12 Players to Watch at Lions' Mandatory Minicamp

Read more on players to watch at mandatory minicamp.

The Detroit Lions are moving full-speed ahead into the next stage of their offseason workouts. 

After completing the first wave of organized team activities, the Lions are now entering mandatory minicamp. Running June 6-8, it offers the team another opportunity to continuing gelling. 

Coach Dan Campbell will be monitoring the events closely. Players will be looking to make statements about their future with their on-field performance. 

Here are 12 players to watch at Lions' mandatory minicamp: 

WR Jameson Williams

The Lions are still waiting to see what they have in the talented wideout. He had just one catch in 2022 and has dealt with a turbulent offseason ahead of his second season. 

This sequence of workouts will be pivotal before he is forced to depart from the team through his suspension. Campbell and company have been openly pleased with what they've seen in OTAs, so minicamp is another opportunity for him to grow.

S C.J. Gardner-Johnson

The veteran defensive back is the leader of Detroit's new-look defense. The newly signed safety will be responsible for elevating the performance of a unit that has struggled each of the last two seasons. 

CB Jerry Jacobs

The newcomers have earned most of the offseason attention, but don't lose sight of Jacobs. 

He's a hard-nosed player who has a firm grasp of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's scheme. Because of his familiarity, it's tough to fully count him out of the running to be a contributor to the defense in 2023. 

EDGE Aidan Hutchinson

What will the talented rusher do for an encore? He's set to anchor the Lions' pass rush. The Michigan product will face increased attention from opponents and will be doubled often. 

If he can take his performance to the next level, he could establish himself amongst the league's best edge rushers. The spotlight on Hutchinson will be bright in his second season.

TE Sam LaPorta

LaPorta has looked solid throughout his early tenure with the Lions. Rookie minicamp and the first wave of OTAs were both successes. 

As he moves into the next stage, he has a chance to make a statement by continuing his excellent performance. 

LB Derrick Barnes

This is a pivotal offseason for Barnes. He has yet to make a significant impact outside of spot duty in his first two seasons as a pro. 

He's been seeing significant action with the first-team defense during stages of OTAs. Time will tell if he holds onto this role, but it's a good sign for the player who becomes a free agent after next season. 

S Ifeatu Melifonwu

Similar to Barnes, it's a key offseason for Melifonwu. Injuries have limited his impact through two pro seasons and the Lions have overhauled their defensive backfield. 

The Syracuse product must show he has legitimate value to Detroit's defense amongst his new teammates to avoid landing on the roster bubble ahead of training camp. 

QB Nate Sudfeld

Jared Goff is the unquestioned starter. After him, the questions are persistent. Sudfeld, with his veteran presence and experience, currently holds the upper hand. 

Detroit has Hendon Hooker waiting in the wings. The veteran won't have to compete with him while he's recovering from an injury, but must convince the Lions' brass to not seek depth elsewhere. 

WR Antoine Green

With Williams set to miss the first six games, Green has a chance to crack the Lions' receiver rotation. He's got the skills to be a successful 'X' receiver and will get the chance to prove he belongs. 

EDGE James Houston

The unheralded sixth-round pick made waves with a superb finish to his rookie campaign. Now, he must prove himself worthy of a starting role in 2023. 

Competition with veterans like Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris will be stiff, but his body of work in 2022 is no joke. 

DB Brian Branch

Detroit's veteran additions in the secondary leave Branch's role in question for his rookie campaign. He's a skilled defender and solid tackler, so he should be able to carve out a spot. 

It may not be a heavy workload in the first year for the Alabama product. Yet, developing him will be key to the team's future success.

K Parker Romo

The former XFL kicker made waves with his performance in a recent kicking competition. 

He will have a tough task in beating out established veterans Michael Badgley and Riley Patterson for the job. However, his leg strength could wind up being a deciding factor.