Every team has its training camp standouts. The Detroit Lions are no exception. After completing nine practices, the team will head to New Jersey for joint practices and their preseason opener with the New York Giants. Of course, some of the notable standouts include names like Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell. But the more exciting stories coming out of training camp are the stories about the early success of this year’s rookie class. How will the Detroit Lions rookie class fare during the regular season?
Terrion Arnold Shines
First round draft pick Terrion Arnold out of Alabama came into training camp with high expectations tattooed on his back, and so far, he has not disappointed. Across all nine practices, Arnold has made key adjustments to his game that have prevented big plays from the offense. Zone coverage seems to be his strong suit.
In one practice, Arnold dropped into zone coverage and caused an amazing breakup on a pass from starting Quarterback Jared Goff. The pass was a deep shot downfield to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown that initially looked wide open, but with a quick shift in coverage, Arnold was able to close the gap to break up the pass.
Ennis Rakestraw Steps Up
For three consecutive practices, second round draft pick Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. out of Missouri had an interception. You throw it, he’ll pick it. Rakestraw almost completed a “Pick 6” with one of his interceptions and made an acrobatic dive for another one off of Quarterback Hendon Hooker. He is quickly drawing attention from offensive coordinators and offensive players alike. He’s causing hesitation from even Goff when it comes to throwing the ball his way.
Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson even noted on one occasion before practice that the offense’s biggest struggle in training camp so far was adjusting to the corners:
They’re coming up, they’re pressing us, they’re challenging us, and we need that type of work. These guys are fearless, they have swagger, and some mistakes they were making early in camp, they’ve cleaned that stuff up. So you see improvement every day from the back end.”
According to Johnson, the offense hasn’t been tested like this in minicamp since he’s been with the Detroit Lions.
Other Training Camp Highlights
Though the rookies have been turning heads in training camp, they’re not the only ones noticeably improving their game. Second-year Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs participated in team drills this past Saturday. After seeing him practice, there was no question that he’d once again be competing for the top spot at running back with David Montgomery in the Detroit Lions backfield.
Newly signed Kicker Jake Bates seemed to struggle a bit in practice. At one point, he missed three consecutive kicks. The first miss came on a rather long kick. Then, after attempting to adjust, the kick went far right, followed by another over-adjustment resulting in a far-left miss.
The quarterback group (Goff, Hooker, and Sudfeld) had no interceptions in the first five practices. If he has hopes of remaining on the roster, Sudfeld needs to keep streaks like this alive as well as make some highlight plays. There is still no word on any possible playing time for Hooker with the Detroit Lions in 2024.
Looking Ahead To 2024 Season
Because of the probability of the Detroit Lions not picking up a fullback for their roster heading into the regular season, several tight ends saw some playing time at the position. Speaking of tight ends, LaPorta, Wright, and Mitchell have all been outstanding, with all tight ends having a great start to camp. The Detroit Lions and the New York Giants will hold another joint practice tomorrow. These teams will begin their preseason on Thursday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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