four 11-on-11 sessions and competitive late-game situations.

Detroit’s defensive front controlled the opening run periods and maintained pressure throughout practice. Alim McNeill delivered his strongest performance of camp, Tyler Lacy continued forcing his way into a larger role and several developing pass rushers created negative plays.

The offense answered with a seven-play touchdown drive led by Jared Goff and an explosive connection between Teddy Bridgewater and Dominic Lovett. Christian Mahogany gained ground in the left-guard competition, while Detroit’s available running backs continued handling the workload created by Jahmyr Gibbs’ hold-in and Sione Vaki’s injury.

Jake Bates produced the cleanest performance of the day, converting every field-goal attempt and closing practice with a successful situational kick.

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DAN CAMPBELL’S PRESSER

Greg Dortch Exceeding Early Expectations

Dan Campbell entered Tuesday’s practice encouraged by Greg Dortch’s movement skills and his ability to contribute as a receiver and return specialist.

Dortch played the previous three seasons under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing in Arizona, allowing him to process Detroit’s offensive system quickly. Campbell said Dortch’s work in return drills and the smaller details of playing receiver have looked better than anticipated.

Detroit is evaluating Dortch from the slot, outside and in both return roles. His experience in Petzing’s offense has given him an early advantage in the competition to replace Kalif Raymond’s combined offensive and special-teams responsibilities.

Devin White Fits The WILL Linebacker Role

Campbell said White’s frame, athletic ability and downhill playing style fit Detroit’s weakside linebacker responsibilities. White has already received first-team opportunities despite joining the team just two days ago. The Lions’ plan to gradually increase his workload while moving him reach peak physical condition.

Sione Vaki Expected To Recover

Campbell confirmed that Vaki suffered a broken nose in addition to the eye injury caused by a hand entering his facemask Monday. The Lions expect Vaki to miss time, but Campbell expressed optimism that his vision will recover. Dan Campbell is allowing Vaki to rest before determining when he can resume football activity.

Saylors / Small Earn Larger Opportunities

Campbell praised Jacob Saylors’ understanding of the offense, preparation and improved comfort compared with previous camps. He also highlighted Jabari Small’s commitment to strength, quickness and special-teams work. The absences of Jahmyr Gibbs and Vaki have created additional repetitions—both Saylors and Small have made the most of those opportunities.

Campbell’s Corner:

• Campbell really impressed with the defensive depth and early start, although backed off on giving either side a leg up after one day.

• Campbell mentioned Cade Mays took control of his reps after losing an initial battle with Tyleik Williams. Expecting early mistakes, praising immediate correction by Mays.

• Campbell mentioned that Devin White’s weight will be managed to get him to a level the team feels is right for his role.

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Detroit Lions Training Camp Day 5

Detroit Lions — The Detroit Lions entered the most revealing phase of training camp Monday when they practiced in pads for the first time.

The roughly 90-minute session was designed as the opening step in a four-day stretch of increasingly physical work. Detroit emphasized the running game, pass protection, run fits, open-field tackling and one-on-one competition between the offensive and defensive lines.

Dan Campbell expects this portion of camp to begin separating players who are ready for NFL roles from those still fighting to establish themselves. Day 5 did not settle the roster, but it produced the strongest evaluation yet of Detroit’s offensive line, defensive front and developing depth.

Tyler Lacy was the most disruptive defender on the field. Christian Mahogany delivered the best performance among Detroit’s starting offensive linemen. Jacob Saylors capitalized on an expanded opportunity, while Keith Abney II, Miles Frazier and Christian Izien continued strengthening their positions in separate roster competitions.

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DAN CAMPBELL’S PRESSER

Campbell Will Continue Creating Pressure

Campbell explained that Detroit will keep dedicating practice time to end-of-half, end-of-game, four-minute and fourth-down situations.

Campbell’s goal is to place players in stressful football situations before the regular season forces them to respond. The staff can evaluate decision-making, communication and situational awareness while also identifying players who remain composed when the outcome of a practice period is placed on one snap.

These periods force the offense to operate with clock limitations, field-position demands and known defensive objectives. The defense must communicate, tackle and get off the field when the offense is attempting to protect possession or close a game.

Campbell’s Corner:

• Campbell would not award the starting right-tackle position to Miller based on four unpadded practices, but he likes the rookie’s development thus far.

• Campbell also brought Miles Frazier into the conversation. Frazier has worked at both tackle positions and both guard spots, and specifically warned observers not to overlook Frazier as the line begins sorting itself out.

• Campbell already understands Ya-Sin’s competitiveness and physical approach because of their previous history together.

• Campbell continues to see flashes from Rakestraw, but the young corner has also experienced inconsistencies.

• Campbell said Whiteside had produced a play in every practice through the first four sessions, forcing his name deeper into the competition.

• Campbell did not announce a resolution to Gibbs’ contract-related hold-in or provide a timetable for his return to practice.

• Campbell praised WR Cedric Wilson as a veteran professional who understands how to prepare, compete and contribute without arriving with a sense of entitlement.

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Detroit Lions — With an expanded workload during Thursday’s second training-camp practice, the team remained without pads as they worked through the NFL’s acclimation period.

That limited how much could be learned about Detroit’s running game and the physical strength of either line. It did not prevent the defense from taking control.

Detroit’s front repeatedly reached the backfield, the secondary protected against explosive completions and Derrick Barnes produced the first interception of camp. The offense remained in the thick of Drew Petzing’s installation, cycling through formations, personnel groupings and motions while attempting to clean up alignment and assignment errors.

The football belonged to the defense.

The larger conversation remained centered on Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract hold-in, Giovanni Manu’s newly revealed long-term absence and the health questions surrounding several prominent players.

Article Contents:

• Daily Presser Breakdown

  • Dan Campbell Sets The Standard

• Top Headlines

  • Gibbs Hold-In Continues

  • Locker Room Fully Supports Gibbs

  • Manu Expected To Miss 12-14 Weeks

  • D-Line Creating Chaos With Movement

  • Tyleik Williams Earns Campbell’s Full Trust

  • Injury Updates

• Offense

  • All Positions Breakdown

    • Jahmyr Gibbs Hold-In

    • Giovanni Manu Moves To Active/NFI

    • Meeks Steps Up

• Defense

  • All Positions Breakdown

    • Tyler Lacy’s First Team Reps

    • Turner’s Back Stiffness

    • Wonnum A Menace On Day 2

    • Ahmed Hassanein Creates Backfield Pressure

    • Derrick Barnes Interception

    • Anzalone’s Impact

    • Jimmy Rolder Handles Mike Linebacker Duties

    • Kerby Joseph Details Origin Of Knee Injury

    • Branch Remains Mentally Involved

    • Maddox Produces Highlight Breakup

• Special Teams

  • Punt-Return Competition

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DAN CAMPBELL’S PRESSER

Campbell Sets the Standard

Dan Campbell opened the morning by identifying three priorities the Lions must establish before the regular season:

• Run the football consistently.

• Stop the run defensively.

• Execute situational football.

Those goals sit at the center of Detroit’s identity, but the first two cannot receive a legitimate evaluation until the pads arrive. Offensive linemen are not yet permitted to finish blocks with full force, defensive linemen cannot fully engage and running backs are not being tackled to the ground.

For now, the coaches are grading alignment, technique, communication and assignment discipline. The physical examination comes later.

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Detroit Lions — Training camp opened Wednesday with a clear organizational message, several unresolved roster questions and an early reminder of what Jameson Williams can become inside Drew Petzing’s offense.

Detroit completed a clean, approximately 90-minute practice in shells, with 86 players participating at varying levels. The session produced no fights, major breakdowns or new practice injuries, but the absence of full pads limited meaningful conclusions about the running game, pass protection and the physical strength of either line.

The most useful information came from personnel deployment, seven-on-seven periods, pass-protection assignments and coverage work. Blake Miller opened as Detroit’s primary right tackle. Sione Vaki and Isiah Pacheco divided Jahmyr Gibbs’ workload. Avonte Maddox and Chuck Clark formed the temporary starting safety combination. Nick Whiteside turned three pass breakups into immediate roster momentum.

Williams supplied the defining football moment, elevating between two defenders for a contested reception of approximately 40 yards. Away from the field, Gibbs’ apparent contract hold-in, Kerby Joseph’s uncertain recovery and Giovanni Manu’s unexpected placement on active/NFI shaped the larger conversation surrounding Day 1.

Article Contents:

• Daily Presser Breakdown

  • Dan Campbell Emphasizes Total Reset

  • Terrion Arnold’s Release

• Top Headlines

  • Jahmyr Gibbs Starts Hold-In Process

  • Brian Branch Remains On Schedule

  • Kerby Joseph’s Recovery Remains Questionable

  • Conklin, Mahogany & Izien PUP Timelines

  • Campbell Leaves Preseason Open For Starters

• Offense

  • All Positions Breakdown

    • Jahmyr Gibbs Hold-In

    • Giovanni Manu Moves To Active/NFI

• Defense

  • All Positions Breakdown

    • Nick Whiteside Produces The Defensive Surprise

• Special Teams

  • Punt-Return Competition

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DAN CAMPBELL’S PRESSER

Dan Campbell Emphasizes Total Reset

Dan Campbell described a different atmosphere around the Lions as they entered camp. Detroit still has much of the core that emerged during the franchise’s climb beginning in 2021, but offseason turnover and a concentrated youth movement have transferred more responsibility to established leaders such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell.

The Lions are not rebuilding. Campbell wants the organization to recover the urgency and competitive edge that helped reshape the franchise during the 2022 season. His emphasis returned to physical practices, hungry players, internal competition and continuous player development.

Detroit finished 9–8 and fourth in the NFC North last season, one year after going 15–2 and earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The talent did not disappear during that decline, but the standard became less consistent. Campbell’s opening message placed the responsibility on the current roster to restore the habits that originally made Detroit successful.

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Published: Tuesday, July 29th, 2026 | 7:09am

Detroit Lions — Kelvin Sheppard’s defense is preparing to exchange predictable weight for speed, disguise and positional interchangeability. Tuesday analysis connected Detroit’s plan for increased nickel usage with a faster edge room, Tyleik Williams’ body transformation and the potential pairing of Williams and Alim McNeill as movable interior pieces.

Nickel Takes Control

Detroit played base defense on approximately 60 percent of its 2025 snaps, dramatically exceeding the league average. That approach placed three linebackers on the field but limited coverage flexibility against spread formations, motion and receiving backs.

“We are planning to utilize the nickel position more,” Sheppard said during offseason work. The declaration suggests five-defensive-back personnel will become Detroit’s primary language rather than an occasional response.

More nickel does not automatically create a softer defense. Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes must tackle cleanly, defeat climbing blockers and prevent opponents from running Detroit back into heavier personnel.

The nickel defender must also function as more than a slot corner. Detroit needs coverage ability, run support, pressure timing and enough positional versatility to disguise where the fifth defensive back will align.

Interior Without Labels

Williams’ reported weight reduction adds another clue to Detroit’s desired identity. A leaner Williams could move between nose, shade and three-technique while maintaining the strength needed to withstand double teams.

McNeill already possesses the movement skills to align across the interior. Pairing two instinctive tackles without fixed labels can complicate protection rules and create favorable matchups before either defender rushes.

Detroit can present both tackles in reduced alignments, then slant, exchange or loop after the snap. Guards and centers must process that movement while also accounting for Campbell, Barnes and defensive-back pressure.

The concept collapses if Williams sacrificed functional power. Training camp must determine whether the body transformation improved endurance and movement without weakening his anchor.

Rush Room Gets Quicker

Detroit rebuilt the edge room around D.J. Wonnum, Payton Turner, second-round rookie Derrick Moore and several developmental rushers. The collection generally carries more speed and direct pass-rushing potential than the heavier groups Detroit previously favored.

The official team watchlist identified Wonnum as a key camp player because protections should tilt toward Aidan Hutchinson. Wonnum has twice produced eight-sack seasons and offers a veteran floor opposite Detroit’s premier edge defender.

Moore carries the higher developmental ceiling. Detroit can begin with selected passing-down assignments while expanding his role as his counter moves, lane discipline and run recognition improve.

The goal extends beyond sack totals. Consistent four-man pressure allows Detroit to protect the secondary without surrendering aggression.

Secondary Must Communicate

The scheme’s full ceiling depends upon defensive backs who can exchange responsibilities without exposing coverage. Brian Branch, Christian Izien, Roger McCreary and Avonte Maddox provide varying degrees of nickel, safety and outside-corner flexibility.

Branch remains on PUP, while Izien opened camp on Non-Football Illness. Kerby Joseph also remains unavailable, forcing Chuck Clark, Thomas Harper and Maddox to install larger portions of the structure immediately.

Injuries may require Sheppard to begin camp with a smaller menu. Detroit cannot disguise coverage effectively when the players performing the rotation do not communicate the same assignment.

More complexity must produce fewer catastrophic errors, not additional confusion. The 2025 defense surrendered too many explosive gains for Detroit to treat disguise as an end by itself.

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Published: Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 | 5:09pm

Detroit Lions — The front office executed a series of roster maneuvers on Tuesday to shape the 90-man unit as veterans report to training camp. The team signed veteran linebacker Troy Reeder and released defensive tackle Jay Tufele. Additionally, safety Christian Izien and offensive guard Christian Mahogany were placed on the active/non-football injury list.

Linebacker Insurance

Troy Reeder arrives as a known commodity to general manager Brad Holmes. Holmes was the Rams’ director of college scouting when Los Angeles signed Reeder as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Over seven seasons, Reeder has appeared in more than 100 NFL games.

He provides specialized value as a special teams ace and rotational linebacker. With Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez securing the top of the depth chart, Reeder is not competing for a starting role. Instead, his addition offers immediate special teams stability and veteran processing speed at the back end of the linebacker room.

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Published: Saturday, July 25th, 2026 | 3:00pm

For decades, the story of Detroit Lions draft picks had been a rollercoaster of hope, heartbreak and the occasional head-scratching decision. The franchise found individual stars but rarely built a complete, sustainable roster around them.

That has changed under general manager Brad Holmes.

Detroit has replaced a need-driven, short-term approach with a board-driven strategy centered on football character, positional flexibility, physicality and development. The result is a roster with legitimate championship-level talent—and a draft record that pales in comparison with the rest of the NFL.

THE EVOLUTION OF DETROIT’S DRAFT

Detroit’s recent draft success is not based on one class or one superstar. Holmes has built the core through repeated hits across multiple rounds.

Drafted players represent the lifeblood of a franchise that has evolved by prioritizing versatile athletes and high-character players. The Lions have successfully transformed their identity to become a perennial contender.

• Emphasis on building through the trenches.

• Developing contributors beyond the first round.

• Aggressive maneuvering during the draft to acquire impact talent.

• Focus on long-term roster sustainability over short-term fixes.

• Eight of Holmes’ draft picks appeared in ESPN’s 2026 top-10 positional rankings.

• Detroit has produced All-Pros, Pro Bowlers, starters and record-setting performers from the first through fourth rounds.

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Thursday, July 15th, 2026 | 12:05pm

Detroit charges into the NFC North arms race carrying the division’s most explosive back, best offensive tackle, deepest receiver combination and two nationally recognized top-10 safeties. The Lions still must convert individual dominance into connected football after injuries, protection failures and secondary instability that helped turn 2025 into a nine-win season of failure. The roster remains powerful enough to reclaim the North, but does it have enough to make a run to the Super Bowl? Every position ranking exposes another pressure point that must survive training camp—ultimately a 20 or 21 game season, including the Super Bowl.

Ranking The Division

The DFJ Sports index ranking measures the complete projected 2026 position group rather than simply copying last season’s performance.

Each group receives a 100-point composite score based on:

• 40 percent elite starter ceiling: National evaluator recognition, All-Pro standing and game-changing ability.

• 30 percent full starting lineup: The quality and reliability of every projected starter.

• 20 percent depth and versatility: Rotational value, matchup flexibility and injury replacements.

• 10 percent developmental trajectory: Realistic growth based on experience, age and recent performance.

Health is evaluated separately as availability risk. An injury can lower the probability that a player contributes immediately, but it does not erase his demonstrated ability. That distinction is critical when evaluating Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Micah Parsons, Sam LaPorta and Tucker Kraft.

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Tuesday, July 15th, 2026 | 2:05pm

Detroit’s safety room charges toward training camp with two stars trapped behind medical uncertainty and two veteran replacements already taking command of the first-team defense. Chuck Clark brings 80 career starts and Christian Izien offers the versatility to play safety or nickel cornerback. Kerby Joseph’s knee and Brian Branch’s torn Achilles could reshape the opening depth chart, but the Lions’ believe they have built protection against disaster. Training camp must reveal whether that protection is strong enough to withstand the rigors of an NFL season when meaningful games begin in September.

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Friday, July 10th, 2026 | 8:05am

Finding the right Detroit Lions gear can feel like navigating a maze during a Michigan blizzard. Every fan wants to show their pride, but sorting through jerseys, hoodies, fitted hats, sideline gear, clearance sales, and limited-time merchandise deals takes a real game plan. Whether you are looking for a breathable jersey…

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