Offensive Line Already Showing Chemistry
The Lions kicked off their media-open OTA sessions, wrapping up Week 1 of what Dan Campbell lovingly calls “pajama parties.” Campbell was quick to remind everyone that these walkthroughs are nothing to lose sleep over, which is smart considering how Lions fans tend to overanalyze a quarterback’s breakfast choices for playoff implications.
But here’s the thing. When you’ve got this much roster turnover up front, you watch everything. The most common offensive line look had Penei Sewell at left tackle, Christian Mahogany at left guard, Cade Mays at center, Tate Ratledge at right guard, and Blake Miller at right tackle.
The real story here is Miller. The rookie isn’t getting buried on the depth chart like rookies usually do in Allen Park. He was taking starter reps about 70-80% of the time, which suggests the Lions aren’t interested in a slow roll.
Larry Borom, meanwhile, spent time at the jumbo tight end spot alongside Miles Frazier. That’s not exactly where you expect to see your veteran tackle depth, but it’s creative usage in a system that loves its heavy packages.
Defense Keeping It Simple
The defensive side looked predictably vanilla, but the starting lineup was what you’d expect. Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez held down the linebacker corps when they went three-deep. Roger McCreary worked as the starting nickel corner.
With some key players sidelined, D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin anchored the cornerback spots. Christian Izien and Chuck Clark paired up at safety most often, though Avonte Maddox rotated in frequently.
Up front, Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, and Aidan Hutchinson were the clear starters. The edge rush rotation included DJ Wonnum, Tyler Lacy, Payton Turner, and rookie Derrick Moore all splitting time. Exactly what you want to see in late May.
The Real Action Came in 7-on-7s
During positional drills, six receivers got passes from Jared Goff and only six: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Dominic Lovett, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin. Consider that your early receiving hierarchy, though it’s May and nobody’s winning jobs yet.
TeSlaa’s hands continue to impress. The kid makes full-extension catches look routine, which is exactly what you want from a developmental receiver trying to carve out a role.
The 7-on-7 period showed some interesting battles. Coverage generally held up well, forcing Goff through his progressions. The lone exception was Amon-Ra, who predictably won against everyone they put on him, logging catches against Ennis Rakestraw, McCreary, and Clark.
Jameson Williams had a mixed bag. He made a contested grab on a comeback route against Christian Izien, but Ya-Sin blanketed him on a quick slant for an incompletion. The growing pains continue for a receiver who still flashes but hasn’t put it all together consistently.
Play of the Day
Jack Campbell delivered the highlight, aggressively punching a ball free from Tyler Conklin for a forced fumble. The linebacker continues to look like the defensive leader this team desperately needed, and that extension can’t come soon enough.
The best route belonged to Dominic Lovett, who got rookie corner Keith Abney to completely whiff on press coverage before taking a quick slant for a big gain. Abney tried to be physical at the line, but Lovett made him look foolish.
Speaking of Abney, he’s getting cross-trained as both the backup nickel and a third-string outside corner. Smart move for a rookie trying to find his way onto the field.
After Hours Work
Some players stuck around for extra work after practice wrapped. Greg Dortch, Chuck Clark, and Jacob Saylors hit the jugs machine, while Campbell, Trevor Nowaske, and Dan Jackson worked the sled dummies.
Campbell putting in overtime shouldn’t surprise anyone. The man is still out there grinding like he’s fighting for a roster spot. That’s your defensive captain.
Is Campbell’s work ethic exactly what this franchise needed, or are we just still shell-shocked from watching guys mail it in for decades? Drop your thoughts below.
