Detroit Lions — It’s NFL Week 1, and we’re breaking down Monday’s media session with Dan Campbell as the Lions prepare for the New Orleans Saints.

Today’s topics include the open roster spots, improvement through camp, offensive-line preparation, how Jared Goff and Drew Petzing are building the offense, expectations for DJ Wonnum, the rookie who impressed Campbell, the backup running backs and safety health.

Two Open Roster Spots Before The Saints

The Lions waived Seth McLaughlin and Jabari Small, leaving two openings heading into Week 1. I’d look at receiver first because they’re carrying only four, and the punt-return job needs attention following Greg Dortch’s release. Tom Kennedy could address both needs. Lucky Jackson and Dominic Lovett are also on the practice squad if the Lions want additional receiving depth.

Reporter’s question: Have you already decided how to fill those spots, or will practice competition determine the moves before the weekend?

Kennedy would be my first player to watch. His familiarity with the offense and ability to return punts give the Lions two reasons to bring him up for Sunday. Campbell sounds comfortable with the direction they’re headed, although he hasn’t identified the players.

Watch the exchange beginning at 2:44

How Much Did The Lions Improve During Camp?

With a rookie right tackle and a new offensive coordinator, I’m watching whether the Lions can turn their camp preparation into dependable execution. Handling pressure, adjusting protections and recovering when a play breaks down will tell us more than one impressive drive.

Reporter’s question: Coming out of training camp, how much do you believe the team has actually improved—not just how much you hope it has improved?

I wouldn’t treat Campbell’s confidence as a declaration that everything is settled. He expects the opening games to reveal which strengths are reliable and which weaknesses need help. The Lions still have to win while learning those answers. September counts just as much in the standings.

Watch the exchange beginning at 3:25

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Is The Offensive Line Better Prepared?

I’d pay particular attention to Blake Miller and Tate Ratledge working together on the right side. Ratledge has another year of experience, while Miller is entering his first regular-season game. When defenders exchange rushing lanes, those two have to recognize the movement and pass off their assignments together.

Reporter’s question: After the problems up front in last season’s opener, where is this line better equipped to avoid another difficult start?

Opening at home should help the Lions hear their calls, but communication still has to hold after the snap. Campbell’s confidence also comes from the pressure the staff put on the offense during camp. For Miller, I’m looking for corrections that carry from one series to the next.

Watch the exchange beginning at 4:33

How Are Goff And Petzing Building The Offense?

What’s been clear from the moment Drew Petzing stepped into the building is the intention to fuse his philosophy, concepts, and sequencing with the things Jared Goff naturally operates well within. And the reverse is true — Goff understands the partnership only works if both sides have room to contribute and room to challenge each other.

Reporter’s question: After watching Jared and Drew work together over the last several months, what have you liked best about their partnership?

Campbell described a quarterback willing to test unfamiliar ideas and a coordinator willing to incorporate his quarterback’s suggestions.

Watch the exchange beginning at 6:00

What Should Fans Expect From DJ Wonnum?

The first thing to understand with Wonnum is how his role ties directly into the structure of Detroit’s front. Keeping the ball inside and forcing offenses into longer down‑and‑distance situations opens opportunities for everyone, but that only happens if both edge defenders hold up when teams attack outside. That’s the hinge point of this season. Wonnum’s ability to set a firm edge in the run game is the starting place, because that single trait directly affects how often Aidan Hutchinson gets clean chances to close from the opposite side.

Reporter’s question: Has Wonnum met the expectations you had when signing him, and has he exceeded them anywhere?

Wonnum can have a productive game without a sack. Holding his assignment, closing an escape lane and forcing the quarterback toward another rusher. Campbell’s assessment gives fans a clear basis for his confidence: consistent work, veteran awareness and the ability to contribute against both the run and pass.

Watch the exchange beginning at 7:24

Which Rookie Earned Campbell’s Attention?

Detroit’s long-running UDFA streak finally paused in 2025 — the first time since Dan Campbell took over in 2021 that an undrafted rookie didn’t make the initial 53. But the reset didn’t last long. Eric O’Neill became the next undrafted player to stand out, effectively restarting the tradition with a strong camp and a roster spot earned on merit.

The next step for O’Neill is turning that spot into a weekly role. For an undrafted edge, the path usually begins on special teams, where effort and reliability can get a player on the field early while his defensive responsibilities expand. If he handles that foundation, the Lions will find ways to grow his workload.

Reporter’s question: Looking at the initial 53-man roster, was there anyone you were particularly proud of for the growth, guts and grit he showed during camp?

What stands out to me is how Campbell described O’Neill earning attention repeatedly. One splash play can get a rookie noticed. Giving multiple coaches something useful every day can earn him a job—and a reason to dress on Sunday.

Watch the exchange beginning at 8:44

Who Gets The Work Behind Jahmyr Gibbs?

Jacob Saylors’ preseason work put him firmly in the discussion behind Gibbs, but I’d watch the complete assignment when either backup enters. A carry, a receiving route and a blitz pickup require different skills. Sione Vaki’s experience and factors in that evaluation, too.

Reporter’s question: After working his way up from the UFL and showing flashes during camp and preseason, how ready is Saylors for the RB2 opportunity?

I wouldn’t hand Saylors every available snap based on the preseason games. Campbell directly challenged that assumption. The entire room is part of the plan, and his explanation of Vaki’s responsibilities goes beyond special teams.

Watch the exchange beginning at 11:17

Can Thomas Harper Be Ready For Sunday?

I’d watch Harper’s practice workload as the Lions prepare for New Orleans. The concern coming out of camp included Harper’s availability and Maddox appearing to get hurt on the final play. Available safety depth affects both defensive packages and special-teams assignments.

Reporter’s question: After the injuries at safety late in camp, including Harper and concern about Maddox, where does the room stand health-wise?

Campbell’s outlook is encouraging, but Harper still has a progression to complete. The next step is handling initial work well enough to increase his reps. I’d follow that progression before assuming he can take on a full Sunday workload.

Watch the exchange beginning at 12:08

About Will Rock

Will Rock Is The Founder Of Detroit Football Journal And DFJ Sports, Providing Independent NFL Coverage With Credentialed Access Since 2024. His Work Focuses On Detroit Lions News, NFL Draft Scouting, Roster Analysis And Film Study.

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