Detroit Lions 2023 Training Camp Primer

All Lions provides its primer for the Detroit Lions entering training camp.

The time is finally here, as the Detroit Lions have reported to training camp for the 2023 season. 

Expectations for this year's team are as high as ever, as they're viewed as the top team in the NFC North and a potential Super Bowl contender. 

Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have molded this team in their vision. As a result, many are high on the tandem moving into their third season together. 

Here is a recap of the 2023 offseason as the team embarks on the beginning of its journey through the season.

Key losses

Two significant departures are on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver DJ Chark and running back Jamaal Williams moved to the NFC South, leaving holes at their respective positions. 

Williams enjoyed a career year last season, surpassing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career and breaking the franchise's single-season touchdown record. 

He was also a well-respected leader within the locker room. While the Lions filled his vacancy on the field with David Montgomery, his leadership and enthusiasm leaves a void. 

Chark struggled with injuries early in his lone season with the Lions, but rebounded to have a strong second half. 

Elsewhere, the Lions lost valuable rotational lineman Evan Brown and cornerback Mike Hughes. Brown started 12 games at guard last year in place of Halapoulivaati Vaitai, while Hughes started six while getting snaps both as a slot and boundary corner. 

Key additions

For the first time in Holmes' tenure, the Lions spent relatively big in free agency. Cam Sutton received a three-year, $33 million contract to be the team's top cornerback, while C.J. Gardner-Johnson inked a one-year deal after hopes for long-term deals across the league fell through. 

Montgomery joins the Lions after spending his first four seasons with the NFC North rival Chicago Bears. He's a power runner who can also be effective as a pass-catcher. 

The Lions added Graham Glasgow as a depth offensive lineman. He can play center and guard and will compete with Vaitai to start at right guard. 

To fill Chark's void, the Lions brought back former standout Marvin Jones Jr. as a veteran leader who will help the offense. 

In the days leading up to camp, Detroit also traded for 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims, who is trying to revive his career after struggling for three seasons with the New York Jets. 

Rookies

Round 1, Pick 12 -- RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

Round 1, Pick 18 -- LB Jack Campbell, Iowa

Round 2, Pick 34 -- TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa

Round 2, Pick 48 -- CB/S Brian Branch, Alabama

Round 3, Pick 68 -- QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

Round 3, Pick 96 -- DT Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky

Round 5, Pick 152 -- OT Colby Sorsdal, William & Mary

Round 7, Pick 219 -- WR Antoine Green, North Carolina

Undrafted free agents

• C Brad Cecil, South Florida
  
• WR Chase Cota, Oregon
• WR Dylan Drummond, Eastern Michigan
• DL Corey Durden, N.C. State
• OL Connor Galvin, Baylor
• CB Steven Gilmore, Marshall
• RB Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
• S Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
• QB Adrian Martinez, Kansas State
• DL Zach Morton, Akron
• LB Trevor Nowaske, Saginaw Valley State
• DL Chris Smith, Notre Dame
• OL Ryan Swoboda, UCF
• CB Starling Thomas V, UAB 

Position battles

Linebacker 

Rookie Jack Campbell is viewed as a key long-term piece on Detroit's defense. Yet, he won't be handed a starting spot right away. 

The Iowa product will compete with Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes, all of whom have started at least 10 NFL games.

Anzalone received a three-year extension this offseason and will likely be the teams MIKE and defensive play-caller. That leaves one spot for the taking for Rodriguez, Barnes and Campbell. 

Cornerback 

Sutton will assume one boundary spot, but the other remains up for grabs. 

Moseley is rehabbing a torn ACL, so his workload may be monitored early in camp. Brian Branch could factor into the equation if the Lions deem him better suited for corner rather than safety. 

Don't forget about Jerry Jacobs, the former UDFA who has played well in his opportunities. The Lions need to improve from last year's performance against the pass, so expect this battle to take time. 

Tight end 

Brock Wright's return makes him the top option at the position. But watch out for Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell. 

LaPorta is billed as the potential next great Iowa tight end, so time will tell if his pass-catching skills make him the number one at the position. 

Mitchell was the third-stringer as a rookie, but showed athleticism and natural skill in his limited run. Expected a longer look at him during training camp.