Detroit Lions OTA Preview: 10 Key Players and Storylines to Follow
The Detroit Lions kick off their four-week “Organized Team Activity” (OTA) period on Tuesday. This marks the first time this offseason that the entire Lions roster can participate in 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills. While live contact is still prohibited, it’s our first glimpse of the 2024 team and an opportunity to address many lingering offseason questions.
Here are 10 things to watch for:
1. **Injury Updates**
– Brian Branch was seen on a scooter during the draft, with no updates provided since. His absence from offseason workout photos suggests he might not participate in OTAs. Media sessions with Dan Campbell could provide clarity. Other injured players to monitor include Derrick Barnes (NFC Championship game injury), DJ Reader (torn quad recovery), Kerby Joseph (offseason surgery), and Emmanuel Moseley (ACL tear recovery).
2. **First Look at Hendon Hooker**
– Hooker, a 2023 third-round pick, participated in his first NFL practices late last year, but only warm-ups were visible to the media. This will be our first chance to see him in a full practice, including 11-on-11 drills. While Jared Goff is secure as the starting quarterback, it will be interesting to see Hooker as the primary backup.
3. **Will Terrion Arnold Break the Starting Lineup?**
– Rookies usually start lower on the depth chart, so don’t expect first-round pick Terrion Arnold with the starters initially. However, the Lions are quick to promote the best players regardless of experience, so Arnold could earn a starting spot by spring’s end.
4. **Secondary Configuration**
– There are numerous questions beyond Arnold’s placement. Will second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. continue at nickel? Who will fill in with Brian Branch possibly out? Who starts opposite Carlton Davis: Arnold, Amik Robertson, or someone else? And who will stand out at safety besides Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu? With Joseph likely out, depth players will have a chance to shine.
5. **Special Teams Setup with New Kickoff Rules**
– The Lions are keeping details under wraps, but observations will focus on the new kickoff formations. Key points include the type of returner preferred and whether they’ll opt for bigger, stronger players or maintain a focus on speed and agility.
6. **Jameson Williams as WR2**
– With the offseason seeing only subtractions at the receiver position, Williams is set for a significant role in his third year. I’ll be looking for improvements in his route tree, chemistry with Goff, and catching abilities.
7. **Chemistry Between Goff and Donovan Peoples-Jones/Antoine Green**
– The Lions need more from their receiver corps. Peoples-Jones, acquired midseason, now has a full offseason to integrate. Additionally, Antoine Green has been praised for his rookie year development. It will be interesting to see if this progress is evident on the field.
8. **Brodric Martin’s Year 2 Progress**
– Social media hints at a possible body transformation for Martin, similar to Alim McNeil. While it’s hard to draw conclusions from photos, a change in physique could indicate improved performance, which will be monitored during practice.
9. **Marcus Davenport as a Potential Starting Pass Rusher**
– Concerns remain about finding a pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson. Marcus Davenport, a free agent addition, has shown potential but has struggled with injuries. Observing if the Lions can tap into his 2021 form (9.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an 88.8 PFF grade) will be crucial.
10. **Positions for Young Offensive Linemen**
– With three offensive linemen over 30, the Lions have invested in the future with Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu, and Christian Mahogany. Early indications suggest:
– Sorsdal at left guard
– Manu at left tackle (with cross-training potential)
– Mahogany at right guard
– Watching their positioning during practices will be key to understanding the Lions’ strategy for their offensive line’s future.
