Lions Kick Off 2025 Training Camp with Positional Battles and Emerging Stars
New Offensive Line Configuration and Defensive Personnel Shifts Take Center Stage
The Detroit Lions have commenced their 2025 training camp, with the inaugural practice revealing early insights into player performance and depth chart movements. Initial sessions, conducted without pads and lasting a limited duration, are set to progressively increase in intensity and length as the team gears up for the upcoming season. Several key players are managing existing injuries or are on the physically unable to perform (PUP) and non-football injury (NFI) lists, observing from the sidelines.
Offensive Line Shake-Ups and Promising Displays
With the departures of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler, the offensive line presents significant opportunities for players to step up. Coach Dan Campbell emphasized the need for new talent to establish themselves and build cohesion. The initial first-team alignment featured Penei Sewell at right tackle, Graham Glasgow at right guard, rookie Tate Ratledge at center, Christian Mahogany at left guard, and veteran Skipper filling in at left tackle during Decker‘s absence.
Mahogany showcased his versatility and strength, delivering a powerful block on linebacker Derrick Barnes during a pulling play. Having previously split time between left and right guard, Mahogany expressed comfort with the transition.
The reserve offensive line units saw considerable rotation. Goodic Man and Mason Miller lined up at left tackle, Netane Muti at left guard, Kingsley Eguakun and Michael Niese at center, Kayode Awoskia and Trystan Colon at right guard, and Jamarca Jones and Colby Sorsdal at right tackle. Notably, Eguakun, who spent his rookie year on the practice squad, appears to be making a strong case for a roster spot, taking the majority of second-team center reps over Niese.
Unexpected Developments and Player Showcases
Beyond the expected strong connection between quarterback Jared Goff and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and contributions from LaPorta, several unexpected storylines emerged. The offense experimented with two-running-back sets, generating excitement about the potential for diverse offensive strategies. Running back Montgomery commented, “It’s super exciting. Being able to have me and him (Jahmyr Gibbs) on the field at the same time, it’ll be tough for defenses to prepare for us.”
On defense, Pat O’Connor is reportedly stepping into the 4i alignment role previously held by Levi Onwuzurike, who is sidelined for the season. With Alex Anzalone not yet practicing, Zach Cunningham is seeing increased action at the weakside linebacker position and even filling in at middle linebacker with the second-team unit. Cunningham appears to be a leading candidate for the LB4 duties while Malcolm Rodriguez recovers.
Emerging Talent in the Secondary and Special Teams
The competition at safety is heating up, with returning undrafted free agents Morice Norris and Loren Strickland making strong impressions. Norris saw action at both safety positions and is expected to work at nickel during camp. He has been noted as an ascending talent, having finished last season on the active roster.
The play of the day arguably belonged to undrafted rookie safety Ian Kennelly, who recorded a diving pass breakup during 7-on-7 drills. This highlight demonstrated the depth within the Lions’ safety room. Other undrafted rookies, including receiver Jackson Meeks and tight end/H-back Zach Horton, also made notable plays, with Horton showing particular positional versatility that could make him a dark horse for the TE3 role.
Special teams saw Grant Stuard taking the first-team reps as the personal protector on punts, a role previously held by Jalen Reeves-Maybin. At gunner, corners Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin worked together, alongside rookie wide receivers Dominic Lovett and Isaac TeSlaa. Sione Vaki and Craig Reynolds continue to be key contributors as outside wings in the punt block formation, with Maddox and Norris also seeing action in this capacity.