5 Lessons Learned from Lions Minicamp

Read more on the lessons learned from Detroit Lions minicamp.

Mandatory minicamp has come and gone for the Detroit Lions in 2023. So, now it's time to look at what was learned about the team from the last three days of practice in Allen Park. 

Without further ado, here are five lessons that I took away from minicamp this past week.

Jameson Williams is not a finished product

Williams experienced his fair share of struggles throughout minicamp. 

The second-year wideout is still trying to build up his chemistry with signal-caller Jared Goff, and it's been on full display during practices this offseason. 

Goff and Williams' timing has been off on multiple throws thus far. So, the duo clearly needs to continue to work out its kinks before the start of the 2023 regular season. 

C.J. Gardner-Johnson will be leader for defense 

So far, Gardner-Johnson has let his play do the talking on the Lions' Allen Park practice field. He's led by example, and brought a high degree of energy to the defensive side of the ball. 

He's clearly made it known that he wants to win, and he's instilled a winning mentality in his teammates. 

He's been everything that the Lions could have asked for thus far, both on and off the field.

Sam LaPorta emerging as No. 1 tight end

LaPorta already looks like the Lions' No. 1 tight end of today and the future. 

His rapport with Goff has been on point in practice, and LaPorta has displayed the necessary makeup of a go-to target in Detroit's passing game. 

The Iowa product has looked like the real deal as a pass-catcher so far, and the Lions have to be very pleased with that.

Defense ahead of offense early on

The Lions' defense has been talking trash and backing it up with its play on the practice field. 

Aaron Glenn's defense has been swarming to the ball and making plays. And, it has Detroit fans talking and anticipating big things from Glenn's unit in 2023.

The defense, aided by an improved secondary, has outperformed the offense thus far, and it should be a positive sign of things to come for Detroit's defense this upcoming season.

Lions have depth at EDGE 

Detroit shouldn't be solely reliant upon second-year pros Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston for production at the EDGE position in 2023. 

Veterans Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara looked good in minicamp, and second-year player Josh Paschal also logged snaps at the position this past week. 

Meanwhile, EDGE John Cominsky also returns this season, after recording four sacks in 2022.

Undoubtedly, Detroit shouldn't be lacking talent at the position during the '23 campaign.