6 Risers, 3 Fallers at Detroit Lions OTAs

Evaluating who performed well and who struggled at organized team activities.

The Detroit Lions had several young players display at practice improvements in their fundamentals and execution during individual and team drills. 

While the offense struggled overall, a couple players showcased why they are going to be reliable members of the offense. 

On defense, young players have been provided opportunities to showcase why their playing time needs to increase during the season. 

Here is a list of this week's risers and fallers. 

Risers

Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit's first-round pick continues to impress with his quick movement and abilities in the passing game. 

Gibbs has demonstrated quick movements, fluidity and shiftiness during individual drills. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown

Simply put, St. Brown is the most consistent player out on the field. 

Whenever the Lions need a "must-have" play, quarterbacks are looking St. Brown's way. 

He has certainly put in the work this offseason, as he already appears ready to suit up and play a regular season game.

Ifeatu Melifonwu

Detroit's secondary has been performing well and holding their own against talented receivers. 

Melifonwu showcased some fire, even during walkthroughs, as he needed to walked off the field after being involved in a skirmish with Detroit's offense. 

The young defensive back had a pass breakup and was in position during coverage all throughout practice. 

Parker Romo

Given his first opportunity to compete, Romo showcased his booming leg. 

At this point, he is certainly above Riley Patterson on the depth chart and turned some heads with his kicking prowess. 

Derrick Barnes

Barnes again was given an opportunity to play alongside Alex Anzalone on the first-team defense.

Increased studying has allowed the talented linebacker to showcase improved consistency in knowing exactly where to be in the run game and the pass game.

His development has caught the attention of Anzalone, who has praised his diligence in being willing to learn multiple spots at the linebacker position. 

Maurice Alexander

Alexander was targeted often during practice and did not have any missteps. 

The young wideout lined up at multiple spots on the offense and made a case for increased opportunities when training camp begins. 

Alexander has been primarily used in the kicking game, so any added value he can bring to the offense this season will be welcomed, as Trinity Benson has still not seen the field during OTAs. 

Fallers

Riley Patterson

At this point, it appears the team wasted a draft pick in bringing Patterson back. 

Known for his reliability inside 40-yards, Patterson does not have the same booming leg as Romo. 

He was on the losing end of the kicking competition with Romo this week. 

Jameson Williams 

Holding the former No. 12 overall pick to a much higher standard, it does not appear he and the quarterbacks are on the same page as often as they need to be. 

Yes, Williams can make highlight-reel catches when their are no defenders around, but the talented wideout needs to become more of a standout player. 

In second-team work, Williams and Sudfeld did not appear in sync. 

Williams and Goff also had an extended conversation, after the young wideout also chatted with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson about precise route-running and being in the exact position needed for timing passes to work. 

Nate Sudfeld 

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson indicated the team is putting a significant amount of pressure on the team's quarterbacks. 

"We are evaluating consistently we are putting pressure on them consistently to see what they can do out on the field in team settings," Johnson said. "The truth really comes out, I believe, when you have the bullets flying for real, which we can’t have right now. So, the training camp will really tell us where we are at behind Jared (Goff). But so far, I feel really good about that room.”

At practice, Sudfeld was shaky and had several misfires during situational drills, including routine intermediate passes that should normally be made.