The Detroit Lions defense under Dan Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard has turned into a ruthless competition where legitimate NFL starters are battling for spots in what might be the deepest roster the franchise has seen in decades.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvinn Sheppard highlights three breakout candidates including former first-round pick Payton Turner, rising star Tyleik Williams, and cornerback Roger McCreary who's already popping in early practices.
As the Lions wrap up Week 2 of OTAs, the biggest questions aren't about roster moves but what coordinators Kelvin Sheppard and Drew Petzing are actually planning to do differently after last year's disappointing performance.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is studying tape from the league's top defenses and planning to expand the team's nickel package usage with Roger McCreary emerging as a potential key player.
Brian Branch shows signs of progress in his Achilles rehab with tire flips and field work as Lions fans cautiously hope for their Pro Bowl safety's return.
Sports Illustrated predicts the Lions will dominate with three bold predictions including winning the NFC North, leading the NFL in regular season wins, and scoring more points than any other team.
The Lions quietly hired former Dolphins GM Chris Grier as a personnel executive, adding another experienced talent evaluator to Brad Holmes' already loaded front office.
The Lions are already building like championship teams through the draft and smart spending, but injuries are the only thing standing between Detroit and a Super Bowl.
The Lions draft class has multiple legitimate NFL starters while previous picks are still fighting for roster spots, showing Brad Holmes finally hit on the picks that matter most.
T.J. Watt to the Lions sounds amazing until you see the salary cap explosion that would force Detroit to lose Gibbs, LaPorta, and Branch when their extensions come due.
