The Detroit Lions Podcast

The Daily DLP offers up the final pre-camp position preview for the Detroit Lions. Today hits the EDGE group, which has a superstar at the top, followed by some newcomers with higher-end potential than what Detroit has seen in recent years. Before the EDGEs, the Lions did add another player to the den. The Lions signed veteran linebacker Troy Reeder on Monday. Reeder has spent his entire 7-year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams. He’s thrived on the Rams’ special teams units, playing on all types of special teams. Defensively, Reeder does have some starting experience. He offers the same kind of straight-line athleticism and attacking style that the Lions have in players like Trevor Nowaske and Damone Clark. Rams fans were openly hostile towards Reeder in coverage and in getting fooled on play action, so expectations for the new Lions LB are probably best kept in check. The EDGEs Aidan Hutchinson headlines a group that made quite a few changes this offseason. Hutch is a threat to lead the NFL in sacks after topping all players in QB pressures a year ago. He’s an alpha dog capable of first-team All-Pro status. Beyond Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore each bring some power, length and durability to the EDGE room. Wonnum is known for his run defense and ability to crush the can from his days with the Panthers. Moore, Detroit’s second-round pick, plays better in space than Wonnum and bends the corner well. This year’s wild card is Payton Turner. The former Saints first-rounder is the new Marcus Davenport. If he’s healthy, Turner’s length, strength and athleticism demand respect. He’s fully capable of being a starter opposite Hutchinson, and ahead of Wonnum and Moore. Alas, Turner has--like Davenport--been far more known for his injuries than his production in the NFL. Players like Ahmed Hassanein, Anthony Lucas and Eric O’Neill are all competing to raise their profiles and rosters statuses, too. Hassanein’s energy and desire to grow his game are fun to watch develop in Detroit. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #peytonturner #djwonnum #derrickmoore #troyreeder #lionstrainingcamp #edge #ahmedhassanein #paytonturner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions must phase out three-linebacker defense and scrap the 3-3 in 2026. They played 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps in 4-3 last season, 62.57 percent, and used the 3-3 front 243 times, far more than any other team. The defense improves when Detroit lives in nickel and dime with more speed on the field. Should the Detroit Lions ditch three-linebacker packages in 2026? Yes. They leaned on three linebackers far more than the rest of the NFL, and it invited speed mismatches against modern offenses in 11 personnel. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were in 4-3 on 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps, 62.57 percent, with only one other team above 50 percent at 52.88. Playing bigger and slower on passing downs made the second level late to space and created exploitable coverage targets. Risdon also said the quarterback rating allowed was almost the same whether Detroit had three linebackers on the field or not, which must change with a truer nickel and dime identity. What fronts should replace the 4-3 and 3-3 for Detroit? Detroit needs a heavier dose of 4-2 nickel, selective 5-1, and DB-heavy 3-2-6. Last year’s baselines set the bar for improvement, not repetition. Usage facts that demand a shift As read by Risdon from Ryan Paganetti’s study: the Lions used a 4-2 front only 111 times, last in the league. They used 5-1 zero times. They led the NFL in 3-3 with 243 snaps, while the next team was at 131, another at 31, and 17 teams did not use it once. Those numbers underline how far Detroit drifted from the league’s nickel norms. Moving to 4-2 and sprinkling in 5-1 and 3-2-6 puts more speed and coverage on the field and better matches today’s route distributions. Why did Detroit lean so hard into three linebackers last year? Injuries in the secondary and strong linebacker play pushed them there. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, and Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes tackled well, and as Risdon emphasized, Detroit had the best missed tackle rate in football based on the data he cited. But even with quality play, a third off-ball linebacker versus spread looks concedes quickness. Think of how Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff shreds heavy linebacker looks with routes that stress the hook-curl and seams. Opponents did the same to Detroit when the Lions stayed big. Better health for Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph and Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, plus a deeper secondary, should free the defense to keep an extra defensive back on the field. Will coaching changes accelerate the shift? Yes. Dan Campbell can reallocate more time to the defense because the offensive room is stronger, and that helps Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard refine personnel usage. As Jeff Risdon said, Sheppard must earn it by choosing fronts that keep speed on the field and by reserving three-linebacker looks for true run situations, not as a default. Expect to see more four- and five-man fronts paired with nickel in camp. Watch how often Detroit keeps two off-ball linebackers on the field, how Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is deployed, and how Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez or rookie depth are used situationally. Against division quarterbacks such as Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, forcing the mundane snap after snap with nickel bodies is the point. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jackcampbell #alexanzalone #derrickbarnes #kirbyjoseph #brianbranch #jaredgoff #aidanhutchinson #malcolmrodriguez #calebwilliams #chicagobears #greenbaypackers #arizonacardinals #kansascitychiefs #dancampbell #kelvinsheppard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit placed safety Brian Branch, safety Kerby Joseph and tight end Tyler Conklin on the physically unable to perform list, and it does not necessarily signal long-term loss. PUP only restricts on-field work at the start of camp, not meetings or rehab, and players can be activated at any time, even after a single day. Who went on the PUP list and what does it actually mean? Detroit Lions safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, plus tight end Tyler Conklin, will begin camp on PUP, which means they will not be in the first practice but can do meetings, conditioning and treatment. The PUP list is not injured reserve and activation can happen quickly. The move aligns with standard camp housekeeping. It keeps roster flexibility while athletic training staff finishes return-to-play ramps. It does not forecast a season timeline by itself, and there are examples of players coming off PUP after one day. PUP vs. NFI: what changes? On PUP, players are paid and have full access to coaches, meetings and trainers but cannot practice. The Non-Football Injury list functions similarly in practice limits, but pay is not guaranteed on NFI. When can Brian Branch return from his Achilles tear? Branch is not expected for the start of training camp. Host Jeff Risdon noted Branch tore his Achilles in December and cited the common 8 to 10 month window for a return-to-play ramp. He framed Halloween or the Germany trip timeframe as reasonable targets, with the goal of regaining his pre-injury form rather than rushing early-camp reps. The Lions have reinforced safety depth to absorb early-camp absences. Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark, Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien and Detroit Lions defensive back Thomas Harper are in place to handle practice work until Branch is cleared. What is going on with Kirby Joseph after his tweet? Joseph is on PUP for knee management despite publicly betting he would avoid it, then following with a playful "y'all should have bet me" post after the designation. The team is managing his workload, and he can be activated at any time. Jefferson referenced an alleged degenerative knee condition and advocated for at least some preseason field testing so coaches know where he stands. Dan Campbell previously said the staff does not yet have a definitive answer and wants to find out during camp. The upside case remains obvious; Joseph led the NFL in interceptions in 2024, a version of Joseph that raises Detroit’s defensive ceiling. How does Tyler Conklin’s status impact tight end depth? Conklin missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed issue and starts on PUP, which stresses the depth more than safety does. Good Tyler Conklin is an upgrade over Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright at TE2, and Jefferson made clear there is room to improve that spot. The Lions have enough safety depth to function early in camp, but they do not currently have three NFL tight ends available for any three-tight end looks. Conklin’s prior productive stretch with the New York Jets underscores why Detroit signed him. Getting him cleared stabilizes the rotation and keeps the TE2 plan on track, even if three-tight end sets are not the base offense. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #puplist #lionstrainingcamp #brianbranch #kerbyjoseph #tylerconklin #brockwright #chuckclark #christianizien #thomasharper #dancampbell #detroitlionstrainingcamp #physicallyunabletoperformlist #safetyposition #tightenddepth #newyorkjets #drewpetzing #nflpreseason Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Campbell must nail the Drew Petzing offensive coordinator hire so the offense carries the Detroit Lions in 2026. As Michael Grey said on the latest edition of The Grey Area, the offense has the toys and the quarterback to be elite, so execution, cohesion, and health have to match the talent. Can the Lions avoid another position group wipeout? Yes, spreading the inevitable injuries across the roster is essential to prevent a fatal hole. As Michael Grey emphasized, the secondary is already unsettled with cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, no longer with the team and safety Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions, an ongoing question. Grey added a long-view bonus: stop the offseason attrition surprises. He cited the unexpected center Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions, retirement two years ago and the Arnold saga this year as examples of presumed starters vanishing late in the calendar. The 2027 wish is simple, keep the assumed starting 22 intact through to camp. Will Hank Fraley get the offensive line ready to lead? He has to, because the offense must lead this team. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley inherits premium pieces, including Penei Sewell but he also has to develop newer linemen and get them game-ready. Grey backed the plan with clarity, the right guard stabilized late last year and Sewell moving to left tackle presents challenges he is comfortable with. None of it means anything until pads go on, but the standard is clear, Fraley needs to be that dude and keep the front five tight and right so everything else in the offense functions. How should the defense change its usage and packages? Shift out of heavy three-linebacker looks and lean into nickel and other sub packages. Grey said the Lions ran more base three-linebacker than anyone and that cannot continue given the secondary churn and lack of a do-everything hybrid, there is no Nick Emmanwori type on this roster. Defensive coordinator Sheppard must solve the edge spot opposite edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, and use personnel-driven answers to disguise coverages. Grey expects a year-two jump for Sheppard too, growth is not just for players. How often Detroit lives in nickel and dime, and how those subs hold up, will define defensive viability. Did Dan Campbell get it right with Drew Petzing and the offensive core? It needs to be right. Grey was blunt, he did not like the hire at first but wants to be wrong, and the bond between quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing must be real and collaborative. The arsenal is loaded, tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, was declared fully available for camp this week, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, remains the engine, and running back Jameer Gibbs, Detroit Lions, is the focal point. Running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, on a one-year deal after two injury-plagued seasons, must stay healthy as the reliable backup and enable two-back looks. Beyond him, running back Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions, is uncertain depth. As Michael Grey said, keep Gibbs fresh, add multiplicity with Pacheco, and let Petzing’s structure unlock MVP-type production from Goff. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #isaiahpacheco #frankragnow #panaysewell #taylordecker #aidanhutchinson #kirbyjoseph #terrionarnold #hankfraley #drewpetzing #jeffrisdon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Blake Miller make the Detroit Lions' Week 1 starting lineup at right tackle? Week 1 is possible, but the baton passes by Week 5. That's the expectation. Blake Miller profiles as the right-side version of Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker, mostly steady with an occasional rookie hiccup. How big is Derrick Moore’s Year 1 role opposite Aidan Hutchinson? He plays a lot, even if he does not start Week 1. Moore will push for snaps opposite Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, with Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum offering baseline run defense and Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner starting if healthy. Moore’s versatility from Michigan translates and his impact will be steady instead of streaky. The depth is better, so rotation trims the top-end stat ceiling, but Moore’s down-to-down consistency earns meaningful work immediately. Will Jimmy Rolder jump Malcolm Rodriguez for LB3 snaps? He can, if the coverage he showed in minicamp holds. Detroit Lions linebacker Jimmy Rolder is competing with Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez for the third linebacker role behind the top duo, with special teams also in the mix. Michael Grey stressed that Rolder’s Michigan tape did not feature standout coverage, but in minicamp he showed range and zone feel, and he is a reliable tackler and a smart run defender. Detroit will not live in three-linebacker sets, so this is about quality rotational downs plus teams work. Expect Rolder to push hard through camp, with the door open if the coverage gains are real. What is Keith Abney’s path to snaps, and which defensive rookies stick? Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney forces the issue. Pick 157, he challenges for slot work while also fitting outside thanks to his traits. As Michael Grey said, the question is special teams, which often dictates early roles for Day 3 corners. If injuries or underperformance hit, Abney is ready for inside or outside reps. Competition also includes Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey. Up front, Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyler Lacy is a safe 53-man bet, which squeezes Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyre West toward the practice squad as a longer-term project. Skyler Gill-Howard brings real pass-rush juice and is battling Mekhi Wingo for the same interior role. Detroit Lions wide receiver Kendrick Law, a developmental return and special teams candidate, is out for the year. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #blakemiller #derrickmoore #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #paytonturner #larryborom #jimmyrolder #malcolmrodriguez #jackcampbell #keithabney #kendricklaw #tylerlacy #makaiwingo #tyreewest #khalildorsey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Undrafted quarterback Luke Altmyer is the only Detroit Lions rookie free agent with a realistic path to the 53, and he profiles as a practice-squad lock while the staff decides on carrying two or three quarterbacks. Roster spots are scarce, so most UDFAs are competing for developmental roles on the practice squad. Is Luke Altmyer a lock for the Detroit Lions roster? Luke Altmyer, quarterback, Detroit Lions, locks down the practice squad and stays in the QB pipeline, while the 53 hinges on whether Detroit carries a QB3. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP, there are only three quarterbacks in camp and Altmyer ‘wins from the pocket,’ mirroring the style of quarterback Jared Goff stylistically, and has enough arm and toughness to run the offense. Altmyer absorbed some hellacious hits at Illinois, so taking fewer hits is a growth point. The staff will decide between keeping two on the 53 with Altmyer as the emergency elevation, or rostering three. Either way, he stays in Detroit. What must defensive end Anthony Lucas show to make the 53? Anthony Lucas must add a Plan B move and finish plays he already wins to crack the 53. Lucas’ all-or-nothing first move on college tape and the need to raise his floor will augment his chances. The finishing mandate is explicit: he posted three sacks in four years of college football, and that production must jump to justify a roster spot in a deep edge room. Technique, sequencing rushes, and converting pressures into sacks decide his fate. Practice squad is the baseline, with upward mobility if he stacks finishes in preseason. Which UDFAs look like immediate practice-squad value? Several fit clear developmental lanes. Eric O'Neil, edge rusher, Detroit Lions, is a compact power rusher with outsized production, logging 35 sacks and 110 QB pressures across four-plus college seasons at LIU, James Madison, and Rutgers. He sets a sturdy edge for his size and profiles as a situational rush piece to cultivate. DB Amaris Brown brings ball skills and a my-ball mentality after six years of college, flashing takeaway instincts in camp. He must prove he can play special teams consistently to earn that slot or reserve corner spot. Eric Hunter, linebacker, Detroit Lions, was deployed like a do-everything attacker at Morgan State, blitzing and flowing downhill at 220 pounds. As Risdon detailed, he is an athletic, aggressive fit for a developmental hybrid linebacker role, tracking as a prime practice-squad stash for 2026 with an eye on contributing in 2027. Who are the longest shots and what numbers define their uphill climb? Miller Kitselman, tight end, Detroit Lions, must fix the hands and length concerns to stick. He recorded five drops on 27 targets and has arms under 32 inches despite being 6-foot-5, which shows up in blocking and catch radius. With tight ends Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin ahead, Kitselman needs a standout camp to seize the practice-squad TE spot. Martin Priestley, offensive lineman, Detroit Lions, is transitioning inside after over a thousand snaps at both left and right tackle at Illinois and sits just under 6-foot-3. The critical stat from Jeff Risdon: 54 assessed penalties in four years, including 24 in one season, a habit he must correct to advance. De'Shawn Rucker, cornerback, is an aggressive tackler whose size was misperceived by fans; he measured 5-foot-9 and a quarter at USF’s pro day. He needs to win on special teams and in slot reps to earn a developmental look. Depth at defensive tackle also matters, with defensive tackle J.R. Tufele, Detroit Lions, and defensive tackle Tylik Williams, Detroit Lions, shaping the interior competition. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #udfa #lukealtmyer #anthonylucas #erico'neil #amarisbrown #erichunter #millerkitselman #martinpriestley #shawrucker #jaredgoff #teddybridgewater #samlaporta #brockwright #tylerconklin #j.r.tufele #tylikwilliams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP previews the Lions' tight end room, which could already be set ahead of training camp. Is Sam LaPorta fully cleared and what does it mean for the Detroit Lions offense? Yes. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is fully cleared to participate in training camp after a microdiscectomy for his back. As Jeff Risdon noted, the procedure carries some recurrence risk, but LaPorta’s efficient production, route versatility and red-zone finishing restore a core option for quarterback Jared Goff in Detroit’s NFL-best skill group. LaPorta is the clear number one tight end in Detroit. He functions as the offense’s chain mover and a red-zone target alongside Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Game plans will flex week to week, with some games funneling to LaPorta near the top of the pecking order based on coverage. Who is TE2 right now, Tyler Conklin or Brock Wright? Tyler Conklin holds the higher receiving ceiling and overtakes Brock Wright if Detroit gets the New York Jets version of Conklin. If Conklin mirrors his Chargers stint, Brock Wright retains the role. As Jeff Risdon put it, Conklin’s upside as a mover and flex option can bump Wright to TE3 if Conklin is right. Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright’s last three seasons tell a consistent story: 13 catches, 91 yards, 1 touchdown; 13 catches, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns; and last year 14 catches, 108 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He is 27, smart and crafty, but lacks athletic dynamism. Risdon added that Wright’s run-blocking has graded around the bottom of the top tier to the middle tier range for tight ends. Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin, 30, is listed at 6-3, 248. Risdon relayed that Conklin’s absence from minicamp appeared excused after conversations with the tight ends coach and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Conklin thrived as a pass catcher with the Jets but struggled with the Chargers under Jim Harbaugh, including one bad early day that soured the fit. When right, Conklin can split out, motion, and complement LaPorta in two tight end sets, even if inline is not his strength. Which depth tight ends have a real path to the 53 or practice squad? After the top three, the group is chasing one realistic practice squad spot. Risdon gave Horton the early edge because he has been in the building and can also play some fullback. Detroit also has Miller Kitselman as a UDFA and Thomas Gordon in camp. Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks is practicing at tight end, but at 6-2, 218 he is undersized for NFL in-line work and, per Risdon, visibly smaller than Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. TeSlaa is a big-bodied wide receiver, not a tight end, and remains a wide receiver assignment despite his frame. Will Drew Petzing feature two or three tight end sets in Detroit? Expect frequent two tight end looks, with three tight end packages possible even though none appeared in minicamp. Petzing used three tight ends in Arizona, and in Cleveland he deployed two tight ends as window dressing to feed Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb. That history fits with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff’s strength in distributing to the best matchup. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #samlaporta #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #jahmyrgibbs #brockwright #tylerconklin #isaacteslaa #jacksonmeeks #drewpetzing #lionstrainingcamp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP tackles a lot of good and interesting questions from the Detroit Lions Podcast member Slack channel. Ahead of Lions training camp, there are a lot of ideas and questions about what might be happening with the team and what we may see in Allen Park in the coming weeks. Among the questions: Which young players make the biggest jump? Who wins the CB2 role? Is Kelvin Sheppard on the hot seat? Do any UDFAs have a chance to make the roster? What would I like to see implemented in training camp #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #mailbag #kelvinsheppard #dancampbell #rockya-sin #terrionarnold #tyleikwilliams #alimmcneill #aidanhutchinson #kerbyjoseph #panaysewell #brockwright #tylerconklin #jackfox #lukealtmyer #amarisbrown #ennisrakestrawjr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Kennedy and Jacob Saylors are the returning Detroit Lions kick returners right now, with Khalil Dorsey and Greg Dortch pushing hard to take the job. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp values ball security and net field position, and Kennedy checks those boxes. So does Saylors, but not with a lot of dynamic ablity. With today’s kickoff rules, reliability beats boom-or-bust. Who leads the Detroit Lions kick return battle? Tom Kennedy leads because he is the clean, assignment-sound option, and Khalil Dorsey and Greg Dortch are the most credible challengers for explosive plays. Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has been a reliable return man, catching the ball, following blocks, and protecting possession. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey brings top-end speed and prior team return experience. Wide receiver Greg Dortch arrived from Arizona with recent volume and will get real chances. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP, Fipp will reward the returner who elevates average starting field position without sacrificing ball security. How good were the Lions on kick returns last season? They finished a notch below league average in both return average and resulting field position. The primary kick returner logged 33 returns for 897 yards, an average of 27.2, compared to the NFL average of 28.8. Detroit’s average post-kickoff field position was the 30.2 yard line, short of the 30.8 league average. Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy produced 447 yards on 16 returns, a 27.9 average. Another returner finished at 26.8 on six returns. The Lions punt return fixture led the NFL with 32 punt return attempts but managed only 7.5 yards per return, which underscored the need for more juice and cleaner execution. That is not good enough for a unit Fipp expects to win the hidden yardage battle. Which names should fans watch in camp reps? Greg Dortch and Khalil Dorsey headline the challengers, while Dominic Lovett and Sione Vaki project better in supporting roles. Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch has 39 kick returns at 26.3 yards per return since 2024, including 31 for a 26.2 average last year. Jeff Risdon noted Arizona’s special teams were not strong, which affected his numbers, but Dortch still brings proven reps. Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey posted four kick returns for 159 yards in 2024, including a 72 yarder, the longest Lions kickoff return in eight years. Detroit Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett had one kick return for 22, and he had not returned kicks in college beyond a single punt at Missouri, so he is not a natural option. Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki logged two returns for 39, with one going for 29, but he excels more as a lead blocker on returns. Keeping Vaki as a blocker boosts whichever returner wins the role. Roster-wise, last year’s primary kick returner is competing with Sione Vaki, Jabari Small, and Kai Robichaux for the RB4 role, and as Jeff Risdon speculated, if he is not the return man, he probably is not on the 53. How do today’s kickoff rules shape the decision? Touchdowns are rare, so field position and ball security drive the choice. That reality favors Kennedy’s profile while leaving room for Dortch or Dorsey to claim the job if they upgrade average start without inviting risk. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jacobsaylors #lionstrainingcamp #tomkennedy #khalildorsey #gregdortch #sionevaki #dominiclovett #davefipp #jackfox #grantstewart #craigreynolds #jabarismall #kairobichaux #jeffrisdon #michaelgrey #detroitlionskickreturner #nflkickoffrules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions have a deep, flexible safety room that still needs defined roles. Injury concerns to both regular starters complicate the safety spot, and that will make for a very intriguing training camp in Allen Park. Is Kerby Joseph the turnover engine this defense needs? Yes, when Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is on the field, the defense gains its best ballhawk. As Jeff Risdon noted, Joseph is "exceptionally good at creating opportunities for the defense to turn defense into offense." Risdon explicitly wants him healthy for 17 games because nobody else has provided that level of takeaways. Joseph had ups and downs last season, but his ability to flip possessions remains the singular swing factor in the secondary’s ceiling and the overall NFL playoff push. Is Chuck Clark the answer while roles settle? Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark looked like a starter and a tone-setter in minicamp. He played primarily in Joseph’s role, handled every assignment, and, as Jeff Risdon put it, "impressed the hell out of me" as a leader and communicator. Clark can play over the top or in the box, and at 32 years old he still moved and directed traffic like an alpha. The only open question, per Risdon, is whether his best days are behind him, but his spring performance says he can anchor the room as jobs crystallize in camp. Where do Thomas Harper, Christian Izien, Avante Maddox and Dan Jackson fit? They are the versatile chess pieces who fill the gaps while starters settle. Detroit Lions defensive back Thomas Harper plays everywhere, with prior work in the slot, at free safety and at strong safety, and he aligned closer to the line of scrimmage in camp. Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien, an undrafted Rutgers product who became Tampa Bay’s "positionless wonder," has started in the slot, over the top, in the box and even outside, and he profiles more as a slot safety. He missed the early part of last season, then resumed his value as a super sub. Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox is a veteran presence who can contribute in a sub role. Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson, a Georgia draft pick who missed his entire rookie year, is a strong safety and core special teams type, but he remains an unknown until he stacks camp reps. How will the scheme changes unlock this group? Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil and the staff want to be less predictable on the back end, and the room’s versatility enables that. Chuck Clark can blitz, and Dan Jackson showed last summer he can blitz from the slot and from depth. This camp is about someone, whether it be Clark, Izien or Harper, seizing a defined role so the coaches, including Kelvin Sheppard, can deploy fewer moving parts and more consistent combinations. If health cooperates and one or two players lock down jobs, the Lions field a very good safety unit, with depth that is far better than a year ago. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #kerbyjoseph #chuckclark #thomasharper #christianizien #avontemaddox #danjackson #detroitlionssafeties #jimo'neil #kelvinsheppard #nfltrainingcamp #slotsafety #boxsafety #nfldefense #takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions cut cornerback Terrion Arnold to eliminate a season-long distraction and build around playable depth at corner. The legal case, including a million dollar bond and interstate court travel, limited availability and focus. As Scott Bischoff said, the timing and transparency issues pointed to a commissioner's exempt-list outcome anyway. Why did the Detroit Lions cut Terrion Arnold now? Detroit acted to remove a major distraction and move forward with players who can practice and play. Cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, faced kidnapping and robbery charges, a million dollar bond, and repeated travel for court, which prevented full investment in football. As Scott Bischoff noted, the post-hearing timing and a lack of full transparency pushed Detroit to act, and Arnold was headed for the commissioner's exempt list regardless. Kelvin Sheppard had already said Arnold was falling behind, and Russell Brown added that if teams truly wanted Arnold, a trade, waiver claim, or quick signing would have happened. Can the Detroit Lions cornerback room hold up without Terrion Arnold? Yes, it can function with veteran competence and real competition. Cornerback Roger McCreary, Detroit Lions, profiles as the starting nickel, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, Detroit Lions, becomes a key outside option, and cornerback DJ Reed, Detroit Lions, settles the CB1 matchups when healthy. Rookies cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, and cornerback Keith Abney, Detroit Lions, compete to seize CB2 or rotational roles, with Thomas Harper and others in the mix. Russ Brown pointed out that Rock Ya-Sin posted a career-high nine pass deflections last season and allowed only 28 receptions for 274 yards, and even as a rookie he started 13 games and allowed 46 receptions. For context, Amik Robertson gave up 70 receptions, almost 900 yards and 8 touchdowns last year. Detroit does not need rookies to play every snap in September. How will Detroit's front four and defensive plan protect the secondary? Increased pressure and flexible personnel shorten coverage snaps. Edge Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, teams with defensive tackle Tylek Williams, Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions, and edge Dorsey Moore, Detroit Lions, to generate the heat missing last year. Expect more nickel and dime once safety Brian Branch, Detroit Lions, returns and safety Kirby Joseph, Detroit Lions, is full go. As Russell Brown said, early in the season Detroit can lean a bit more on base with linebackers Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Dorsey Barnes, Jimmy Rolder and Trevor Nowaski until the safety room stabilizes. Coach Kelvin Sheppard has the bodies to mix packages. What should fans expect from Drew Petzing's offense? A more assertive, gap-heavy run game that marries to play action. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Detroit Lions, will feature duo, pin-pull and trap concepts that fit running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, better than heavy zone. Tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, operates on the left, while the right side grows with tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions, and guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, plus guard Cade Mays, Detroit Lions. Quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, benefits from defined run looks and intermediate play action. Offensive sleeper Tight end Tyler Conklin, Detroit Lions, gives Detroit a vetted third-down and red-zone option, stabilizes 12 and 13 personnel, and eases early load if tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, is limited. Defensive sleeper Defensive tackle Skyler Gibbs Howard, Detroit Lions, as a true three-tech, uses quickness to penetrate and disrupt in camp and preseason, complementing Mekhi Wingo, Detroit Lions. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #rogermccreary #rockya-sin #djreed #ennisrakestrawjr. #keithabney #aidanhutchinson #tylekwilliams #alimmcneill #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #isaiahpacheco #jaredgoff #tylerconklin #drewpetzing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who starts at left guard for the Detroit Lions in 2026? Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany enters camp in pencil as the starter, but the job is open. He returned from injury late last season and did not lock down the role, and both Juice Scruggs and Ben Bartch will push him in a true competition. Mahogany has flashed the ability to be an effective NFL starter, but it will take more consistent performance and health to lock up the starting job in 2026. Newcomers Juice Scruggs and Ben Bartch are more experienced and also bring more positional versatility to the Lions' den. Then there are some wild cards who could also enter the mix, though more likely as reserve options than as true threats to be the Week 1 starter at left guard. Those include Miles Frazier and Giovanni Manu, as well as veteran Colby Sorsdal, who missed all of 2025 with an injury but took lots of reps in minicamp. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #christianmahogany #juicescruggs #benbartch #leftguardcompetition #passprotectionvspressure #dancampbellstandard #sixsacksallowed #27pressures #pass-blockingefficiency95.8 #run-blockgrade91.1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions have the top-end talent to win a championship. PFSN's Top 100 lists seven Lions, with offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. Health, execution, and timely plays must now match that talent. How many Lions made PFSN's Top 100, and who headlines it? Seven Detroit Lions made the list, led by offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4 as OT1, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. That is four Lions in the top 20. Quarterback Jared Goff is No. 53 and QB10, tight end Sam LaPorta is No. 87, and linebacker Jack Campbell is No. 95 as LB4. As Jeff Risdon noted, PFN's linebacker impact score had Jack Campbell No. 1 among linebackers in 2025. PFSN also notes Sam LaPorta missed eight games in 2025, yet his 54.3 receiving yards per game was his best per-game mark since his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2023. Why is left vs right tackle value overblown? Jeff Risdon emphasized that while Penei Sewell is moving to left tackle, elite edges attack both sides. Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T. J. Watt rarely rushes against left tackles, Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson often works over right tackles, and Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett moves around. Does star power alone win the Super Bowl? No. Team health, execution, and key plays matter more than raw star counts. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks and the Super Bowl runner-up New England Patriots were not among the most represented teams on the Top 100 list. Seattle’s core callouts on PFSN included wide receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, and quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 71 as QB12. They won with health and timely defense. Detroit’s takeaway is clear, as Risdon said, talent is there, but game-deciding plays must follow. What do the rankings say about quarterback Jared Goff and Detroit’s offense? Quarterback Jared Goff at No. 53 and QB10 confirms he is not holding the Detroit Lions back. As Jeff Risdon stated, Goff is very good at what he is asked to do. Detroit does not ask him to run RPOs or fire frequent tight-window throws, and within that structure he wins. Risdon added that if the Seattle Seahawks can win with quarterback Sam Darnold and that supporting cast, the Lions can finish the job with Jared Goff. The ranking validates Detroit’s approach, provided the offense sustains health and situational precision. How do the Lions stack up against the NFC North? Detroit leads the division with seven Top 100 players. Green Bay has four, Chicago has three, and Minnesota has two, reinforcing that the Lions possess the division’s deepest top-end core. Green Bay’s notables include quarterback Jordan Love at No. 34 as QB8, offensive tackle Zach Tom at No. 57 as OT7, and safety Xavier McKinney at No. 67 as S4. Chicago’s trio features offensive tackle Darnell Wright as the top Bear, guard Joe Thuney at No. 65 as OG3, and quarterback Caleb Williams at QB15. Minnesota’s two are wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 16 as WR4 and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel at No. 99 as Edge12. As Risdon concluded, Detroit’s talent is real, now the execution must be too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #peneisewell #aidanhutchinson #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #jaredgoff #samlaporta #jackcampbell #samdarnold #leonardwilliams #jacksonsmith-njigba #jordanlove #zachtom #xaviermckinney #darnellwright #justinjefferson #pfsntop100 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Prepping For Camp The quietest part of the NFL calendar rarely stays quiet for long. With training camp roughly 10 days away, the Detroit Lions have entered the final stretch before the real evaluations begin. The roster is largely set, the offseason program is complete, and every conversation now shifts toward one question: what are we about to learn once the pads come on? On this week's Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon look ahead to one of the most important training camps of the Dan Campbell era. From position battles to injury updates, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating the running back room, there is no shortage of storylines despite the lack of football on the field. The Camp Battles That Will Shape the 2026 Season Training camp is where optimism meets reality, and the Lions have several competitions that will define the opening 53-man roster. The first battle begins at right tackle. Rookie first-round pick Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom split first-team reps throughout OTAs and minicamp, making this one of the premier competitions to watch when camp opens. The secondary remains another major storyline following the departure of Terrion Arnold. Detroit must identify who will emerge opposite D.J. Reed, with Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. expected to receive every opportunity to claim the job. Replacing Arnold is not simply about finding another starter. It is about rebuilding depth in a room that suddenly looks much different than it did just a few months ago. Running back is another fascinating discussion. Jahmyr Gibbs is unquestionably the featured back, but is Isiah Pacheco enough as RB2? His experience, physical running style, and pass protection bring value, but Sione Vaki continues to develop, making this a storyline worth following throughout camp. Is Kerby Joseph Ready and How Confident Should We Be? Perhaps no player carries more intrigue entering camp than Kerby Joseph. The All-Pro safety remains one of Detroit's most important defensive players, but his recovery from a knee injury leaves legitimate questions. Training camp should finally provide answers about both his availability and effectiveness. His availability could shape the entire defense. Fortunately, Brad Holmes added veteran depth at safety, giving Detroit more flexibility than it had a year ago, but everyone understands this defense is better when Joseph is healthy. That naturally leads to the biggest discussion of the episode. How confident should Lions fans be? The roster still has one of the NFL's strongest offensive cores. Jared Goff is surrounded by elite skill talent, the offensive line remains among the league's best, and the coaching staff has built a culture capable of competing with anyone. The questions largely reside on defense, where health, youth, and replacing Terrion Arnold all become part of the equation. Training camp is where those answers begin to emerge. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they prepare you for everything to watch over the coming weeks. From the biggest roster battles to Kerby Joseph's health, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating Isiah Pacheco's role, this is your complete guide to the storylines that will define Detroit's 2026 training camp. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #TrainingCamp, #KerbyJoseph, #TerrionArnold, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #JaredGoff, #NFLTrainingCamp, #LionsRoster, #DetroitVsEverybody, #IsiahPacheco, #NFLNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionstrainingcamp #detroitlionsnews #bradholmes #dancampbell #jaredgoff #kerbyjoseph #terrionarnoldupdate #terrionarnoldwaived #isiahpacheco #detroitlionsroster #detroitlionssecondary #lionsrosterconcerns #nfltrainingcamp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions defense in 2025 was not bad, it was untimely. They ranked 22nd in scoring defense but finished 17th in yards allowed per game and ninth on third downs, and Pro Football Focus graded them as a top-five defense overall. The real issue was explosive plays and situational lapses at key moments. Was the Detroit Lions defense actually bad in 2025? No. The unit performed better than its reputation. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were 22nd in points allowed, 17th in yards per game at 332.8, and middle of the pack at 5.4 yards per play. Crucially, they allowed a 36.9 percent third-down conversion rate, which ranked ninth, while the offense converted 38.8 percent, 19th. That disconnect fuels the perception. The defense was on the field in tough spots and failed at the worst times, which is different from being bad snap-to-snap. Which numbers explain the gap between strong grades and points allowed? Excellent. PFF’s cumulative defensive grade for Detroit was 81.8, fifth overall, with a 78.5 run defense grade that ranked fourth. Tackling graded at 74.9, second behind the Green Bay Packers. The pass rush ranked fifth, and pressure rate ranked fourth, with help from Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Coverage graded 74.1, tenth. Raw team data backs several strengths: Detroit allowed the sixth-lowest completion rate at 61.6 percent, averaged 7.3 yards per pass allowed which ranked 23rd, and posted an 8.11 percent sack rate, eighth. Special teams graded sixth. The defense simply surrendered too many explosive plays and got burned by short fields when the offense failed on third and fourth downs. Those two factors drove points more than down-to-down quality. What must change in 2026 to turn solid metrics into stops? Cut the explosives and win the pivotal snaps. That means finishing drives with takeaways or stops on third and manageable, and protecting field position instead of gifting short fields. As Jeff Risdon theorized, using more zone coverage and replacing some base 4-3 snaps with extra defensive backs or an additional lineman instead of a linebacker can specifically help in coverage. He also noted using the punter a little more in marginal situations to avoid feeding opponents favorable field position. Turnovers and situational management Risdon’s Houston analogy underscores it: clean up turnover differential and third-down execution and a defense that already grades well turns those metrics into points prevented. Do the Lions have the personnel to fix it? Yes. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson closed strong after a slump and remains the headliner up front. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell delivered impact against the run, and the interior pairing of Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams should be a strong one-two punch. Depth has improved in the secondary, though, as Jeff Risdon cautioned, safety Brian Branch and safety Kerby Joseph entering the start of the year is not optimal. Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone’s role can flex within sub-packages to prioritize coverage matchups. Bottom line, as Risdon put it, the defense was unfortunate and untimely in 2025, and those are correctable issues. He’s over the 10.5 win total. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsdefense #nflstatistics #pff #pffranking #pffgrades #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #alimmcneill #tyleikwilliams #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #alexanzalone #profootballfocus #losangelesrams #seattleseahawks #greenbaypackers #passrush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penei Sewell is an elite NFL offensive tackle, not the 10th-best, as ESPN pundit Mike Clay ranked him. He finished third in pass protection efficiency at 98.2 with only two sacks, six hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures allowed, plus a 95.1 overall and 96.7 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Is ESPN underrating Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell? Yes. Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell ranks among the NFL’s best, not 10th. As Jeff Risdon noted, Pro Football Focus graded Sewell at 95.1 overall with a 96.7 run blocking grade, and he allowed just two sacks, six quarterback hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures in 2025. Those results track with a 98.2 pass protection efficiency, which placed him third among qualifying tackles. ESPN’s ranking leans on a proprietary pass block win rate and on the note that Sewell is moving sides. Risdon acknowledged that switching from right tackle to left tackle is a fair consideration, but he emphasized Sewell has played left tackle in the NFL and handled it well. Every visible performance marker says he belongs at the top tier. Does pass block win rate measure what matters in protection? No. What matters is not losing, and Sewell rarely loses. As Jeff Risdon said, the ESPN metric is subjective and measures “wins,” while pass protection success is about preventing losses. Sewell’s 98.2 efficiency shows he prevents losses as well as almost anyone, backed by only 19 total pressures conceded across a 50 percent of 1,294 snaps qualifier pool. Context also matters. Protection can change based on a tight end’s alignment, the guard inside, or compensating for interior issues. Risdon pointed out that Detroit often had to shade inside last year because the center struggled, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is not mobile under quick pressure. That reality affects how any tackle is scored snap to snap. How should fans view the Detroit Lions offensive line at 19th? As conservative. The unit projects better than 19th even with moving parts. Risdon accepted ESPN’s 19th as a defensible output for a formula, noting the Lions have starters at three new positions, but he stated Detroit will outperform that slot. Continuity takes time, but the cornerstone is overwhelming. Sewell’s dominance stabilizes the front, and Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley can lean on elite edge play while integrating the new starters. That foundation raises the floor and the ceiling for the group. What do the comps say about other top NFL tackles? They reinforce Sewell’s standing. In pass protection efficiency, Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garrett Bolles ranked first and New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas second, with Sewell third at 98.2. Pro Football Focus also showed Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs at 92.7 overall, while Sewell’s pass protection grade of 80.3 matched San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams and topped San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz. Risdon added that Sewell’s pressure totals were equivalent with Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright, and he flagged Detroit Lions offensive tackle Larry Borom appearing in the top 10 for pass rush efficiency as an encouraging pickup. The eye test and the data converge on the same conclusion: Sewell is elite, and Detroit’s line trends up from a formulaic 19th. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #peneisewell #espntackleranking #profootballfocus #darnellwright #pff #olrankings #lionsoffensiveline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP welcomes Bish and Brown co-host Russ Brown to the latest episode. The show focuses on some of the recent Lions developments, including the team's dismissal of cornerback Terrion Arnold. Brown argued that Detroit can evaluate and win with the corners on hand while focusing entirely on football. Are the Detroit Lions better without Terrion Arnold? Yes. The roster and locker room benefit from removing a high-profile distraction and empowering the rest of the room. Detroit Lions cornerback DJ Reed, Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney give the staff multiple perimeter options. Brown framed it plainly, the team has enough depth to stay afloat and can use the season to see exactly what it has in Rakestraw and Abney while Reed takes the CB1 role. He also noted the waiver reality and that the issue is no longer inside the building. Jeff Risdon added he expects a massive suspension and reminded listeners no team claimed Arnold. Training camp opens July 25, so the team’s clean slate at corner arrives at the right time. Who wins the Lions offensive line battles at right tackle and left guard? Right tackle is settled, left guard is a true competition. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller starts immediately. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Krish Mahogany and Detroit Lions guard Miller Frasier headline the race with Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch in the mix. Brown called Miller plug and play and said he has no doubt Miller will be the starting right tackle. He labeled left guard the bigger question, with the cream rising between Mahogany and Frasier. The hosts praised the front office for taking two interior swings and set the expectation that this group is better than a year ago. How explosive is Detroit’s passing attack in 2026? It is elite, and it will be featured. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is a set-and-forget chain-mover, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams adds vertical thunder. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s health is trending up, and Detroit Lions running back Jameer Gibbs remains a centerpiece. Brown told friends to draft St. Brown without hesitation because he wins every down and distance. He described Williams as a modern home-run threat who can get to roughly 60 catches and 1,000 yards with schemed touches. With Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka providing fresh eyes, as Jeff Risdon put it, the offense should clean the meat off the bone that was left last year. Did Detroit do enough in the middle of the defense, and what about specialists? Yes on the trenches, and no issue on specialists. Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ali McNeil pairs with Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ty II Williams to anchor inside, while Detroit Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gil Howard brings first-step juice as a late-round addition. Brown outlined how Reader’s exit was expected short term and emphasized Williams’ faster play and McNeil’s reset year. Risdon, after seeing Gil Howard up close, said his physical presence impressed and that pads will tell the rest. What about the specialists? There is no mistake in having no camp challengers. Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates are established, and Detroit Lions long snapper Hatton is working under former long snapper and current staffer Don Muhlbach. Brown said the Lions would add competition if needed. Risdon called Fox unreal at minicamp, a reminder that this NFL unit is set. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #djreed #ennisrakestraw #keithabney #terrionarnold #legaldistraction #cb1role #righttackleblakemiller #leftguardcompetition #krishmahogany #millerfrasier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colby Sorsdal makes the Detroit Lions 53-man roster as a reserve guard in Jeff Risdon’s current projection. His roster case centers on a cleaner guard fit, size and strength, and a depth chart that now places other tackles ahead of him. Spring reps and versatility keep him in the fight. Is Colby Sorsdal on track to make the 53-man roster? Yes, Jeff Risdon currently has Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal on the final 53, in pencil, as a reserve interior option. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sorsdal drew meaningful spring reps and remains in the core group competing for backup jobs. Risdon emphasized that Sorsdal missed last season after a preseason injury against Atlanta led to an injured reserve stint. The perception that he was gone lingered because of the waiver process, but he reverted and remained with Detroit. With renewed health and visible work in the spring, he reenters a crowded battle for reserve offensive line roles. What role best fits Colby Sorsdal in Detroit? Guard, not tackle. Sorsdal’s body type, power and grip strength translate inside, and the tackle depth ahead of him reduces the need to keep him outside. As a rookie in 2023, Sorsdal played 94 snaps at left guard out of 253 total regular season snaps, the only regular season action of his career to date. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s staff has seen him at both guard spots, and his pass-protection challenges on the edge, specifically against quick inside counters that tested his foot reset and weight transfer, point to a cleaner projection at guard. The ask now is to channel his upper-body strength, anchor and hand usage in tighter spaces while sharpening the footwork that stalled him at right tackle. How crowded is the Lions’ reserve offensive line competition? Very crowded, and it shapes Sorsdal’s lane. Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom upgrades the OT3 spot, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller was drafted to play early, and Detroit Lions tackle Devin Cochran brings length. That stack narrows Sorsdal’s tackle path and pushes him to guard. Inside, Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is part of the mix, Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is being sorted among positions, and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin is competing for depth. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is the presumptive winner per Risdon, with Juice Scruggs his top challenger. Within that framework, Sorsdal’s clearest route is becoming the best reserve right guard who can also cover emergency snaps elsewhere. What did Dan Campbell say about Sorsdal’s opportunity? Dan Campbell underscored open competition and Sorsdal’s chance to earn it. Campbell said the staff’s eyes are open every year, Sorsdal is coming back from injury and doing a good job, and pads will tell more. He added that players get overlooked, then gain confidence, make plays and earn roles, and that Sorsdal has an opportunity. That aligns with Risdon’s view: if the Detroit Lions keep him focused at one spot and he stacks solid padded practices and preseason tape, Sorsdal validates a reserve guard role on the 53. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #colbysorsdal #larryborom #juicescruggs #blakemiller #milesfrazier #devincochran #sethmclaughlin #christianmahogany #dancampbell #jeffrisdon #detroitlionsoffensiveline #rightguardcompetition #trainingcamp #preseasongamevsatlanta #53-manroster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slot-Only Profile in a Crowded Detroit Lions Room The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on Dominic Lovett, No. 19, and his roster odds as training camp nears. The NFL squeezes slot receivers who lack a clear special teams role, and Lovett sits right in that pinch point. He is listed at 5-10, 185 and profiles as a slot-only receiver. At Georgia, his routes rarely stretched beyond 8 to 10 yards. The usage leaned horizontal. Quick slants. Hitches. Get it out, make the first tackler miss. He has speed, but the vertical element was not a staple of his tape. The top of the Detroit Lions depth chart leaves little room. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa define the top three. The club added Greg Dortch, who is smaller than Lovett and brings elite yards-after-catch production. Dortch owned minicamp. He was open, quickly and often. That is not how Lovett’s spring looked. Special Teams Will Decide It Lovett’s path is special teams. As a rookie, he logged snaps in most games but was a regular on those units only from Weeks 4 to 8, which included the bye. He logged no return action. In camp, he was not near the top of the returner reps. He did not record a special teams tackle. He is not noted for blocking. The evaluation lands near baseline, which means no real positive spikes. The drops remain an issue. In minicamp, Lovett put two easy throws on the ground. One came when he tried to run before the catch. Another was a low ball he did not dig out. That tracked with college scouting reports on his hands. Meanwhile, Tom Kennedy offers physical play, nuanced routes, and trust from Jared Goff. Kennedy blocks, arrives on time in his spots, and catches what is thrown. If the decision is Lovett or Kennedy for the same role, Kennedy holds the edge. Where He Sits Entering Camp Realistically, Lovett is battling for wide receiver five or wide receiver six if the Lions keep six. The competition includes Kennedy, Tarek Black, Malik Cunningham, and a wave of former UFL guys. Jackson Meeks is trending more toward an undersized tight end role than a true wideout. Dortch is locked as WR4. On the current board, Lovett trails Cunningham and Kennedy and likely at least one of the UFL additions, such as Black. The episode framed a clear outcome set. If Lovett pops on special teams as a returner, blocker, or in gunning duties, he can change the conversation in Detroit. If not, he projects outside the 53 and likely clears waivers. In a crowded NFL receiver room, every rep will matter. For Lovett, the Detroit Lions Podcast made it plain: special teams is not a bonus. It is the job interview. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dominiclovett #gregdortch #amon-rast.brown #jamesonwilliams #isaacteslaa #tomkennedy #tarekblack #malikcunningham #ennisrakestraw #giovannimanu #davefipp #jaredgoff #slotonlyreceiver #widereceiversix #specialteams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The risk-reward corner Detroit needs to actually see The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on Ennis Rakestraw, the 2024 second-round pick who has become the clearest test of risk versus reward in the Lions secondary. The talent fits. The availability has not. He missed all of last season after a shoulder and pec injury in practice. Before that came a torn season in 2021 and a groin issue that cost him games in 2023, plus core muscle surgery that kept him out of the postseason showcase. Three NFL summers in, the team still lacks a full evaluation on the field. Fans connect this uncertainty to wider doubts about the 2024 draft class and Brad Holmes. The show pushed back on the idea that one class is holding the Detroit Lions back from contention. But Rakestraw sits at the heart of that conversation. If he hits, the cornerback room stabilizes without a search outside the building. If he doesn’t, Detroit’s margin thins. What we actually know: traits, usage, speed Rakestraw profiles as a press-man outside corner. Not a zone specialist. Not a slot by trade, even though he has taken some slot reps when healthy. He is smart, competitive, and embraces top assignments. The tape and the combine align on speed. His 4.54 shows. He does not have a chase gear when beaten and will need safety help over the top against burners. Do not expect him to carry Jameson Williams down the field. Short-area reaction and staying connected through routes are his strengths. There is one encouraging physical note. In camp, he looked noticeably sturdier with added muscle. The frame that measured 5-11 and 183 now appears closer to 190. That matters for durability and for finishing tackles, a part of his game the coaches like. 2026 reality: competition and special teams math The outside corner competition is crowded. Khalil Dorsey grabbed first-team reps early in camp. Avonte Maddox factors in. Roger McCreery is in the mix. Rakestraw has to prove he can hold up and win outside snaps, not just flash in drills. Special teams complicate his case. This staff often leans roster decisions toward special teams value, but Rakestraw’s injury history makes heavy teams usage risky if he’s tracking as a defensive contributor. The cleanest outcome is obvious. Rakestraw stays healthy all summer, trusts his body, and puts his press-man fit on tape. That would allow Detroit to replace the lost role that Terrion Arnold once filled without scrambling. The traits match the scheme. The question is health. Show it, then keep showing it. If he does, he makes the team. It is not a lock. It is within reach. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #ennisrakestraw #khalildorsey #avontemaddox #rogermccreary #specialteamsusage #4.54speed #safetyhelpoverthetop #addedmuscleto190 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roster reality for a third-year project The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on Giovanni Manu and a blunt truth. Year three is now or never. A third-round investment to move up for a fourth-round pick will not protect a spot. Brad Holmes said it would be irresponsible to assume a past developmental pick will be the guy. He also said there is no conviction Manu is ready to be a major contributor. The message is clear. Earn it. A fresh 53-man projection left Manu off. The competition is real at tackle and inside. Larry Borom is a bar to clear. So is Colby Sorsdal. Devin Cochran brings size and college polish. There is a very real chance Manu is tackle five by the end of the first preseason game. Special teams jobs are settled elsewhere. There is no easy back door. Technique, fit, and the guard conversation The tape tells why. Manu plays too tall. His back is upright. His arms are late and not fully extended. He loses leverage and trust in his strike. Long arms become a liability when the first punch is late. Those issues have shown in camp reps and preseason snaps against NFL speed. Detroit’s offense leans on timing and rhythm. Jared Goff needs clear lanes over the middle. Tall interior linemen can clog those sight lines. That makes a move to guard complicated for a 6-foot-8 blocker. Dan Campbell opened the guard talk late in minicamp, but no pads means no verdict. The staff can measure balance, assignment, and second-level pickups in shorts. Real answers arrive in pads. Path forward, or exit plan There is still a plan. Manu has worked with LaCharles Bentley and the OLP crew to speed up his get-off and strike. Hank Fraley and Detroit’s development group have invested time. The hope is to turn rare tools into usable reps. The leash, though, is getting short. Training camp intensity and scrutiny will rise. If it stalls, options exist. A conditional seventh could be in play for a team thin behind good starters. San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Cleveland fit the profile mentioned. A niche role as an extra tight end or on field-goal block is possible, but others have shown more with the ball and in space this spring. The physical traits still grab you. Planet theory always does. Now the football has to match. The Detroit Lions need proof, not potential, when camp opens and the NFL speed returns. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #giovannimanu #bradholmes #detroitlionstrainingcamp #53-manrosterprojection #offensivetackledepth #guardexperiment #leverageandpadlevel #longarmsstriketiming #larryborom #colbysorsdal #devincochran #danskipper #hankfraley #lacharlesbentleyolp #tradeforconditionalseventh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Honolulu Blues: How a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man The Detroit Lions Podcast hit pause on the recent noise and leaned into what makes Detroit different. Jeff Risdon sat down with author and lifelong Lions fan Joel Walkowski to unpack Joel's upcoming book, Honolulu Blues: How a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man. The book is a Lions history that doubles as a memoir about fathers, fandom, and getting sober. The book lands on July 14 and mixes hard truth with humor. It is rooted in Sundays, shared rooms, and the way a football team can hold a family together. Walkowski grew up with the Lions as common ground with his father, who had special needs. Barry Sanders became a compass. Games turned into lessons on humility and resilience. He remembers the Utley game. He remembers Reggie Brown. He remembers a Pro Bowl guard killed by a truck while doing yard work. Even in those darkest moments, Barry made the game joyful. Later, during his own fight for sobriety, Matthew Stafford’s toughness lit a path forward. The book tour runs through Detroit Book Fest, bookstore stops on the 24th, 25th, and 29th, a statewide library swing from September 17 to October 4, and a Detroit sports roast on October 4. Glory, Pain, and Change in Detroit Wachowski traces how 1950s Detroit helped shape the modern NFL. The Lions ran early two-minute drills. They played under the lights. The city and the franchise moved in sync. Then came decades where everything that could go wrong did. After Barry’s rookie year came Andre Ware. A splash move for Pat Swilling cost draft picks that became stars elsewhere. The tragedies around the offensive line were real and human. Ownership loomed over it all. William Clay Ford’s long tenure fostered inertia. Russ Thomas became a symbol of staying too long. The uniform patch sparked fan fatigue. Modernization finally arrived under Sheila Ford Hamp. Process, infrastructure, and standards caught up. Simple things like player support, food, and recovery resources improved. The Lions began acting like a billion-dollar enterprise. That cultural pivot echoes the book’s core theme: look in the mirror, change, and build better habits. Why 2026 Inspires 13-4 Talk This roster can beat anyone. The offensive line is a strength. Amon-Ra fits as the possession target. Jamo brings a home run threat. The backfield evokes Barry-level excitement. Put it together and 13-4 does not sound outlandish. Twelve and five is in range too. The NFC North picture helps. Stability in Allen Park looks stronger than rivals. Chicago faces the pain of replacing a Pro Bowl center. The lesson of going from hunter to hunted still matters. Even last year, with injuries and breaks going the wrong way against Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, Detroit stayed on the cusp. Wachowski attended the NFC Championship at his father’s urging. He left with perspective, not despair. Community. Memories. A team that changed how people carry setbacks. This Detroit Lions Podcast episode delivered catharsis and clarity. The Lions’ story is not only about trophies. It is about how a city learns to get up, again and again, together. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #honolulublues #barrysanders #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #jamesonwilliams #mikeutley #reggiebrown #waynefonts #williamclayford #sheilafordhamp #russthomas #patswilling #andreware #two-minutedrill #nfcchampionship #pittsburghsteelers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions and the Terrion Arnold Fallout The NFL calendar is supposed to be quiet in early July. OTAs are over, mandatory minicamp is in the rearview mirror, and training camp remains weeks away. Instead, the Detroit Lions find themselves at the center of one of the biggest stories of the offseason. The decision to move on from Terrion Arnold has created shockwaves throughout the organization and across the league, turning what should have been a slow news cycle into one of the most talked about moments of the summer. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon take an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding the move, what it means for Arnold's future, and how it changes the outlook for Detroit's roster heading into training camp. The story goes well beyond a single player. It is about roster construction, expectations, and how quickly the outlook for an NFL team can change. What the Terrion Arnold Update Means for Detroit The Terrion Arnold update forces the Lions to confront questions that few expected to be asking before training camp. Detroit invested heavily in rebuilding its secondary over the past several seasons, and Arnold was viewed as an important part of that long-term vision. His departure leaves both an immediate opening on the depth chart and broader questions about how the organization evaluates and develops young talent. The coaching staff now faces the challenge of redistributing snaps while determining whether younger defensive backs are ready for expanded roles. Veterans become even more important, while competition throughout the secondary immediately intensifies. This also places additional pressure on the Lions' pass rush. A strong defensive front can make life easier on defensive backs, but depth in the secondary becomes increasingly important over the course of a long NFL season. Detroit's roster has enough talent to compete, but this development changes the conversation heading into training camp. The Lions have consistently preached competition, accountability, and earning every roster spot. This move reinforces that philosophy, even if it comes at the expense of a player many expected to contribute for years to come. The Biggest Lions Roster Concerns Moving Forward The immediate question is simple. How do the Lions replace the depth, athleticism, and developmental upside that Arnold represented? Chris and Jeff will examine every angle, including internal candidates who could benefit from increased opportunities, possible veteran additions before camp, and whether Brad Holmes could still look outside the organization for help before the regular season begins. The discussion also extends beyond one position group. Every roster move creates ripple effects throughout the defense. Special teams responsibilities shift. Rotational packages evolve. Young players suddenly find themselves competing for meaningful snaps that did not appear available just days ago. This is exactly the type of development that reshapes a training camp before it even begins. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they break down the Terrion Arnold fallout, discuss what the decision means for Detroit's defense, evaluate the Lions' biggest remaining roster concerns, and look ahead to one of the most important training camps of the Dan Campbell era. #DetroitLions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #DetroitLionsNews, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #DetroitLionsRoster, #DetroitLionsDefense, #DetroitLionsSecondary, #NFLNews, #NFLOffseason, #TrainingCamp, #TerrionArnold, #TerrionArnoldUpdate, #TerrionArnoldWaived, #LionsRosterConcerns #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #kidnappingcharge #armedrobberycharge #floridalaw #detroitlionssecondary #cornerbackdepth #rockya-sin #brianbranchinjury #kirbyjoseph #drewpetzingoffense #passrush #turnovermargin #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #commissioner'sexemptlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring why the Lions released Terrion Arnold The Detroit Lions moved fast. After a pretrial hearing in Hillsborough County where no charges were dismissed and a $1,000,000 bond was set, the team released CB Terrion Arnold on Monday. The brash move has led to many questions about why the Lions would act so decisively. Tuesday's Daily DLP answers a couple of questions and ideas surrounding the Lions' swift action. The first was posed by Lions legend Lomas Brown to Daily DLP host Jeff Risdon during an appearance Monday night on WJR Radio. Would the Lions have done the same if Arnold were a more successful player and not a relative disappointment on the field through his first two seasons? Risdon believes they would; the team's stated "no turds" policy doesn't have exceptions. But others in the DLP Slack channel and various social media apps disagree. One of the plain truths for the Lions is that the organization didn't want to keep seeing Terrion Arnold associated as a member of the Lions during his upcoming trial. Releasing him now at least deflects any controversy about why the team would continue to employ a person facing multiple felony counts. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #lionstransactions #lomasbrown #arnoldarrest #lionssecondary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lions Cut Terrion Arnold at 4 p.m. At 4:00 p.m. Monday, the Detroit Lions announced on their Twitter account that they released cornerback Terrion Arnold. Nine minutes later, the post had 35,000 views. The move was swift. It was costly. It was final. The Detroit Lions did not wait for the NFL exempt list. They did not wait for Arnold to return to Detroit. They cut ties. Earlier in the day, a Tampa judge set bond at $1,000,000 in a hearing tied to felony charges. Arnold was previously held without bond. Allegations remain to be resolved in court. The team removed the distraction now. Cap Fallout and Roster Math The release hits the 2026 books with a dead salary cap charge of $7,310,000 and adds $1,810,000 in dead money in 2027. For 2026, the Lions actually lose $3,400,000 in cap space. Arnold had two years and $4,800,000 in guaranteed salaries left. Those figures could change with any future league discipline, but today the cap math is clear. Detroit chose standards over savings. Cornerback Plan and the Road to Camp The move opens a roster spot. Allen Park is a skeleton crew right now. Players are on vacation. Coaches are out. Training camp is a little more than three weeks away. There is no need to rush a signing today. Before this news, selling a veteran on a maybe role was a tough pitch. Now the path to snaps is real. The current free agent market lacks a clear, plug-and-play starter. A newcomer could still push for time and raise the room's floor. Competition is coming. Clarity helps. With a starting avenue now attainable, talks with free agents or trade targets get cleaner. In NFL roster building, certainty sells. Detroit can survey options without panic and stage a quick ramp when camp opens. What It Means for 2024’s Blueprint This is a big hit to the 2024 draft class. Expectations for Arnold had grown after flashes before his injury. The plan envisioned at least a solid No. 2 corner. That vision is gone. The NFL leaves little margin for error, and the Detroit Lions must pivot. The message is unmistakable. The organization will endure short-term pain to safeguard the long-term standard. For a contender, removing a constant legal cloud matters. For the locker room, it quiets the noise. For fans, it answers the only question that counted today. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #rostermoves #arnoldarrest #nflexemptlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terrion Arnold’s pretrial hearing in Tampa on Monday changed the Detroit Lions’ summer calculus. The court denied a request to hold him without bond, set a $1,000,000 bond, and declined an ankle monitor. That clears a path to training camp. It does not clear his name. Bond, No Monitor, and What the Hearing Established The hearing ran more than three hours. None of the six felony charges were dismissed. The investigating detective did not place Arnold inside the apartment where the alleged assaults occurred. Under Florida’s principal theory, prosecutors can charge someone for involvement even if not at the scene. Testimony placed Arnold in his vehicle outside while the crimes were allegedly committed. A FaceTime video was referenced; the detective said Arnold did not speak on it. The court’s decision means Arnold can report without an ankle bracelet. He remains an active NFL player facing six felony counts. He took part in OTAs in a limited way and is still working back from shoulder surgery. Training camp access is open, but the legal case remains unresolved and a trial date has not yet been set. What the NFL Could Do Next The most likely league response is the commissioner’s exempt list. That would keep Arnold under contract and paid. He could attend meetings and receive treatment, but he would not practice or participate in training camp. The Detroit Lions will defer to the NFL on discipline while the case proceeds. Cutting him now would be costly against the salary cap, so that is not expected. Even if a trial clears him, league discipline could still follow. The timing matters. Until a date is on the docket, the team must plan as if he will be unavailable for a stretch. That is the practical reality of roster building in the NFL. How Detroit Adjusts at Outside Corner Without Arnold, the battle shifts to the number two outside cornerback spot opposite DJ Reed. Rookie Keith Abney profiles better in the slot but will be in the mix. Roger McCreary is more comfortable inside than outside. Avonte Maddox has played little outside corner in recent years. Nick Whiteside has flashed but projects as a useful reserve. Adding a veteran sounds easy until contract reality hits. Any free agent or trade target would hear they might be short-term insurance if Arnold returns during the season. That is a tough sell. Denzel Ward is an example often raised in chatter, but his concussion history and acquisition cost make that a complicated pursuit in a seller’s market. For now, Detroit waits for an NFL decision and a trial date while competition sorts out on the boundary. The Detroit Lions Podcast will keep tracking every turn as camp approaches. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #nfl #commissioner’sexemptlist #trainingcamp #otas #outsidecornerback #numbertwocornerbackbattle #djreed #keithabney #rogermccreary #avantemaddox #nickwhiteside #shouldersurgeryrecovery #pretrialhearing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Felony charges rock Detroit’s secondary The Detroit Lions woke up to a crisis. The State Attorney in Hillsborough County will file charges against cornerback Terrion Arnold in connection with a February robbery and kidnapping in Tampa. Arnold surrendered at Orient Road Jail and is scheduled for a first appearance in Hillsborough County Court tomorrow. Prosecutors will seek to keep him jailed before trial. His codefendants are already behind bars. A mugshot has been released. The case features multiple felony counts that can carry a potential life sentence. The filing lays out a detailed timeline. It includes messages from a group chat during the attack. The account describes Arnold giving directions while the incident was underway. The scope and seriousness are not in dispute. The questions now are legal, football, and organizational. What the allegations say The incident stems from a retaliation attempt tied to damage at an Airbnb. The victims in this case might not be the original targets. That distinction does not soften the legal exposure. Multiple witnesses and corroborating details appear in the materials. A pretrial detention motion is coming. A hearing date is pending. The immediate outcome will guide the team’s next move and the NFL’s conduct review. Even if charges are reduced or resolved, league punishment remains a real possibility. Recent conduct rulings have been significant. Eight games set a rough precedent in a separate situation, later reduced when charges changed. With multiple people involved here, any argument for leniency could be a tougher sell. How the Detroit Lions adjust on the field The Detroit Lions planned on Arnold starting. Now that plan is broken. The team could be down three of last year’s four primary starting defensive backs for Week 1. The secondary is improved, but it is not yet great. DJ Reader has looked good this spring and summer in the front, but coverage stress rises without a top outside corner. Raq Yasun is the next man up for a starting role. This is also an opening for Ennis Rakestraw. Depth names surfaced as options, including Nick Whiteside and Keith Abney. None offers Arnold’s projected ceiling if he had made the expected leap. The margin for error shrinks against NFL passing games. Contract, discipline, and the next 48 hours Felony charges can void guarantees, even on a rookie deal. That gives the club flexibility if it chooses to act. A standard organizational statement is likely after the initial court appearance. The legal calendar will shape the league timeline, and the league timeline will shape Detroit’s roster decisions. This is a severe, fast-moving story. The Detroit Lions Podcast will track the hearing, the team’s response, and how Detroit reshapes its secondary before Week 1. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #arrest #lionssecondary #camsutton #ennisrakestraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pitts sets the market Detroit must face The Atlanta Falcons just changed the tight end economy. They signed Kyle Pitts to a three-year, $54 million extension with $36 million guaranteed. It is the richest three-year deal ever for an NFL tight end. That number immediately matters to the Detroit Lions and Sam LaPorta. Recent comps drive negotiations. The Detroit Lions Podcast digs into what this means. By annual average value, George Kittle and McBride sit at the top tier. Pitts now lands at $16 million per year. The next band is where Detroit will hunt comps for LaPorta: Isaiah Likely at three years and $40 million with $26 million guaranteed, Mark Andrews at roughly $13.9 million per year, Dalton Schultz at $12.6 million, and Cole Kmet at $12.5 million. As much as Detroit likes LaPorta, he has been roughly in that neighborhood with Kmet. Will he take that number to stay in Detroit? Expect him to aim higher after the Pitts deal. Usage and value in Detroit’s offense Context matters. McBride earned heavy usage in Drew Petzing’s system in Arizona. That led many to assume a similar spike for LaPorta under Petzing in Detroit. It could happen, but the situations are different. McBride was the best player on that offense. In Detroit, LaPorta is not even the third-best offensive piece. Jahmyr Gibbs and Penei Sewell are central pillars. Jameson Williams offers higher peak plays even if the week-to-week is still building. That distribution of talent can cap volume and, in turn, price. LaPorta brings real value beyond catches. His blocking stacks up well, better than Pitts in this discussion. Pitts also aligns outside as a receiver often, while LaPorta plays a more traditional tight end role. Those distinctions will surface in negotiations as both sides frame what they are paying for. Numbers, guarantees, and timing A practical floor sits around Likely’s deal: three years, $40 million, $26 million guaranteed. A target from the player side could be three years, $50 million with $35 million guaranteed. A logical counter from the team lands near three years, $48 million at $16 million per year. With the Lions, guarantees are the meat. Expect creative structure with void years to spread cap hits. That is how Detroit handles these mid-length veteran deals. Health will guide the calendar. LaPorta is working back from the back injury that ended last season. He was on the field last week but not yet full go. The staff also wants Brian Branch healthy and contributing. If that holds, do not expect an immediate extension. Training camp will be the first checkpoint. A more natural window sits near the bye or toward the end of summer. September 21 feels like a soft boundary. By then, Detroit should know LaPorta’s role and output in Petzing’s offense. The hard choice no one wants One prevailing viewpoint around the league is that if Detroit must let someone walk among pending extension candidates, tight end is the easiest to replace. That argument has merit on roster-building grounds. Even so, the intent is to keep LaPorta. Pitts’ new deal just sharpened the pencil. Now the Lions must decide how far they will go to match it. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #samlaportacontract #kylepittsextension #tightendmarket #lionscontracts #overthecap #treymcbride Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Training Camp Dates and Fan Access The Detroit Lions now have their NFL training camp clock set. Rookies report July 25. Veterans arrive July 28. The first practice typically follows the next day. Full pads are not expected until the third or fourth practice because of ramp-up rules. Allen Park will be busy. Tickets are required for the free training camp sessions. Expect big crowds, family activities, and post-practice autographs. With no joint practices on the calendar, access should be a bit easier than last summer. Preseason Plan Without Joint Practices The Detroit Lions Podcast spelled out a shift in August. No joint practices this time. The staff wants cleaner prep and more live game work. Starters are expected to see at least a little preseason action. That is a change for this regime. The coaches self-scouted the past year and cut events that were not returning value, including rookie minicamp and the local pro day. Last season’s Week 1 rust showed. Joint work with Miami did not translate. The Texans sessions were intense and useful, but the Lions are leaning into controlled preseason reps. Situational drills are helpful. Real game tempo is better. Expect the new-look offensive line to get snaps. Expect rookies and depth pieces to feel the speed early. Why Isaac TeSlaa Is Trending Up One surprise-player pick landed on wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. The case is strong. He scored six touchdowns on 16 receptions last season and saw 27 targets. That usage can grow. If the Laporta injury lingers, targets open. David Montgomery is not here anymore. He caught passes out of the backfield. Some of those looks can slide to a big-bodied wideout. Tesla’s size is a tool in the red zone and on third down. The staff wants matchups. Some weeks he might post one catch. The next week he could swing a game. That volatility fits Drew Petzing’s offense. Dan Campbell’s read this week: “He feels like a veteran right now. He is consistent for a young guy. He doesn’t get frazzled… there’s nothing flashy about it, and that’s a good thing.” Tesla still has footwork and timing to sharpen off the line, but the arrow points up. St. Brown, Goff and the Offense’s Floor Amon-Ra St. Brown remains the constant. He wins against every coverage. He and Jared Goff are in sync. Their chemistry raises the floor for the Detroit Lions offense. Even with last year’s line issues, production held. The line looks better on paper now. August will test that. With camp dates set, no joint practices, and a plan to play starters, the Lions aim to hit September sharper. That is the clear objective coming out of this Detroit Lions Podcast. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionstrainingcamp #lionspreseason #isaacteslaa #drewpetzing #tylerlacy #jacksonmeeks #trainingcampdates #jointpractices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Father's Day on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP Happy Father's Day from the Daily DLP! This episode celebrates sports fatherhood in all its forms. It's also the first Father's Day where our host, Jeff Risdon, will spend it without his dad. That leads to reflections on sports-related memories with his father. One of the highlights of Lions training camp every year is seeing the players being Dads after practices, with their kids all running around and having fun with one another. Players who have lost their fathers also get a knowing nod. It's a day to celebrate being a father, loving your own father, and appreciating the dads in our lives. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #frankragnow #lionscamp #father'sday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking new Lions additions from the UFL The Detroit Lions signed three wide receivers out of the UFL after practice this week. Jeff Risdon welcomed Emory Hunt to stack traits, roles, and the roster math. The names are familiar. Tarik Black. Lucky Jackson. Tay Martin. Black brings a big body outside. He wins above the rim. He can work the boundary and fight through contact. Martin thrives in traffic. He finds soft spots in zone and adds yards after the catch. Jackson is the veteran presence from the 2020 class. Productive in the spring and steady in timing routes. The path to sticking is special teams. None projects as a returner. Coverage work will decide who survives August. The UFL season is 10 games. Add an NFL slate plus preseason and you are flirting with 30 games on one body in a year. Recovery matters. Coaches will weigh that load as they set the bottom of the receiver room and practice squad. Four-point talk and a 64-yard exclamation Kickers came up because the UFL changed the math. Louisville’s kicker hit two four-point field goals from beyond 60 yards. The concept turns leg talent into an offensive weapon. Jake Bates put a cap on Detroit’s work by drilling a 64-yarder that had room from 68 or 69. There is no buzz yet about the NFL adopting four-point kicks, but the league has borrowed spring ideas before. If that door opens, big-leg specialists become roster levers. Pass rushers who popped and the numbers game Spring pass rush stood out more than pass protection. That can muddy evaluations, but a few names still flashed legit movement and plans. Cam Gill, Louisville’s defensive MVP, won with twitch and speed and kept producing. Derrick Roberson stacked impact weeks. Corner help from DC also drew praise. Cam Dantzler and DeAndre Baker are in their late 20s and played well enough to merit NFL depth looks. The hard part is the opportunity. Mathieu Betts is a recent Lions example. He barely got a shot while nicked up, went back to Canada, and dominated. Production can live in non-prototype bodies. Coaches know it. They still need roster spots to prove it. Building a better pipeline The show dug into development fixes. Expand active rosters to 66 and grow practice squads. Give spring standouts real chances. A minor-league model came up, too. Pair NFL clubs on shared affiliates in cities like Toledo or Fort Wayne, or go one-to-one so schemes match and call-ups hit the ground ready. One more thread tied back to Allen Park. Veterans must offer more than young players over the long haul. By Thanksgiving and into 2027. That is the standard. The new receivers, and any spring pass rushers who arrive next, will be graded on it. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #ufl #louisvillekings #columbusaviators #tarikblack #luckyjackson #taymartin #specialteamscoverage #four-pointfieldgoal #jakebates64-yardfieldgoal #camgill #derrickroberson #camdantzler #deandrebaker #passrushers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Daily DLP looks back at Lions head coach Dan Campbell's press conferences from this week's Detroit minicamp at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park. Specifically, two of Campbell's comments stand out. First, coach Campbell talked about the idea of not being held hostage by veterans who might feel like the safer, established options. Campbell laid out how younger players who might offer more in the long term can take those established jobs. We covered candidates on both sides of the equation at a few positions: cornerback, linebacker and offensive line. Secondly, Campbell went into more detail about what new passing game coordinator Mike Kafka will do for the Lions. Special assistant David Shaw is also in that explanation, as he continues with the Lions. It's all about helping new OC Drew Petzing maximize the Lions offense, and maybe finding more success and efficiency in the deep passing game and also on third downs. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #minicamp #trainingcamp #dancampbellpressconference #blakemiller #larryborom #malcolmrodriguez #jimmyreader #christianmahogany #juicescruggs #keithabney #amikrobertson #mikekafka #andrewpetzing #jackfox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions Podcast offers up a live recording from Jeff Risdon, reviewing two days of Detroit Lions minicamp this week. After two days of practices and meetings with players and coaches, there are a few key takeaways from the unpadded action in Allen Park. The pass defense and coverage took center stage. Newcomers Chuck Clark and Roger McCreary made immediate positive impacts, as did rookie CB Keith Abney. There are some schematic tweaks and less predictability from coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's unit. Several good questions and points emerged from the live chat. From competition at various positions to the mindset of the coaching staff and players, the extended edition of the Daily DLP offered a reactive, fun look at the minicamp. Now the Lions are off until training camp in late July. Relive the last live football from the spring with the Detroit Lions Podcast minicamp review. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #chuckclark #kelvinsheppard #coveragedisguises #11personnel #13personnelmyth #christianisian #thomasharper #avontemaddoxillness #djreedcb1 #tylerlacyheavyend #peytonturneredge #larryboromrighttackle #blakemillerrookie #jakebates64-yardfieldgoal #jackfoxpunting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defense jumps routes and takes the ball The Detroit Lions defense seized Day 1 in Allen Park. The first seven-on-seven snap set the tone. Jared Goff tried a short out to Amon-Ra St. Brown. DJ Reed broke it up and put it on the turf. The coverage locked in from there. Reader stayed hip-to-hip on a vertical the next rep and later picked off Teddy Bridgewater by beating the throw to the sideline. Chuck Clark, playing deep middle with Kirby out and Branch sidelined, tracked an overthrown ball from Goff and intercepted it. Undrafted rookie Amaris Brown undercut Luke Altmaier on a Texas route to Jabari Small and ripped the ball away, then sprinted the other direction. Khalil Dorsey and Loren Strickland each dropped would-be interceptions. Trevor Nowaski erased a Bridgewater throw with a full-extension pass breakup. Clark said the defensive backs met to study recent practice film and route concepts. He credited DJ Reed for organizing it. The emphasis was clear: take the ball and do something with it after the catch. Offense snapshots: Jamo, Gibbs, and Meeks at tight end Jameson Williams had a teachable sequence. He dropped a low throw on the move, asked for the same ball, then snatched it out front in stride on the next rep. St. Brown had a mixed day against tight coverage. Greg Corrao flashed rare stop-start quickness and clean hands. His instant change of direction stood out. Jackson Meeks lined up only at tight end and took the No. 2 reps with Sam LaPorta not participating and Tyler Conklin not seen in uniform. Meeks is lighter than Isaac Teslaw but tracked the ball well and finished. Position drills forced receivers to find the ball over the shoulder; Corrao and Meeks handled it smoothly. Jameer Gibbs reminded everyone about NFL speed. He caught a swing, planted, and outran the angle. The burst was startling up close. Fights, fixes, and the trenches A dust-up broke out between Anthony Lucas and Davis Cochran. Ennis Rakestraw stepped in as peacemaker. They went at it again on the next rep before assistant coach Dan Skipper ended it quickly. Earlier, OL coach Hank Fraley joked that Skipper has to remember he can’t fight anymore. The sideline timing was perfect. Second-team offensive line notes: Larry Borom at left tackle, Juice Scruggs at left guard, and Seth McLaughlin at center. Tate Ratledge volunteered snaps during a running back drill and looked natural in a pinch. Lacy saw first-team defensive end work opposite Aidan Hutchinson ahead of Martin Turner. Quarterbacks and the red zone hoop Goff, Bridgewater, and Altmaier struggled early on a red zone hoop drill meant to simulate high-point fades. All three missed their first two tries. QB coach Mark Brunell stepped in, demonstrated, and reset the group. Goff then drilled two. Bridgewater hit one of two. Altmaier rattled the rim twice but showed quick correction. Roger McCreery had a rough day carrying crossers and drags. Joe Bachie spiked an Altmaier checkdown with a smart read and well-timed jump. Day 1 of minicamp belonged to the Detroit Lions defensive backs. Day 2 awaits. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsminicamp #gregdortch #djreed #trevornowaske #chuckclark #jamesonwilliams #jahmyrgibbs #jaredgoff #markbrunell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions Podcast hits minicamp week with Jeff Risdon on site Tuesday and Wednesday. Expect post-practice recaps later each day and a possible live show Wednesday if time and bandwidth cooperate. The focus is clear: identify real roles before the summer break, then reset for training camp in late July. O-line puzzle and the return game Juice Scruggs headlines the interior line watch. Left guard sits as the only unsettled starting spot, and Christian Mahogany is the early favorite. Scruggs will still be in the mix. He has NFL snaps, power in short spaces, and the mobility to reach. Hand placement has been inconsistent. The question this week is how he looks under Hank Fraley and where he ranks in the rotation. Ben Bartch remains a name to track as he works back from a Lisfranc injury. Greg Dortch steps into the wide receiver and special teams conversation. He profiles as WR4 and the first man up to handle punt and kick returns. He creates yards after the catch. He turns a quick swing into a chain-mover. Jeff wants to see his vision and acceleration up close, plus how he plays through contact and extends to win throws outside his frame. Dortch might be bigger in person than the listing suggests, another note to verify this week. Bubble battles: Meeks, Hassanein, and Turner Number 13 is no longer Craig Reynolds. It is Jackson Meeks, an undrafted wideout possibly sliding toward tight end duties. The staff will test whether he is a supersized receiver or a true hybrid. There is a depth need for that body type behind Isaac TeSlaa, and Kendrick Law is out for the year. Meeks draws fan buzz, but he still must prove it after practice-squad time last season. Ahmed Hassanin shares that spotlight. Both Meeks and Hassanein have supporters, yet their NFL evidence is limited to flashes. Meeks might have the cleaner path today. Hassanin’s chances could hinge on Peyton Turner. If Turner is healthy and close to his first-round traits, he grabs a job. Marcus Davenport, despite his own injuries last season, mentored young players. Turner could fill that presence too, even if health becomes an issue. Mekhi Wingo’s best position Mekhi Wingo needs a defined role. He is compact for the interior. The staff will test him as a heavy end or as an undersized three-tech. The goal is to find a lane that maximizes leverage and burst. With a crowded room, any clarity on his spot and place in the pecking order matters. LSU ties run deep on this staff, and the desire to unlock Wingo is real. Programming notes and NFL headlines Daily recap shows land later in the day during minicamp. A live Detroit Lions Podcast on Wednesday remains possible. Jeff also addressed two NFL items. Aldon Smith’s passing at 36 is a sobering reminder that players carry real lives and real struggles. On the salary-cap front, void years are surging. Myles Garrett’s deal includes eight void years. The Lions use void years often. Patrick Mahomes added four. It front-loads flexibility and pushes charges forward. Helpful now, potentially costly later. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionsminicamp #juicescruggs #christianmahogany #gregdortch #puntreturner #yardsaftercatch #jacksonmeeks #ahmedhassanein #peytonturner #marcusdavenport #mekhiwingo #voidyears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP delves into former Lions center Frank Ragnow speaking about his retirement, as well as his abortive comeback in 2025. At his charity skeet shooting event near Detroit, Ragnow met with the media and candidly broke down his decision to retire from the Lions last summer. Ragnow talked about his body, his mindset and the guilt of not being there. That guilt led him to try and come back around Thanksgiving, but a hamstring tear ended those aspirations. We also get into some comments from Dan Campbell about safety Brian Branch and any contract extension timeline for the Pro Bowl safety. Coach Campbell's words signify a prudent business shift for this Lions regime. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #frankragnow #dancampbell #brianbranch #lionsinjuryupdate #contractextension #lionsotas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Liao breaks down Lions injuries The Daily DLP welcomes Dr. Jimmy Liao to the show to talk about the Lions injuries and recoveries. The biggest name is Kerby Joseph, as the safety is dealing with a troublesome knee injury. Dr. Liao breaks down what options the Lions have with the All-Pro, noting that holding him out from the offseason workouts is medically necessary. Brian Branch’s Achilles and what defense demands Brian Branch tore his Achilles on December 4, 2025. A comparison was made to another high-profile Achilles tear, San Francisco TE George Kittle, on January 11. The positions are different. Defense is reactive. The secondary lives in backpedals and sudden bursts. That movement is the top mechanism for Achilles injury. It can slow the return for a defensive back compared with an offensive player who can script his steps. Recent rehab clips showed light treadmill jogging. No hard sprinting. No jumping. No cutting. He is roughly six months out and not ahead of schedule on visible benchmarks. The earlier expectation hovered around midseason. There is no clear evidence to move that up. Sam LaPorta’s back: progress now, recurrence is the concern Sam LaPorta appeared at OTAs. He caught passes. He is not full go, but the trend is positive. A herniated disc can flare with accumulated contact. Blocking can hyperextend the back. Last season’s issue was not a single moment. It built over time. There is a good chance he is ready for Week 1. The question is durability over months, not days. Recurrence risk sits in the background and will only be answered by workload. Depth chart ripple effects: OL Lisfranc, ACL note, and return-game risk An offensive lineman, Ben Bartch, is recovering from Lisfranc surgery. He has not appeared in the first two weeks of OTAs. Lisfranc injuries live in a small, tricky part of the midfoot. Outcomes can be uncertain, especially for a big body that must anchor and drive. The Lions guaranteed $330,000 on his one-year deal, a sign of confidence at signing, but the absence raises flags until he is on the field. Kendrick Law suffered an ACL tear. Standard ACL recoveries are reliable. Barring complications, the expectation is a full return for 2026 OTAs. Safety Dan Jackson has been present in team photos during OTAs. Last year’s leg issue lacked detail, but current participation eases concern. Kickoff changes have pushed return rates above 70 percent. Depth at returner matters. The play remains risky for the returner, even as it gets safer for blockers and coverage. Recent examples include a neck scare for Kalif Raymond and a fractured ankle for James Houston on a high-speed collision. Minicamp next week will sharpen clarity across the Detroit Lions depth chart. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #injuries #recoverytimeline #kerbyjoseph #brianbranch #samlaporta #georgekittle #lisfranc #benbartch #danjackson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Final Lions OTAs The final OTA session gave the Detroit Lions a clean snapshot of several live competitions and status updates on some Lions players. One player we're asked about a lot is Giovanni Manu. Dan Campbell confirmed the club is experimenting with Manu at both guard and tackle. The staff needs answers. It is year three, and last season’s injury cost Manu valuable reps when Taylor Decker’s limited work had opened a window. He is still taking tackle snaps, but guard work is on the table to find his best fit. Miles Frazier stands as direct competition. Frazier arrives more polished technically and with deeper football mileage. On the right edge of the offensive line, Larry Borom took first-team right tackle reps. The Lions drafted Blake Miller in the first round to be the long-term starter, but nothing is being handed out. That is by design. With no pads, trench play is hard to grade, yet stacking reps matters. Borom’s NFL experience forces Miller to earn the job and sharpen faster. That is good for the room and for the Detroit Lions. Defensive front: length, rookies, and zero-tech snaps Kelvin Sheppard highlighted a visible shift on the edge. Length. Tall, long bodies across individual periods, blended with shorter power rushers. Undrafted rookie Anthony Lucas drew a mention after wrecking an LSU game in college. Expectations remain high for Derrick Moore, but a former first-round pick is also pushing for those snaps. Nothing is gifted. Tyleik Williams spoke with clarity about the NFL step up. Players are better. Schemes are better. He reshaped his weight and said he will take some zero-technique work. That is a major offseason question with nose tackle duties open after departures. He carried a confident tone and even finished practice wearing a full-length black hoodie in the heat. The Lions will see how it looks when the pads go on. Branch timeline, secondary depth, and DJ Reed’s reset Brian Branch was present but not working, and Campbell effectively stretched the public timeline into December. There is no indication he is ahead or behind. It was simply good to see him out there. Meanwhile, Detroit added insulation in the secondary. Ennis Rakestraw added bulk. Roger McCreery arrived as a new nickel option. Thomas Harper is another timely add with ongoing questions about Kirby Joseph. Chuck Clark is in the mix as a physical safety whose game will show more when contact returns. DJ Reed discussed going to Panama for stem cell treatment on a hamstring. Early last season he played well before the injury. On return he struggled, and in OTAs he reportedly got beat again. He is a press corner. Without press in OTAs, that look can be misleading. The flip side is encouraging for the receivers, who are separating downfield. One more snapshot from Allen Park: the offensive line’s chemistry. Penei Sewell, Tate Ratledge, Cade Mays, and Christian Mahogany walked out together, laughing. Turkey hunts, group strides, and a tight room. The NFL season is a grind. The Detroit Lions are building for it. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsotas #giovannimanu #milesfrazier #larryborom #blakemiller #derrickmoore #anthonylucas #tyleikwilliams #zerotechnique #brianbranch #ennisrakestraw #rogermccreery #chuckclark #thomasharper #kirbyjoseph #righttacklereps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A focused look at QB3 The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on undrafted rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer. The Illinois product brings a steady profile that fits what Detroit asks from its quarterbacks. His case touches roster mechanics, scheme continuity, and how the Lions want to survive a Sunday if Jared Goff misses snaps. The first puzzle is numbers. The Lions have not typically carried three quarterbacks on the 53. Recent practice has leaned on the practice squad and the emergency quarterback elevation. That path likely remains in play. Teddy Bridgewater sits as QB2 for 2026. His last outing in a Lions uniform was rough, but his value is clear. He is smart, efficient, and comfortable in the pocket in the way Goff is. That sets the bar for Altmyer. If QB3 mirrors the starter’s operation, the offense changes less when called upon. Altmyer’s traits fit the offense Altmyer’s game wins with anticipation, accuracy, touch, and a willingness to stand in and deliver. He has extensive experience in a pro-style offense and makes NFL anticipatory throws. He protects the ball and rarely puts it at risk when structure holds. The arm is not dynamic and he is undersized. The release is lower and slower than ideal. He must protect himself better. He absorbed some massive hits at Illinois, a byproduct of patience while routes developed behind an uneven offensive line. Those are teachable survival skills. There is meaningful overlap with Goff’s profile. Altmyer processes quickly, shows poise, and works the pocket with calm urgency. He can hit the throws the system demands and maintain accuracy on the move. He posted seven game-winning drives late in games and finished second in program history in wins and touchdown passes. He is a cleaner operator than a playmaker, which is exactly what the Lions ask from their quarterbacks. How he sticks in Detroit Altmyer expected to be drafted and carries a clear chip on his shoulder. Detroit liked the makeup. Dan Campbell praised his retention and daily improvement. The staff highlighted his command of calls, shifts, and motions, and that he is not overwhelmed by install. Altmaier chose Detroit in part to work with Drew Petzing and after a positive Senior Bowl week with Marcus Tuiasosopo. The near-term lane is obvious. QB3 via the practice squad with elevations as needed. Win preseason reps by running the offense cleanly. Protect himself. Keep the ball safe. If he meets those checkpoints, he has a real chance to stick in 2026 and position himself for QB2 in 2027. For a Detroit Lions roster built on clarity and cohesion, Altmaier’s profile makes football sense. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lukealtmyer #teddybridgewater #jaredgoff #qb3 #scoutingreport #lionsotas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions OTA Update: What We’re Learning in June The offseason calendar may still say June, but the Detroit Lions are already building the foundation for what they hope will be a bounce-back season in 2026. OTA practices are underway, the rookie class is settling in, and the coaching staff is beginning the long process of turning offseason plans into on-field results. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon take a deep dive into the latest OTA updates, examine some lingering roster questions, and tackle one of the most interesting long-term storylines surrounding the organization. They also find time to enjoy one of the more amusing developments elsewhere in the NFC North. The football may not count yet, but the conversations absolutely do. OTA Observations and Early Position Battles The biggest takeaway from the opening phase of OTAs is that this roster remains remarkably competitive. The Lions continue to benefit from a strong core built by Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, but there are plenty of jobs still available for younger players looking to establish themselves. The 2026 draft class has already generated attention, with first-round selection Blake Miller beginning the process of integrating into one of the NFL's most respected offensive line rooms. While OTA practices rarely provide definitive answers, they do offer clues about how coaches envision player roles heading into training camp. The coaching staff is also evaluating depth throughout the secondary, linebacker room, and defensive front. Detroit learned difficult lessons about depth during recent seasons, and the organization appears determined to create competition throughout the roster. There are also the inevitable Lions injury concerns that accompany every spring. OTAs are designed to build toward September, not win headlines in June. Managing workloads, monitoring recovery timelines, and ensuring key veterans arrive healthy for training camp remains one of the most important objectives of the offseason. The Kerby Joseph Question Few players have generated more discussion this offseason than Kerby Joseph. The talented safety has become one of the more impactful playmakers in Detroit's defense, but his future remains a topic of conversation among Lions fans. Is he a foundational piece of the franchise's long-term plans? What would a potential extension look like? How does Detroit balance roster building with future salary cap commitments? These are the kinds of questions that become increasingly important as successful teams transition from building a roster to maintaining one. Chris and Jeff will examine where Joseph fits into the broader picture and what his future could mean for the Lions moving forward. Meanwhile, in Chicago... No NFC North discussion would be complete without checking in on the division rivals. The latest developments surrounding the Chicago Bears and their ongoing stadium saga have created plenty of conversation across the Midwest. The possibility of the Bears ultimately leaving Illinois for a new stadium development in Indiana has sparked strong reactions from fans, politicians, and just about everyone else with an opinion on the matter. For Lions fans, it serves as a reminder that not every offseason storyline revolves around football. Sometimes the most entertaining developments happen far away from the field. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast for a complete 2026 OTA Update, including roster observations, injury concerns, Kerby Joseph's future, NFC North developments, and everything else happening around the Detroit Lions as preparations for the 2026 NFL season continue. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitVsEverybody, #KerbyJoseph, #NFLOTA, #LionsNation, #NFLOffseason, #BradHolmes #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionsota #kirbyjosephknee #kendricklawinjury #leftguardbattle #christianmahogany #milesfrazier #juicescruggs #benbartch #blakemillerrighttackle #peneisewelllefttackle #chuckclarksafety #avontemaddox #thomasharper #tyleikwilliams #hammondbears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit fans wanted answers on Myles Garrett and why the Detroit Lions were not in the middle of it. The conversation laid out a tight timeline, guarded intentions, and a market that only cracked open very late. It was not an open auction. It was a narrow window. Why Detroit Stayed Quiet The show framed the local frustration clearly. People in Detroit felt miffed that the Lions were not involved or did not appear to be. The discussion pushed back. At the combine, the response to any Garrett inquiry was simple. Nothing had changed. The Browns were not moving him. That posture held until very recently. The message to other NFL teams was firm. There was no plan to trade Myles Garrett. Without a signal from Cleveland, there was no reason for Detroit to force a market that did not exist. The Browns’ Playbook for Leverage Why the late shift? The Browns wanted options, not a fire sale. Trading a player like Jared Verst was used as the example of rarity. A rookie contract edge rusher with two years of All Pro play and a Defensive Rookie of the Year on the shelf does not get moved. Valuation on that archetype ranged wildly. First and a third. First and a second. Two firsts. Maybe four. That spread underscores how unusual this type of deal would be. The front office approach was explained as aggressive and win focused, not a tear down. They pushed big money back to keep doors open in case a trade surfaced. They also explored whether the NFL would allow five years of future picks instead of three. That ask served two purposes. Maximize what could come back in a Garrett deal. Preserve flexibility to go get a quarterback like Arch Manning as a hypothetical, even if one of the picks landed as far out as 2032. Who Actually Knocked The market finally stirred. The Los Angeles Rams were very aggressive. The Philadelphia Eagles were communicative. The Dallas Cowboys were mentioned. That is where the real dialogue lived late. It tracks with why the Lions did not make noise. The window opened fast and selective. The Browns’ valuation was unconventional and steep. Put together, the NFL puzzle looked like this. No movement at the combine. No real plan to trade. Then a late-stage effort to expand trade mechanics and push money around. Only a few teams engaged with the nerve and the capital. Detroit kept its powder dry while the Browns tested the ceiling of leverage. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #mylesgarrett #clevelandbrowns #jimschwartz #drewpetzing #garretttrade #denzelward #petzingscheme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirby Joseph Timeline Grows Murky The Detroit Lions left Allen Park with a hard truth at safety. Dan Campbell said he does not know when Kirby Joseph will be ready. The staff is strengthening the knee and refusing to rush him. Treatment continues at multiple spots. The real answer will not come until the thick of training camp. That uncertainty hangs over a defense that feeds on takeaways. Joseph has not played in a long time and now sits as a major question mark. In the NFL, losing a ball-hawking back-end anchor changes how everyone fits. Safety Room Competition Heats Up Detroit spent the offseason building insulation for this scenario. Campbell pointed to Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox as key veterans in the mix. Christian Isian drew praise as a heady, violent player. Branch will take a minute, according to Campbell, but remains central to the back end. Thomas Harper is back. Dan Jackson is coming off injury. Lawrence Strickland is in the room. It is a deeper, more competitive group than a year ago. That matters if Joseph’s knee lingers into August. Roles will sort only when the pads go on, but the numbers give Aaron Glenn options the defense lacked last summer. Kendrick Law Out for the Season Rookie wide receiver Kendrick Law tore his ACL in a non-contact injury earlier this week. He will miss his rookie season. It is a tough break for a player trying to win a depth spot. Law was competing with Dominic Lovett and Tom Kennedy on the back end of the receiver room. Kennedy’s punt return ability remains a notable edge. The starters are set, and Detroit’s expectations should not swing because of this loss. Still, the room loses a different skill set for summer reps, and special teams snaps will shift to others. OTA Snapshot from Allen Park Thursday’s open OTAs offered little true football, but the news was significant. The Detroit Lions Podcast focus was clear: health and depth. Campbell emphasized patience with Joseph, repeating that the team has done everything possible without pushing the knee before it is time. Clarity arrives in training camp. Until then, the Lions lean on a reinforced safety group and special teams flexibility at wide receiver. The roster-building approach shows a lesson learned from last year’s thin margin at safety. If Joseph returns, the ceiling rises. If not, Detroit’s deeper room must carry the back end. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #kerbyjoseph #kendricklaw #dancampbell #allenpark #otas #detroitlionssafetydepth #chuckclark #avontemaddox #christianizien #branch #tyreduplessis #lionsinjuryupdates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rams Go All-In With Miles Garrett The Los Angeles Rams just reset the NFL conversation. They added Miles Garrett, called the best football player on the planet regardless of position. He is 30. He even set an NFL record last season. It is a thunderclap move that signals urgency right now. Detroit Lions fans feel that jolt. They want the same message. Push for the trophy today. The Lions have not thrown caution aside. They have also not stood still. The context matters. Splash does not always equal rings. How It Frames the Detroit Lions The comparison that landed hardest came from basketball. The Lakers once stacked Karl Malone and Gary Payton onto a roster with Shaq and Kobe. Detroit Pistons beat them four games to one. Age and cohesion mattered more than headlines. There is a fair echo with Matthew Stafford’s stage and a superstar at 30 who might be past peak. Still great. Still terrifying. But time is undefeated. Another parallel came from hockey. The New York Rangers added Wayne Gretzky to a lineup with Mark Messier, Luke Robitaille, Brian Leech, and Mike Richter. The stars were brilliant. Depth cracked. They ran into Eric Lindros and the Flyers and got bounced after two rounds. The Flyers later lost to the Red Wings in the Final. The lesson is simple. Depth, health, and timing beat posters on the wall. Detroit’s Front Office Note One more thread touched the Lions directly. Detroit hired Chris Grey. He is not the Lions’ GM. The hire stirred reactions, especially from Miami. The show kept it in perspective. Roles matter. Structure matters. The decision does not change who runs football operations in Detroit. Early Odds Put Detroit In a Crowded Tier Markets moved fast. As of last night, DraftKings listed the Rams at +550 to win the Super Bowl. That is the best number on the board. The next team sat at +750. The Detroit Lions fell into a second cluster with the Broncos, Packers, and Texans between +1700 and +1900. That is respect without coronation. It reflects belief in Detroit’s build and skepticism about any team in June. The Detroit Lions Podcast cut through the noise. Garrett to the Rams is massive. It does not end the season. Detroit’s path is still clear. Keep stacking depth. Stay healthy. Peak late. The slogans will not decide it. Snap counts and solutions will. The NFL rewards teams that can win ugly in January. That is still the target in Detroit. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #losangelesrams #mylesgarrett #nflpreseasonfavorites #nflodds #historyofnflfavorites Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breaking Front Office Move The Detroit Lions opened Wednesday with real news. The team hired Chris Greer as a personnel executive. The Detroit Lions Podcast shelved a planned segment on the Miles Garrett trade to the Rams to tackle the hire and its impact. The timing landed with morning coffee and school drop-offs. The message was clear. The NFL calendar never sleeps in Detroit. The Resume: Wins, Losses, and the Halloween Exit Greer’s GM run began in 2015. His record checked in at 82-83. Three playoff trips. No playoff wins. His final season ended with a Halloween firing. At the time, his team sat at two and seven. The group finished seven and ten without him, which adjusts his ledger to 77-80. From 2020 on, his clubs lived in the middle. The best mark was eleven and six. The low point was seven and ten. Too good to crater. Not strong enough to clear the next tier. That purgatory shaped how many fans viewed his work. His first move as GM set a tone. He hired Adam Gase as head coach. That start drew heat. Later seasons steadied the picture, but the ceiling never cracked. The math says it all. Close to even. Close to breakthrough. But not there. Draft Track Record and Fit in Detroit Greer’s background is scouting heavy. He served as a director of collegiate scouting. He worked in a Patriots building during the Pete Carroll era. His family tree runs through NFL personnel, including a father who ran player personnel for the Houston Texans from their inception through 2016. That history matters in a personnel executive chair. Draft choices framed the debate on the show. Tua was a signature swing that did not land as hoped, though it was not a total failure. Jaylen Waddle was a hit, yet the conversation weighed who he was not. The show asked how things might look if he had taken Penei Sewell instead of Waddle. That what-if loomed large. It spoke to value, trench play, and how one pick can change an arc. Why It Matters Now for the Lions Detroit adds another veteran evaluator to a rising operation. Greer has shown an eye for certain positions. He also carries scars from living at .500. Both traits can help the Lions. The title personnel executive points to scouting input and roster evaluation. Another voice for college boards. Another set of eyes on pro fits. The standard under Brad Holmes stays simple. Moves must lead to wins. The podcast framed it that way. Keep building. Avoid the middle. Use the experience without repeating the stall. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #chrisgrier #lionsfrontoffice #detroitpersonnelmoves #miamidolphins #johndorsey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Myles Garrett is headed to the Los Angeles Rams. Cleveland moved its franchise pass rusher for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second, a 2029 third, and defensive end Jared Verse. The package stretches across three drafts and includes a young edge who already owns hardware. The move echoes the Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford exit. Different positions. Same rhythm. A star sought a new path, and the team reset its timeline. The Detroit Lions Podcast dug into what changed in Cleveland, why the Rams’ offer won, and how this frames Detroit and the NFL. Why Cleveland Moved Its Franchise Star Garrett held a no-trade clause, built to steer his landing spot. He had been on board until recent weeks. Two issues pushed the situation. He was not thrilled with Todd Mangin as head coach. He also was not thrilled with Cleveland seriously considering a return to Deshaun Watson at quarterback. That combination turned the temperature. The Browns had zero intention of moving him at last season’s trade deadline. After the draft, during the owners meetings, they began listening. The door opened. Garrett was ready to leave. Cleveland did not need to broadcast it. They simply picked a lane. The Rams’ Price: Picks and Jared Verse The compensation is heavy. A 2027 first-round pick. A 2028 second-round pick. A 2029 third-round pick. And Jared Verse. Verse is a productive edge with traits and tape. He logged 4.5 sacks as a rookie. He followed with 7.5 last season. He was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. He is 25 and turns 26 in November. Cleveland valued him. Two NFC East teams made serious offers, but Verse was the key that swung the deal toward Los Angeles. The Browns surrendered an era. They took a player who can anchor the next one and spread the draft capital across three cycles. Detroit Context: Stafford Memories and Current Calculus The parallels to Detroit’s Stafford moment are direct. Stafford saw a new regime in Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, measured the distance back to contention, and chose a quiet, professional exit. He had 12 seasons and played in three playoff games. He pushed for a fresh start without drama. Garrett’s path matches that mood. For the Detroit Lions, the Garrett market also offered a price check. In-season speculation last year for a realistic pursuit was steep: two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a good young starter. A version of that hypothetical even named Jameson Williams. Post-draft, Detroit did not have a pressing need to put a cornerstone like Aidan Hutchinson or a speed piece like Williams into a bid. There is no indication the Lions were involved here. The takeaway is cleaner. A premier edge with a no-trade clause commanded three future picks and Jared Verse. That frames value across the NFL and reaffirms how the Lions measure elite pass rush, roster balance, and timing. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #mylesgarretttrade #losangelesrams #jaredverse #jaredgofftrade #ramstrade #lionsrebuild Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Campbell flips the switch at OTAs Dan Campbell sounded different on Friday. The Detroit Lions head coach came across caffeinated, focused, and all business. He pushed a reset. He stressed football first, everything else second. "It takes everybody to win, and it takes everybody to probably lose," he said, framing the summer with clarity. Campbell acknowledged the noise that follows success. "It’s a lot easier when nobody knows who you are," he noted, pointing to hype, players getting paid, and coaches moving on as distractions from the core. His directive was simple. Get back to work. Make it about football. Make it about the guy next to you. That message read like a mission statement for 2026. It fit the Detroit Lions trajectory and the standards he set in previous climbs. Back to basics after a noisy offseason The discussion touched on process tweaks. Questions about a rookie camp and fewer pre draft visits came up around his offseason deep dive. Campbell would not pin last year’s disappointments on any one thing. He leaned into no nonsense. The NFL rewards teams that handle details and ignore the echo. Jeff Risdon framed the moment against a shifting landscape. He pointed to staff movement, citing the Ben Johnson departure and a Martin Glenn departure. He also noted how a roster with paid stars changes daily life. Internal hype can creep in. Campbell’s message cuts through that. The Detroit Lions Podcast circled it as the right antidote. Football first. Teammate first. Everything aligned with the head coach’s voice. OTAs snapshot and what comes next Friday’s open OTA session gave a look, but not a full reveal. Jeff was not in attendance and did not feel he missed much. Interviews from the field with Scott Bischoff and Scott DiBenedetto helped fill in context. It is June. Installation, tone setting, and baseline habits matter more than headlines. The show also teased summer content. Emery Hunt is slated to join to talk UFL prospects. Louisville has UFL buzz, with the Louisville Kings drawing interest even after the Michigan Panthers’ exit from the market. The viability of a second league will be a topic on a future live stream. The NFL calendar slows now, but the evaluation drum keeps beating. Campbell’s words are the thread through it all. Peel away the hype. Ignore the side shows. The Detroit Lions can fly under the radar again only by choice. They can choose the hard, boring work that wins. Friday sounded like that choice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #otas #lionsoffseason #pressconference #bradholmes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Blake Miller Fits the Job The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on the offensive line build after the draft. The focus was Blake Miller stepping into the right tackle spot while Sewell moves to the left side. Miller was described as one of the most experienced linemen in this class, with four years of work and a heavy snap load at Clemson. The book on him is clear: reliable, steady, and ready to play early. There are limits. He plays upright at times, and his athletic profile may cap the ceiling. He is not expected to be flashy or perfect. He is expected to be consistent. Strong enough. Athletic enough. A steady performer on the right side once he settles into the NFL. That level of baseline competence on a rookie deal is valuable. The expectation is capable starter play after some early leeway. Sewell’s Switch and the Young Right Side The conversation backed the move of Sewell to the left without much trepidation. Confidence ran high that the transition will hold. A point of debate centered on the right side growing together, with Tate Ratlidge on that side and Miller as a rookie. The group acknowledged bumps are likely early in the year when a second-year player and a rookie share that edge. Coaching and structure are the counter. The Lions can help with tight end alignment to Miller’s side and avoid leaving both young players on an island. Continuity across the rest of the line and a smart play caller can shield them as they settle in. Expect some turbulence, then progress. The description of Miller’s game even echoed the reliable profile long tied to Taylor Decker at left tackle, a comparison that drew a nod that it worked out well. Petzing’s Offense, From a Voice Who Worked With Him The show also touched on new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. One guest worked in Cleveland when Petzing was there as the tight ends coach and offered a positive read. The takeaway was practical: he helped with understanding the offense and details from the ground up. That perspective matters as the Lions tailor protections and calls to bring the young right side along. Put it together and the roadmap is straightforward. Miller brings dependable snaps. Sewell handles the left. The staff leans on continuity and targeted help to guide the right side. It is a plan built for the NFL grind, and the Detroit Lions Podcast laid out how it can work. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #nfl #drewpetzing #jackcampbell #keithabney #blakemiller #jimmyrolder #derrickmoore #tyrewest #lionsdraft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OTAs hit Allen Park and the Detroit Lions face a real offensive question. What will new OC Drew Petzing actually build in Detroit? Many expect heavy 12 and 13 personnel. The roster suggests something different. What Petzing Might Really Want The tight end room did not get the draft attention many anticipated. Targets like a combo tight end were on the radar. Names such as Nate Boerkircher, Oscar Delp, and Sam Rausch came up as the type. Riley Nowakowski, a tight end fullback from Indiana, fit that mold too. The Lions passed. That matters. Skipping those additions hints at a base that leans into receivers. Picture Isaac Tesla with Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown on the field, with Sam LaPorta as the primary tight end. That package spreads space without surrendering toughness. It also fits a room built to win with speed and timing. If Petzing favors matchups and spacing, this roster can live in 11 while still bullying light boxes. Why Arizona Is a Bad Template Projecting Detroit from Arizona tape misses context. In Arizona, the wide receiver group was thin or hurt. The passing game sputtered outside of McBride. There were quarterback issues. Those factors pushed 12 and 13 personnel to stabilize the run and protection. Detroit is not built the same way. The Lions offensive tackles run block at a high level. They can create movement without extra big bodies. Duo and other downhill concepts do not need a constant tight end convoy here. Against nickel defenses and two-high safeties, the Lions can force lighter fits with speed on the field and still run with force. That opens play action, quick game, and shots for Williams while St. Brown and LaPorta churn first downs. Petzing inherits flexibility, not a mandate to go heavy. OTA Reality Check in Allen Park It is shorts and shells. No contact. Helmets are allowed. Practice jerseys, no shoulder pads. Much of it is seven on seven. OTA standouts can vanish when pads arrive. Chase Lucas once looked like an instant slot option as a seventh round pick. When the contact started, the depth chart told a different story. So, take early reports with caution. Roles and usage are the real tells. Watch which group shows up most: three wideouts with LaPorta, or frequent two tight end sets. Track where Williams aligns and how often Tesla works with starters. Note how often the Lions stress light boxes rather than stack big bodies. Those clues will say more about Petzing’s NFL plan than any highlight from a non-contact Friday. This is the Detroit Lions Podcast lens on OTAs, focused on structure over sizzle. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #drewpetzing #lionsotas #kalifraymond #isaacteslaa #alimmcneill #keithabney #kendricklaw #lionsdefensivescheme #tyleikwilliams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A leader paid like a cornerstone Jack Campbell’s new deal landed, and the Detroit Lions linebacker matched the moment. In his press conference, he opened with thanks. Family. His wife and her family. Coaches. Jared Goff. It fit the player Detroit sees every Sunday. Grounded. Direct. Team first. He also remembered draft night noise. Campbell said someone sent him a clipping that called him the worst draft pick ever. His response set his tone. It was not about proving doubters wrong. It was about proving the believers right. That is the voice of a middle-of-the-defense anchor. The Lions treated him like one with this extension, and he earned it. Production that forces respect Campbell stacked an elite 2025. He recorded 176 tackles. That ranked fourth in the NFL and marked the 21st most in a season since 1983. He added five sacks, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. He was the only linebacker in football to top three in all those categories. That is volume and impact. Availability matched the output. He played all but four defensive snaps for Detroit last year. When injuries hit around him as a rookie, staying on the field taught him to lead. The growth carried into an All-Pro season. Coverage was once the knock. It is better now. The four pass breakups underscore that he is no longer flat-footed at the catch point like he was early. Campbell credited linebackers coaches Kelvin Sheppard and Shaun Dion Hamilton for sharpening his game. What’s next in the middle There is still ceiling. Campbell can keep tightening his coverage. He can time blitzes a little better. He can be cleaner strafing laterally when blockers climb. The context will test him. Without DJ Reader and Roy Lopez as true nose tackles, second-level linemen might get cleaner paths to him. He will have to beat those angles. The expectation is he will. First-team All-Pro status says plenty, but the standard rises again. Contract structure at a glance The extension runs four years for $81,000,000. Total guarantees are $51.15 million. Of that, $22.9 million is fully guaranteed at signing. New money guaranteed is $48.4 million. Campbell received an $8.6 million signing bonus. His 2026 and 2027 salaries are fully guaranteed. That is how a franchise invests in its defensive core. This Detroit Lions Podcast episode centered on a simple truth. Campbell’s game, voice, and durability align with what the Lions want in the middle. The numbers back it up. The contract does, too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jackcampbell #nfl #contractextension #lionsdefense #contractdetails #samlaporta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday, May 27, the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily opened with a quick curveball. Michael Grey recalled being at Cleveland Stadium the night Jose Canseco took a home run off his head. Then it was straight to the Detroit Lions and the NFL’s running back puzzles at OTAs. Gibbs locked in as RB1 Jameer Gibbs is RB1. No debate. Expect more work than he saw down the stretch last season. The staff cut the RB2 load late in the year to about 10 to 12 touches. That let Gibbs tilt the field. It could be even more pronounced now. If you care about fantasy, Gibbs belongs at the top tier. The conversation is Gibbs or Bijan for the first running back off the board. That is where this usage is pointing. RB2 picture: Pacheco’s role and a Vaki push The Lions signed Isaiah Pacheco to take the late-season David Montgomery assignment. Between the tackles. Third and three. Move the chains. It is not 15 to 20 touches. It is 10 to 12 and hard yards. That is the brief. Will someone push him? Keep an eye on Vaki. He has been the fourth back because he is invaluable on special teams. This is his third season playing running back exclusively. At Utah he was a safety who ran well when handed the ball. Now the question is simple. Can he take on more on offense and still deliver on teams? Depth, roster math, and OTAs notes Craig Reynolds, the best RB3 in football by last season’s standard, is no longer in Detroit. That opens real snaps for hungry backs. Jacob Sailors is in the mix. So are holdovers Kai Robicheaux and Jabari Small. Both flashed last summer. Robicheaux did before he got hurt. Small had moments in camp. How many backs make it? Three or four. Recent history says four, with Vaki as the fourth because of special teams. But the staff could keep three on the 53 and flex a practice squad back on game weeks. OTAs will start to sort it out. Media availability does not open until Friday. Grey will not be on site this week due to the commute. The depth chart jockeying will still matter. Short yardage. Pass protection. Special teams. Those jobs decide RB3 and RB4 in June, not just big runs in August. One final note on a familiar face. David Montgomery looks good in Houston. The first thing mentioned down there is his feet. Quick and clean. That matches what Detroit saw when he carried the late-season load. Now the Lions move forward with Gibbs atop the room and Pacheco slotted for the bruising work. The rest will be won on the margins. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jahmyrgibbs #davidmontgomery #isiahpacheco #jabarismall #kyerobichaux #craigreynolds #lionsotas #runningbacks #joshjacobs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices