Training Camp Preview: 20 Lions Players to Watch
Training camp is looming for the Detroit Lions.
A week from Sunday, Dan Campbell's third season as coach will officially begin. The Lions begin practices on July 23, ahead of one of the most anticipated seasons in the organization's history.
As the beginning of the campaign nears, here are 20 players to watch when training camp kicks off.
WR Jameson Williams
It's a big month for Williams. Training camp will be his last opportunity to work with the team before serving his six-game suspension.
The second-year wideout is full of potential, so a good showing in camp will leave fans optimistic about his Week 7 return.
S Kerby Joseph
Joseph burst onto the scene with four interceptions as a rookie last season. Now, he's looking to become a Pro Bowler in his second campaign.
LaPorta stood out during minicamp and OTAs. Training camp will be the biggest test as to whether the rookie can be a major contributor in his first season.
LB Derrick Barnes
Barnes took first-team reps during the offseason. His development would be big for the Lions' defense. He's had flashes through his first two seasons, but hasn't been able to put it together consistently.
RB Jermar Jefferson
Detroit has an open competition for the third running back spot. Jefferson may have the highest upside of the contestants, but there's pressure on the 2021 seventh-rounder to prove it before time runs out.
As a first-round pick, there's the expectation that he'll step in and start right away. Linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard won't hand him the job, though, so he must prove himself worthy of being with the first team.
TE James Mitchell
Mitchell was limited last season due to injury, but showed promise late in the year. He's athletic and capable of contributing as a receiver. Now fully healthy, he'll be an exciting watch in training camp.
EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson was one of the league's best rookie defenders last year. If he can avoid a sophomore slump, Detroit's defense will boast one of the best young pass rushers.
K Michael Badgley
The Lions have three kickers in training camp. After seeing plenty of Parker Romo and Riley Patterson during OTAs and minicamp, it remains Badgley's job to lose.
The veteran was productive last season, and should have insurance on the spot. However, he'll presumably face a battle with either Romo or Patterson, or maybe both.
DE Romeo Okwara
The Lions have gotten deeper on the edge, with the addition of young players like Hutchinson and Josh Paschal. Now, the pressure is on veterans like Okwara and Charles Harris to remain in the mix for important snaps.
RB Mohamed Ibrahim
A surprising UDFA, Ibrahim comes to Detroit after a stellar career at the University of Minnesota.
He is among the most likely candidates to make the roster after not being selected in the draft as the team's third running back. But, he will need to beat out Jefferson and Craig Reynolds, among others.
DB Brian Branch
With Detroit's plethora of additions to the secondary, the rookie's fit will be intriguing. He boasts the positional versatility to play either corner or safety, so the Lions will have to evaluate where Branch fits best among the veteran newcomers.
G Halapoulivaati Vaitai
A back injury ended Vaitai's 2022 season before it began. As he reaches full health, he should reclaim his spot amongst Detroit's starting offensive line.
He'll have competition though, as the Lions brought back veteran Graham Glasgow to provide insurance at the position. Rookie Colby Sorsdal could also push for playing time.
DT Levi Onwuzurike
Injuries have limited Onwuzurike's production through his first two professional seasons. In fact, he missed all of last year, after suffering a setback in the preseason.
The 2021 second-round pick will be under pressure when he is cleared to return to the field. The Lions haven't provided much in terms of a timeline for his return, other than that he was cleared to run in OTAs.
QB Nate Sudfeld
If the Lions treat this preseason similar to last, it will likely be Sudfeld's show throughout the three games.
Detroit has two sessions of joint practices, so most of Jared Goff's action will likely come in that setting. The preseason games will give Detroit a taste of what it has in the veteran, who joined the organization after cutday last year.
DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The talented defender is poised to anchor Aaron Glenn's defensive backs group. His swagger and skill give Detroit's secondary an element it's been lacking in seasons past.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs' intriguing skill set is tantalizing. Now, how will offensive coordinator Ben Johnson utilize it? Training camp and the preseason should provide a taste of what the Lions possess in the 2023 No. 12 overall selection.
LB Malcolm Rodriguez
Detroit's battle for the starting linebacker spots will take center stage. Rodriguez missed most of OTAs with an injury, but should be right in the mix as training camp begins.
The Oklahoma State product shocked many by starting in Week 1 as a rookie. So, he will be a firm contender to start at the second level once again, despite additions at his position.
C Frank Ragnow
Lingering injuries have limited the Pro Bowl center in recent years. How long can he stay healthy and be productive? Detroit hopes he can continue rolling for the entire season, which means he may be limited throughout camp.
S Tracy Walker III
Fully cleared after an Achilles' injury, Walker should be full speed ahead in training camp. He's the team's most experienced safety, and he and Joseph form an exciting safety pairing.
