As the Detroit Lions now head into a break, here are the five most interesting training camp battles they have looming.
After a third, more limited week of OTAs, the Detroit Lions now head into a break before training camp starts next month. Players rehabbing from injuries will now have some time to continue that work, and of course HBO’s “Hard Knocks” will fully descend on Allen Park for camp.
Dan Campbell and the Lions’ coaching staff want to foster competition, and the moves made to add depth to the roster this offseason will make for a very intense environment in camp. Some players absolutely need to have a good camp, or else they may be seeking employment elsewhere.
At some positions for the Lions, starting jobs and roles are to be determined and possibly driven by health of certain players themselves or the health of others at the same position.
In any case, here are the five most interesting training camp battles for the Lions this year–by position as a whole and/or for a spot on the depth chart.
Detroit Lions: 5 most interesting 2022 training camp battles
5. Cornerback
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
After Amani Oruwariye as the No. 1 guy, the Lions have nothing completely locked in at cornerback.
Jeff Okudah is working his way back from a torn Achilles’ in Week 1 last season, with his social media posts showing nice progress. Jerry Jacobs is sure to be out into the regular season after suffering a torn ACL in December, though his recent update is promising in a broad sense.
Beyond the health of Okudah and Jacobs, free agent signing Mike Hughes, second-year man Ifeatu Melifonwu (who saw some work at safety during OTAs), Will Harris, AJ Parker and rookie seventh-round pick Chase Lucas will be vying for roles and perhaps roster spots. Okudah, Hughes and Harris are not in any real danger of being cut, and Melifonwu feels safe too (especially if he’s an option at safety).
Assuming Jacobs starts camp and possibly enters the season on the PUP list, that’s an open spot for someone else. However many cornerbacks the Lions keep on the final 53 heading into Week 1, let’s say six or seven, the competition will be intense.