Roundtable: Does Sam LaPorta or Jack Campbell Have Better Rookie Season?
1.) Is there a free agent you think the Lions should add prior to the start of training camp?
Christian Booher: I was firmly on the bandwagon to add DeAndre Hopkins; however, that is looking rather unlikely now. I think if Detroit looks to make an addition prior to training camp, it should be an under-the-radar move, akin to what Brad Holmes has done throughout his tenure.
The Lions could always use more depth, particularly at wide receiver and on the defensive interior. I think Matt Ioannidis is a solid fit up front, or Detroit could scour the spring football league markets in search of a hidden gem.
Vito Chirco: As much as I would like it to be DeAndre Hopkins, I know the chance of it happening is highly unlikely.
The Lions are thin at wide receiver, though. So, it wouldn't hurt the organization to tap into the free-agent market to strengthen the position group.
It's why I will advocate for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes to pursue veteran wideout Jarvis Landry.
I know Landry battled an ankle injury throughout the 2022 campaign and only managed to suit up for nine games because of it.
However, when he is healthy and does play, I think the five-time Pro Bowler can still be productive.
It's why I'd take a flyer on the LSU product and ink him to a one-year, prove-it deal.
2.) Is there a Lions starter whose job is in jeopardy?
Booher: The first person I think could be in jeopardy of losing their starting spot is Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who will be competing with Graham Glasgow for the right guard spot.
Glasgow didn't have the best season with the Broncos last season, but a return to Detroit could revitalize him. Vaitai will have to continue to prove himself, coming off his injury.
The two Iowa rookies, Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell, will both be competing for starting jobs quickly. There will be plenty of open jobs, creating an ample amount of healthy competition during training camp.
Chirco: As easy as it would be for me to say offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai, I'm going to go in a different direction.
I'm going to say Tracy Walker, because of both the injury-plagued season he's coming off and Holmes' acquisition of defensive back Brian Branch via the draft.
Branch enters the league with some impressive credentials from Alabama. So, the second-round pick could work himself into a bigger role in the Lions' defensive backfield as the season progresses.
And, if Walker struggles and/or battles the injury bug at any point during the 2023 campaign, it could open the door for Branch to claim a starting role at safety.
3.) Who will be the Lions' breakout player this season?
Booher: I think a breakout player to watch is Alim McNeill. There's been plenty to like about his development through his first two seasons. With the ability to be the leader of the defensive line this season, he could take a massive step forward.
Chirco: I'm going to go with the player I've been high on all offseason long: rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. I've been buying stock in the Iowa product ever since he hit the field for rookie OTAs – and for good reason.
He displayed strong pass-catching skills during offseason workouts, and the Lions love to deploy the tight end in Ben Johnson's offense.
I think it spells big-time production – although perhaps not right away – from the first-year pro in 2023.
4.) Who should be the Lions' starting kicker?
Booher: This could be a toss up. After OTAs, John Parker Romo has become a potentially exciting story. He was solid, and displayed a strong boot in competitions against Riley Patterson.
Now, it's hard to say that either will beat out the incumbent, Michael Badgley. Right now, I'll give the edge to the veteran. However, this answer could certainly change throughout camp.
Chirco: I know that John Parker Romo, a product of the XFL, had his fair share of solid days in Allen Park this offseason.
However, I believe the Lions' kicker battle comes down to Michael Badgley and Riley Paterson.
They boasted eerily similar stats a season ago. Each of them converted on 85.7 percent of their field-goal attempts, and recorded a long of 53 yards.
Right now, I give the slight edge to Patterson (since the Lions dealt for him earlier this offseason). However, I believe that ultimately, the job will be won by whoever performs better in training camp. And, if I were a betting man, I'd put my money on Patterson to prevail victorious coming out of camp.
5. Who will have the better season: Jack Campbell or Sam LaPorta?
Booher: I want to first say that I believe both have what it takes to be solid pros, and each will have successful careers. However, based on what I believe each player's role will look like in 2023, I think LaPorta will have the better season.
The tight end has looked like a natural within Ben Johnson's offense. We all know that the real verdict will come once the pads are on in training camp, but he has been superb so far.
Campbell has moved a bit slower along, as he is still adjusting to the speed of the game. There's going to be a lot asked of him as a rookie. So, some struggles should be expected.
Chirco: Although I believe Campbell will produce a decent rookie season, I think LaPorta will be the more productive of the two ex-Hawkeyes.
My reasoning is largely predicated upon the fact that LaPorta, in my opinion, will be given every opportunity to succeed in Johnson's tight end-friendly offense. Additionally, I like the fact that the former Iowa tight end and Lions signal-caller Jared Goff have already established a solid level of chemistry with one another. The early rapport between the two should go a long way for LaPorta, as the season progresses and he increasingly becomes Detroit's clear-cut No. 1 option at tight end.
