The Detroit Lions enter training camp looking to take care of some unfinished business. At Week 16 last year, the Lions were sitting real pretty atop the division at 9-4. They just defeated the Bears for their fifth straight win and were on their way to win the division for the first time since 1993 (!!), but then crap hit the fan (enter Aaron Rodgers).
Now, there’s a new hope in Motown with a revamped offensive line and healthy RB Ameer Abdullah. But there’s still work to be done. Here’s what you should keep up with during the Lions training camp.
3 Position Battles to Watch
1. Left Tackle
Greg Robinson vs. Cyrus Kouandjio vs. Cornelius Lucas vs. anyone that owns football cleats
The Lions were on track to boast their best offensive line in years until second-year man Taylor Decker went down with a shoulder injury during OTAs. He underwent surgery a week after and was hit with a 4-6 month timetable.
Lucas and Joe Dahl split time at LT after Decker went down but the Lions wanted new talent as they brought in Robinson and Kouandjio days after Decker’s surgery. The two new guys both come in with early disappointing careers, so they aren’t exactly far ahead of the others.
This position battle will definitely be the hottest one entering training camp. I just hope these players actually want to “battle” for it. Hurry back, Decker.
2. Nickel Cornerback
Quandre Diggs vs. D.J. Hayden vs. Teez Tabor
This is an interesting position. Diggs had a solid rookie year full of promise but didn’t move forward in year two to create some doubt around his starting ability. Granted, Diggs has been taking first-team reps with the defense this offseason but Detroit Free Press writer Dave Birkett believes Hayden will be the starter week 1. As for Tabor, he’s a young (rookie) pup who’s already impressed the coaches with his play and will be foaming at the mouth to compete during training camp so watch for him to make a splash.
I think this is mainly a head-to-head battle between Diggs and Hayden but look for Tabor to compete for this position along with other openings on the defensive side.
3. Left Guard
Graham Glasgow vs. Joe Dahl vs. Laken Tomlinson (barely)
The offensive line will be an interesting one to watch for during training camp. Most may think that Glasgow has the left guard position solidified, but some wouldn’t guarantee the spot to him just yet.
Graham Glasgow starting at LG should be written in pencil NOT pen. There will be competition and he’s not guaranteed to win the job.
— Jerry (NFL Lions) (@JerryMalloryNFL) June 27, 2017
Let’s also not forget, Glasgow wasn’t exactly a stud when he played guard last season (57% of snaps). He finished 72nd among guards with a 93.9 pass-blocking efficiency rating. Expect the versatile Dahl to push Glasgow for the spot. For Tomlinson, there’s not much hope. But hey, anything is possible (thanks KG).
Ready To Breakout: RB Ameer Abdullah
I’m getting major deja vu talking about Abdullah because I picked him as my breakout player for the Lions. Here’s a quote from that incredible article posted in late June.
Why is 2017 his year? The man is fully recovered from his foot injury and looks real good in offseason workouts. The Lions finally upgraded their offensive line (losing Taylor Decker for an extended period hurts) and will help create more offense for Abdullah.
If Abdullah can stay healthy and hold on to the ball, he’ll give the Lions a balanced offensive attack they haven’t seen in years.
Fantasy Sleeper: Eric Ebron
Anquan Boldin led the Lions in red-zone targets with 22 last year but the Lions didn’t bring him back, entering Eric Ebron. Rotoworld calls Ebron the “year’s most obvious breakout candidate at tight end” and expects his usage to skyrocket. Look for Ebron to be targeted more everywhere, but especially in the red-zone next season.
Rookie To Watch: Kenny Golladay
Everyone around the Lions camp can’t stop talking about Golladay. ESPN Lions reporter Michael Rothstein said he was “one of the standouts” of OTAs and should be considered a “legitimate red-zone threat.” With passing wizard Matthew Stafford in the pocket, Golladay should be given multiple opportunities to shine in his rookie season.
Look for the Lions to compete for the NFC North division crown with the Packers this year. As much as I’d like to go with the Lions, I say Packers take the division once again. There are still too many question marks floating around the Lions roster to be fully confident in them. Also, Rodgers is just too dang good.
