When Brad Holmes Builds, Someone Gets Left Behind
The Lions just wrapped up what looks like another solid draft. That’s what happens when you have a general manager who actually knows what he’s doing. But here’s the thing about building a roster the right way: it means some guys who were hanging around are suddenly fighting for their football lives.
Four Lions players are staring down training camp knowing their spot isn’t guaranteed anymore. And honestly? That’s exactly what a competent front office looks like.
Giovanni Manu Is Running Out of Room
The writing is on the wall for Manu, and it’s written in block letters. The Lions have Blake Miller and Larry Borom ahead of him on the depth chart. Then there’s Mason Miller and Colby Sorsdal breathing down his neck for a roster spot.
Oh, and Miles Frazier might be shifting to tackle, which makes perfect sense for both him and the team. Do the math. Unless Manu has the summer of his life, he’s looking at the exit door.
Sometimes roster construction is just cold business. This feels like one of those times.
Dominic Lovett Never Got His Shot
Remember when we thought Lovett might take over for Kalif Raymond? That was the plan, anyway. Instead, he struggled in the preseason and barely saw the field during the regular season.
The Lions never even gave him a real look as a return man, which was supposed to be his path to playing time. Now they’ve got Greg Dortch and just drafted Kendrick Law. Two players who do exactly what Lovett was supposed to do.
Unless he outplays both of them this summer, Lovett’s Lions story might be over before it really started.
Mehki Wingo’s Window Is Closing
When the Lions grabbed Wingo in the sixth round, it felt like highway robbery. A potential steal that could pay dividends down the road.
Then an injury derailed his rookie season. The Lions making him a healthy scratch basically every week of the 2025 season didn’t help matters either.
Now they’ve drafted Skyler Gill-Howard, who brings the same skill set and does the same things Wingo was supposed to do. Wingo can still win this battle, but he’s going to have to earn every snap in camp.
Levi Onwuzurike’s Last Stand
This feels like make-or-break time for Onwuzurike. The Lions are giving him one more shot at camp, which tells you everything about where he stands.
Things were looking up in 2024 before an ACL injury wiped out his 2025 season. Now he’s coming back to a deeper, more talented defensive line room.
He’ll be competing with Wingo, Gill-Howard, Tyre West, and Myles Adams. That’s a lot of bodies fighting for not many spots. If he can prove he’s healthy and doesn’t miss a beat from 2024, it would be massive for both him and Detroit.
But that’s a big if at this point.
Is this just the natural evolution of a well-built roster or are we watching some genuinely tough cuts coming? Tell me which of these guys you think survives training camp.
