6 Studs from Lions OTAs, 1 Dud
The Detroit Lions were able to take the field this week for organized team activities.
Several players showcased their skillset and put their best foot forward to prove they deserved added reps and a spot on the roster.
Here is who impressed at OTAs, during the portion of practice open to the media at the team's Allen Park practice facility.
Nate Sudfeld
Detroit's backup quarterback does get overlooked due to how well starting quarterback Jared Goff has played in the regular season.
Add in rookie Hendon Hooker, and Sudfeld can feel like the forgotten man at times.
On Thursday, the veteran backup showcased deep ball accuracy and zip on the majority of his passes.
He led the team well during a simulated drive, connecting with multiple receivers.
Unfortunately, Sudfeld did toss an interception during practice to Brady Breeze, which was the only real blemish on his day.
He was able to launch a deep ball to Jameson Williams, but the speedy wideout could not corral the pass, as he was well covered.
Shane Zylstra
Detroit's tight ends room will have plenty of opportunity to shine in Ben Johnson's offense this season.
Zylstra had a productive practice, showcasing his route-running, speed and athleticism. He was on the receiving end of a long gain, when he found his way into the teeth of the defense and was able to secure the reception.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Detroit's third-year receiver is simply ready to perform, even during offseason practices.
When the offense needed a go-to receiver, there was St. Brown hauling in the reception.
He is a trusted member of the roster, who has become reliable and productive. He has put in the work this offseason, and it has showed up again on the field.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Dylan Drummond
The speedy wideout took advantage of his opportunities at practice.
Despite not facing Detroit's defensive players, Drummond found himself open, using his speed and route-running to get to his spot. Subsequently, he produced a stretch when he was open, and by a wide margin.
Khalil Dorsey
The talented defensive back brought a healthy level of energy to practice.
When he broke up a pass, there was Dorsey to let the receiver know there was going to be competition for the ball during pass plays.
Derrick Barnes
Lions head coach Dan Campbell is pleased with the added level of competition in the linebackers room.
"You’ve added competition in that room and depth. To be able to get Alex (Anzalone) back in there again, he kind of runs that defense for us. And, here’s the beauty of Alex, Alex can play MIKE and WILL. And so now it’s, ‘OK, let’s go (Derrick) Barnes. Let’s go (Jack) Campbell, let’s go (Malcolm) Rodriguez.’ And you just, you let them duke it out.
We’ve got (Jalen Reeves-Maybin) Germ back, and thinking about him special teams first and foremost, but he brings a level of experience as well," Campbell continued. "There again, man, you’re adding another guy who’s trying to go in there and compete and help us win. Hopefully, he’s trying to earn a position. And with that, it’s only going to put more pressure on the guy next to you to compete and be on top of your game.”
The aforementioned Barnes was seen taking first-team reps alongside Anzalone, an indication of the growth he has made this offseason.
Many on the coaching staff and on the roster have been pleased with Barnes' growth from his collegiate playing days, to the challenges of playing middle linebacker.
Jared Goff struggled
Detroit's starting signal-caller did not have his best day at OTAs.
The accuracy the veteran has become synonymous for was not on display. His passes, in fact, were routinely overthrown to receivers during both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
There were opportunities for deep plays to running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wideouts Jameson Williams and Josh Reynolds. But, the passes were overthrown, and did not have enough air underneath them to give the receiver an opportunity to pull down the reception.
Given a situational drill: first-and-10 from the 25-yard line, down 21-20 with 0:29 left, Goff and the offense went four-and-out, failing to secure the first down.
Sudfeld appeared to move the offense better when he was given his opportunity. Unfortunately, the period ended with Sudfeld tossing an interception to Brady Breeze.
