Your guide to Detroit’s 2021 training camp
The new-look Detroit Lions are getting back on the practice field. Actually, the rookies and other first-year players already reported to training camp on Saturday.
The full squad will arrive today for the start of camp.
This season will be much different than last for a variety of reasons.
First, even with COVID still hanging around, there are precautions and policies in place this year to allow a more normal schedule. Fans will once again be allowed to attend open practices.
Secondly, and perhaps the biggest change is the Lions’ new coaching staff and management. With the new regime coming in, there are plenty of new faces and a few notable subtractions.
Lastly, there will be an additional regular season game, in lieu of the typical fourth preseason matchup.
After the Lions finished the 2020 campaign with a 5-11 record, principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp fired general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia, and hired GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
Expectations will remain low in the first year of the rebuild. That doesn’t mean the Lions can’t surprise a few teams, though, and still be entertaining in the meantime.
At the very least, there seems to be a sense of calm and direction with the new staff.
Key Losses
There was plenty of turnover
from this year to last.
Many of Quinn’s overpriced free agents, draft picks and other acquisitions moved on with the new administration in place.
For the first time in a long time, quarterback Matthew Stafford is no longer the Lions’ quarterback, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2009 had a prolific statistical career in Detroit. Yet, it’s a beginning of a new era.
Also, both of Stafford’s biggest receiving weapons followed the money, and followed Stafford out the door.
Receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. left in free agency — to the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. Even WR Danny Amendola did not return. If you’re counting, that’s the Lions’ three top wideouts all having left the organization.
Key Additions
There is plenty of roster shuffling in most years — this year more than most. Anytime there is new staff, there is often a purge of the prior regime’s players.
In an effort to backfill all the vacant roster spots, many additions have to be made — whether through the draft or free agency. Let’s take a look at the free agents who were signed.
First and foremost, the quarterback position is now filled by Jared Goff.
Goff will be the new Lions signal-caller. Make no mistake, he has had his ups
and downs in his career. For the Lions’ sake, the hope is he will find his Pro Bowl form from 2017 and 2018.
At wideout, the Lions had a lot of work to do to replace Golladay and Jones.
Holmes landed on Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams, to attempt to fill the void at the top of the team’s receivers depth chart.
The only free agent the Lions signed from another organization this offseason who received more than a one-year deal was running back Jamaal Williams. Obviously, they must like how he can complement secondyear running back D’Andre Swift’s game.
Defensively, Holmes made another trade — outside of the big Stafford deal — with his former team, which landed him defensive tackle Michael Brockers.
Staying with the familiarity theme, ex-New Orleans Saints linebacker Alex Anzalone was given a oneyear deal.
In the secondary, 2019 standout cornerback Quinton Dunbar was handed a “prove-it” contract by
Holmes.
To augment the secondary, Holmes also inked slot corner Corn Elder and safety Dean Marlowe to free-agent deals.
Rookies
Round 1, Pick 7 — Oregon OL Penei Sewell; Round 2, Pick 41 — Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike; Round 3, Pick 72 — North Carolina State DT Alim McNeill; Round 3, Pick 101 — Syracuse CB Ifeatu Melifonwu; Round 4, Pick 112 — USC WR Amon-Ra St. Brown; Round 4, Pick 113 — Purdue LB Derrick Barnes; Round 7, Pick 257 — Oregon State RB Jermar Jefferson.
Undrafted Free Agents
Virginia S D’Angelo Amos; Marshall LB Tavante Beckett; Ohio State TE Jake Hausmann; Kentucky C Drake Jackson; Arkansas; CB Jerry Jacobs; Notre Dame G Tommy Kraemer; Notre Dame WR Javon McKinley; Kansas State CB AJ Parker Wake Forest WR Sage Surratt; Notre Dame TE Brock Wright.
Things to Watch
• How does quarterback Jared Goff perform during training camp?
Goff will be the focal point during the early portion of camp, as the organization is counting on the 26-year-old quarterback to bounce back and prove that he is capable of leading a new team.
There may be initial struggles, but Goff should be able to perform at a consistent level, working with new Detroit offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn and the offensive coaching staff.
• How does Trey Flowers adapt to playing outside linebacker?
The Lions will now be playing a 3-4 base scheme on defense, which means veteran Trey Flowers will play heavily at outside linebacker.
While the veteran defensive lineman does not foreshadow that it will take long to adapt, training camp will provide the opportunity to observe how Flowers performs, while working within first-year defensive coordinator’s Aaron Glenn’s system.