Detroit Lions position battle updates following offseason program
Detroit Lions position battle updates following offseason program
After making their way through the offseason program with both organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, we have at least a bit more clarity on how the Detroit Lions' most notable position battles are going heading into training camp.
Of course, when it comes to figuring out position battles, you should never write a player's name in pen based on offseason workouts, as any coach will tell you that the real evaluations take place when the pads come on in training camp.
Adding to that, getting a look at said players in live-game action during the preseason is also an important step because teams simply can't recreate the pressure-packed situations of a game in practice.
All that said, spring practices do at least give us somewhat of an idea of how things are going heading into training camp. Here's our best evaluation on some of the Lions' position battles based on what we read throughout the offseason.
Lions position battle updates
QB2
It was an up-and-down spring for Hendon Hooker, who showed some flashes but still looked like a rookie, which is to be expected after a lost first season. That said, he is not running away with the backup quarterback job by any means and will have to show out in training camp if he wants to beat out Nate Sudfeld.
It's possible the Lions will carry three quarterbacks, but that will likely depend upon Hooker winning the competition and earning the trust of the coaching staff, something he probably didn't do during offseason workouts.
RB3
Entering the offseason, it was assumed that Craig Reynolds would be the No. 3 running back going into 2024, but he is being challenged for that role by rookie Sione Vaki, who shined as a pass-catcher. The Utah product is also capable of contributing on special teams, including as a returner.
He'll have to solidify his spot in training camp, but Vaki has put himself in as good a position as one could hope for to be the first running back off the bench behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
On top of Reynolds and Vaki, Zonovan Knight is also one of the top candidates for one of the backup spots at the position. Reynolds and Knight were fairly quiet this offseason, but Knight more so.
WR3
With the departure of Josh Reynolds, there's a significant role in the offense to be had. Granted, Jameson Williams is expected to do more, but the Lions still need a third receiver to step up.
So far, Kalif Raymond has answered the bell with a strong spring and is running away with the job ahead of training camp. His stiffest form of competition figures to be Donovan Peoples-Jones, who was quiet this offseason.
LB2
We already know that Alex Anzalone is the top starting linebacker on the Lions in 2024, but who gets the majority of snaps next to him in two-linebacker sets hasn't been determined.
However, second-year linebacker Jack Campbell is already making a strong case it should be him instead of Derrick Barnes after some standout play in the spring. He was also getting most of the first-team reps in practice when Detroit was utilizing two-linebacker sets, so Campbell appears to be the favorite going into camp.
CB2
When the Lions traded up to draft Terrion Arnold, he was immediately expected to grab the starting boundary role opposite Carlton Davis. Well, he's on track to do just that after more than holding his own throughout the offseason program.
Arnold notched a pair of picks, and by all accounts, nothing looked too big for the rookie. He was also getting first-team reps opposite Davis, so it's pretty clear what the Lions' plans are with the No. 24 overall pick.
Amik Robertson is another player to keep an eye on, but based on how he lined up in the spring, the plan might be to play him into the slot if Brian Branch is indeed moved to safety.
CB3 (slot)
Robertson and Ennis Rakestraw figure to be the top-two options to play inside if Detroit moves Branch to safety. Robertson was getting the majority of reps there this spring, but Rakestraw saw some work there, also, albeit on a limited basis. Robertson is the clear favorite ahead of next month.
Kicker
The final position we can at least somewhat gauge is kicker, where UDFA James Turner appeared to have a better spring than veteran Michael Badgley. Now, the Lions have made the competition even more interesting with the signing of UFL star and Michigan Panthers kicker, Jake Bates.
Bates has the big leg the Lions are looking for, but can he make kicks consistently enough to outshine the other two? That remains to be seen, and as of right now, I'd consider Turner as the favorite going into camp over his two competitors.