TWENTYMAN: 5 takeaways from minicamp

3. Roster is the best it’s been in the Holmes-Campbell era

One thing that stood out to me watching minicamp is just how much improved this roster is vs. the first minicamp of the regime in 2021. It’s really night and day, and that’s a credit to both Holmes and Campbell for having an eye for talent and being able to develop it.

I couldn’t help but think by end of training camp there are going to be some really good football players that aren’t going to make this roster but are going to be able to help other teams across the league. The competition at cornerback, defensive line, wide receiver and running back will be fierce and there are going to be some good football players at those spots who don’t make the initial 53-man roster.

It’s hard to evaluate the offensive and defensive lines in unpadded OTA and minicamp practices, but with the limited contact the NFL allows at this time I sensed an uptick in the pressure Goff, Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld experienced.

We obviously know what Aidan Hutchinson brings to the table and he looks to be in great shape heading into camp. Marcus Davenport hasn’t been on the field this spring as he’s rehabbing an injury, but he’s got a track record of success in this league. Same goes for defensive lineman DJ Reader, who will impact everyone he plays with upfront. Alim McNeill is also poised for a huge year.

Josh Paschal has been disruptive this spring and the Lions expect him to take a big leap in production. James Houston is back healthy, and it was good to see him taking part in the spring. Can he replicate the success we saw at the end of his rookie season in 2022 after he missed almost all of last season with a broken ankle?

Levi Onwuzurike is finally past the back injury that cost him two years. He’s gained 15 pounds and was called out by Campbell as a player who impressed this spring. Rookie Mekhi Wingo will be in the mix for a rotational role, and players like Chris Smith, Mathieu Betts and Mitchell Agude have made plays this spring too.

Much like we talked about at cornerback, there will be great competition up and down the defensive line and the Lions think that will make everyone better. That unit as a whole should be much more disruptive in 2024.