The Detroit Lions Podcast

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Daily DLP: EDGE Preview, Plus Lions Add Another LB - Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

The Daily DLP offers up the final pre-camp position preview for the Detroit Lions. Today hits the EDGE group, which has a superstar at the top, followed by some newcomers with higher-end potential than what Detroit has seen in recent years. Before the EDGEs, the Lions did add another player to the den. The Lions signed veteran linebacker Troy Reeder on Monday. Reeder has spent his entire 7-year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams. He’s thrived on the Rams’ special teams units, playing on all types of special teams. Defensively, Reeder does have some starting experience. He offers the same kind of straight-line athleticism and attacking style that the Lions have in players like Trevor Nowaske and Damone Clark. Rams fans were openly hostile towards Reeder in coverage and in getting fooled on play action, so expectations for the new Lions LB are probably best kept in check. The EDGEs Aidan Hutchinson headlines a group that made quite a few changes this offseason. Hutch is a threat to lead the NFL in sacks after topping all players in QB pressures a year ago. He’s an alpha dog capable of first-team All-Pro status. Beyond Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore each bring some power, length and durability to the EDGE room. Wonnum is known for his run defense and ability to crush the can from his days with the Panthers. Moore, Detroit’s second-round pick, plays better in space than Wonnum and bends the corner well. This year’s wild card is Payton Turner. The former Saints first-rounder is the new Marcus Davenport. If he’s healthy, Turner’s length, strength and athleticism demand respect. He’s fully capable of being a starter opposite Hutchinson, and ahead of Wonnum and Moore. Alas, Turner has--like Davenport--been far more known for his injuries than his production in the NFL. Players like Ahmed Hassanein, Anthony Lucas and Eric O’Neill are all competing to raise their profiles and rosters statuses, too. Hassanein’s energy and desire to grow his game are fun to watch develop in Detroit. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #peytonturner #djwonnum #derrickmoore #troyreeder #lionstrainingcamp #edge #ahmedhassanein #paytonturner

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Daily DLP: Lions Overuse of 3 Lbs Should End - Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions must phase out three-linebacker defense and scrap the 3-3 in 2026. They played 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps in 4-3 last season, 62.57 percent, and used the 3-3 front 243 times, far more than any other team. The defense improves when Detroit lives in nickel and dime with more speed on the field.

Should the Detroit Lions ditch three-linebacker packages in 2026?

Yes. They leaned on three linebackers far more than the rest of the NFL, and it invited speed mismatches against modern offenses in 11 personnel. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were in 4-3 on 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps, 62.57 percent, with only one other team above 50 percent at 52.88.

Playing bigger and slower on passing downs made the second level late to space and created exploitable coverage targets. Risdon also said the quarterback rating allowed was almost the same whether Detroit had three linebackers on the field or not, which must change with a truer nickel and dime identity.

What fronts should replace the 4-3 and 3-3 for Detroit?

Detroit needs a heavier dose of 4-2 nickel, selective 5-1, and DB-heavy 3-2-6. Last year’s baselines set the bar for improvement, not repetition.

Usage facts that demand a shift

As read by Risdon from Ryan Paganetti’s study: the Lions used a 4-2 front only 111 times, last in the league. They used 5-1 zero times. They led the NFL in 3-3 with 243 snaps, while the next team was at 131, another at 31, and 17 teams did not use it once. Those numbers underline how far Detroit drifted from the league’s nickel norms. Moving to 4-2 and sprinkling in 5-1 and 3-2-6 puts more speed and coverage on the field and better matches today’s route distributions.

Why did Detroit lean so hard into three linebackers last year?

Injuries in the secondary and strong linebacker play pushed them there. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, and Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes tackled well, and as Risdon emphasized, Detroit had the best missed tackle rate in football based on the data he cited.

But even with quality play, a third off-ball linebacker versus spread looks concedes quickness. Think of how Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff shreds heavy linebacker looks with routes that stress the hook-curl and seams. Opponents did the same to Detroit when the Lions stayed big. Better health for Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph and Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, plus a deeper secondary, should free the defense to keep an extra defensive back on the field.

Will coaching changes accelerate the shift?

Yes. Dan Campbell can reallocate more time to the defense because the offensive room is stronger, and that helps Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard refine personnel usage. As Jeff Risdon said, Sheppard must earn it by choosing fronts that keep speed on the field and by reserving three-linebacker looks for true run situations, not as a default.

Expect to see more four- and five-man fronts paired with nickel in camp. Watch how often Detroit keeps two off-ball linebackers on the field, how Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is deployed, and how Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez or rookie depth are used situationally. Against division quarterbacks such as Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, forcing the mundane snap after snap with nickel bodies is the point.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jackcampbell #alexanzalone #derrickbarnes #kirbyjoseph #brianbranch #jaredgoff #aidanhutchinson #malcolmrodriguez #calebwilliams #chicagobears #greenbaypackers #arizonacardinals #kansascitychiefs #dancampbell #kelvinsheppard

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Daily DLP: Lions Place 3 on PUP to Start Training Camp - Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 26, 2026

Show notes

Detroit placed safety Brian Branch, safety Kerby Joseph and tight end Tyler Conklin on the physically unable to perform list, and it does not necessarily signal long-term loss. PUP only restricts on-field work at the start of camp, not meetings or rehab, and players can be activated at any time, even after a single day.

Who went on the PUP list and what does it actually mean?

Detroit Lions safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, plus tight end Tyler Conklin, will begin camp on PUP, which means they will not be in the first practice but can do meetings, conditioning and treatment. The PUP list is not injured reserve and activation can happen quickly.

The move aligns with standard camp housekeeping. It keeps roster flexibility while athletic training staff finishes return-to-play ramps. It does not forecast a season timeline by itself, and there are examples of players coming off PUP after one day.

PUP vs. NFI: what changes?

On PUP, players are paid and have full access to coaches, meetings and trainers but cannot practice. The Non-Football Injury list functions similarly in practice limits, but pay is not guaranteed on NFI.

When can Brian Branch return from his Achilles tear?

Branch is not expected for the start of training camp. Host Jeff Risdon noted Branch tore his Achilles in December and cited the common 8 to 10 month window for a return-to-play ramp. He framed Halloween or the Germany trip timeframe as reasonable targets, with the goal of regaining his pre-injury form rather than rushing early-camp reps.

The Lions have reinforced safety depth to absorb early-camp absences. Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark, Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien and Detroit Lions defensive back Thomas Harper are in place to handle practice work until Branch is cleared.

What is going on with Kirby Joseph after his tweet?

Joseph is on PUP for knee management despite publicly betting he would avoid it, then following with a playful "y'all should have bet me" post after the designation. The team is managing his workload, and he can be activated at any time. Jefferson referenced an alleged degenerative knee condition and advocated for at least some preseason field testing so coaches know where he stands.

Dan Campbell previously said the staff does not yet have a definitive answer and wants to find out during camp. The upside case remains obvious; Joseph led the NFL in interceptions in 2024, a version of Joseph that raises Detroit’s defensive ceiling.

How does Tyler Conklin’s status impact tight end depth?

Conklin missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed issue and starts on PUP, which stresses the depth more than safety does. Good Tyler Conklin is an upgrade over Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright at TE2, and Jefferson made clear there is room to improve that spot. The Lions have enough safety depth to function early in camp, but they do not currently have three NFL tight ends available for any three-tight end looks.

Conklin’s prior productive stretch with the New York Jets underscores why Detroit signed him. Getting him cleared stabilizes the rotation and keeps the TE2 plan on track, even if three-tight end sets are not the base offense.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #puplist #lionstrainingcamp #brianbranch #kerbyjoseph #tylerconklin #brockwright #chuckclark #christianizien #thomasharper #dancampbell #detroitlionstrainingcamp #physicallyunabletoperformlist #safetyposition #tightenddepth #newyorkjets #drewpetzing #nflpreseason

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The Grey Area - 2026 Training Camp Wish List Jul 25, 2026

Show notes

Dan Campbell must nail the Drew Petzing offensive coordinator hire so the offense carries the Detroit Lions in 2026. As Michael Grey said on the latest edition of The Grey Area, the offense has the toys and the quarterback to be elite, so execution, cohesion, and health have to match the talent.

Can the Lions avoid another position group wipeout?

Yes, spreading the inevitable injuries across the roster is essential to prevent a fatal hole. As Michael Grey emphasized, the secondary is already unsettled with cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, no longer with the team and safety Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions, an ongoing question.

Grey added a long-view bonus: stop the offseason attrition surprises. He cited the unexpected center Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions, retirement two years ago and the Arnold saga this year as examples of presumed starters vanishing late in the calendar. The 2027 wish is simple, keep the assumed starting 22 intact through to camp.

Will Hank Fraley get the offensive line ready to lead?

He has to, because the offense must lead this team. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley inherits premium pieces, including Penei Sewell but he also has to develop newer linemen and get them game-ready.

Grey backed the plan with clarity, the right guard stabilized late last year and Sewell moving to left tackle presents challenges he is comfortable with. None of it means anything until pads go on, but the standard is clear, Fraley needs to be that dude and keep the front five tight and right so everything else in the offense functions.

How should the defense change its usage and packages?

Shift out of heavy three-linebacker looks and lean into nickel and other sub packages. Grey said the Lions ran more base three-linebacker than anyone and that cannot continue given the secondary churn and lack of a do-everything hybrid, there is no Nick Emmanwori type on this roster.

Defensive coordinator Sheppard must solve the edge spot opposite edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, and use personnel-driven answers to disguise coverages. Grey expects a year-two jump for Sheppard too, growth is not just for players. How often Detroit lives in nickel and dime, and how those subs hold up, will define defensive viability.

Did Dan Campbell get it right with Drew Petzing and the offensive core?

It needs to be right. Grey was blunt, he did not like the hire at first but wants to be wrong, and the bond between quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing must be real and collaborative.

The arsenal is loaded, tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, was declared fully available for camp this week, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, remains the engine, and running back Jameer Gibbs, Detroit Lions, is the focal point. Running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, on a one-year deal after two injury-plagued seasons, must stay healthy as the reliable backup and enable two-back looks. Beyond him, running back Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions, is uncertain depth. As Michael Grey said, keep Gibbs fresh, add multiplicity with Pacheco, and let Petzing’s structure unlock MVP-type production from Goff.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #isaiahpacheco #frankragnow #panaysewell #taylordecker #aidanhutchinson #kirbyjoseph #terrionarnold #hankfraley #drewpetzing #jeffrisdon

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Daily DLP: Rookie expectations for Lions 2026 Draft class Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

Can Blake Miller make the Detroit Lions' Week 1 starting lineup at right tackle?

Week 1 is possible, but the baton passes by Week 5. That's the expectation. Blake Miller profiles as the right-side version of Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker, mostly steady with an occasional rookie hiccup.

How big is Derrick Moore’s Year 1 role opposite Aidan Hutchinson?

He plays a lot, even if he does not start Week 1. Moore will push for snaps opposite Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, with Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum offering baseline run defense and Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner starting if healthy.

Moore’s versatility from Michigan translates and his impact will be steady instead of streaky. The depth is better, so rotation trims the top-end stat ceiling, but Moore’s down-to-down consistency earns meaningful work immediately.

Will Jimmy Rolder jump Malcolm Rodriguez for LB3 snaps?

He can, if the coverage he showed in minicamp holds. Detroit Lions linebacker Jimmy Rolder is competing with Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez for the third linebacker role behind the top duo, with special teams also in the mix.

Michael Grey stressed that Rolder’s Michigan tape did not feature standout coverage, but in minicamp he showed range and zone feel, and he is a reliable tackler and a smart run defender. Detroit will not live in three-linebacker sets, so this is about quality rotational downs plus teams work. Expect Rolder to push hard through camp, with the door open if the coverage gains are real.

What is Keith Abney’s path to snaps, and which defensive rookies stick?

Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney forces the issue. Pick 157, he challenges for slot work while also fitting outside thanks to his traits. As Michael Grey said, the question is special teams, which often dictates early roles for Day 3 corners. If injuries or underperformance hit, Abney is ready for inside or outside reps. Competition also includes Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey.

Up front, Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyler Lacy is a safe 53-man bet, which squeezes Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyre West toward the practice squad as a longer-term project. Skyler Gill-Howard brings real pass-rush juice and is battling Mekhi Wingo for the same interior role. Detroit Lions wide receiver Kendrick Law, a developmental return and special teams candidate, is out for the year.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #blakemiller #derrickmoore #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #paytonturner #larryborom #jimmyrolder #malcolmrodriguez #jackcampbell #keithabney #kendricklaw #tylerlacy #makaiwingo #tyreewest #khalildorsey

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Daily DLP: Ranking the Lions rookie UDFA chances Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Undrafted quarterback Luke Altmyer is the only Detroit Lions rookie free agent with a realistic path to the 53, and he profiles as a practice-squad lock while the staff decides on carrying two or three quarterbacks. Roster spots are scarce, so most UDFAs are competing for developmental roles on the practice squad.

Is Luke Altmyer a lock for the Detroit Lions roster?

Luke Altmyer, quarterback, Detroit Lions, locks down the practice squad and stays in the QB pipeline, while the 53 hinges on whether Detroit carries a QB3. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP, there are only three quarterbacks in camp and Altmyer ‘wins from the pocket,’ mirroring the style of quarterback Jared Goff stylistically, and has enough arm and toughness to run the offense. Altmyer absorbed some hellacious hits at Illinois, so taking fewer hits is a growth point. The staff will decide between keeping two on the 53 with Altmyer as the emergency elevation, or rostering three. Either way, he stays in Detroit.

What must defensive end Anthony Lucas show to make the 53?

Anthony Lucas must add a Plan B move and finish plays he already wins to crack the 53. Lucas’ all-or-nothing first move on college tape and the need to raise his floor will augment his chances. The finishing mandate is explicit: he posted three sacks in four years of college football, and that production must jump to justify a roster spot in a deep edge room. Technique, sequencing rushes, and converting pressures into sacks decide his fate. Practice squad is the baseline, with upward mobility if he stacks finishes in preseason.

Which UDFAs look like immediate practice-squad value?

Several fit clear developmental lanes. Eric O'Neil, edge rusher, Detroit Lions, is a compact power rusher with outsized production, logging 35 sacks and 110 QB pressures across four-plus college seasons at LIU, James Madison, and Rutgers. He sets a sturdy edge for his size and profiles as a situational rush piece to cultivate. DB Amaris Brown brings ball skills and a my-ball mentality after six years of college, flashing takeaway instincts in camp. He must prove he can play special teams consistently to earn that slot or reserve corner spot. Eric Hunter, linebacker, Detroit Lions, was deployed like a do-everything attacker at Morgan State, blitzing and flowing downhill at 220 pounds. As Risdon detailed, he is an athletic, aggressive fit for a developmental hybrid linebacker role, tracking as a prime practice-squad stash for 2026 with an eye on contributing in 2027.

Who are the longest shots and what numbers define their uphill climb?

Miller Kitselman, tight end, Detroit Lions, must fix the hands and length concerns to stick. He recorded five drops on 27 targets and has arms under 32 inches despite being 6-foot-5, which shows up in blocking and catch radius. With tight ends Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin ahead, Kitselman needs a standout camp to seize the practice-squad TE spot. Martin Priestley, offensive lineman, Detroit Lions, is transitioning inside after over a thousand snaps at both left and right tackle at Illinois and sits just under 6-foot-3. The critical stat from Jeff Risdon: 54 assessed penalties in four years, including 24 in one season, a habit he must correct to advance. De'Shawn Rucker, cornerback, is an aggressive tackler whose size was misperceived by fans; he measured 5-foot-9 and a quarter at USF’s pro day. He needs to win on special teams and in slot reps to earn a developmental look. Depth at defensive tackle also matters, with defensive tackle J.R. Tufele, Detroit Lions, and defensive tackle Tylik Williams, Detroit Lions, shaping the interior competition.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #udfa #lukealtmyer #anthonylucas #erico'neil #amarisbrown #erichunter #millerkitselman #martinpriestley #shawrucker #jaredgoff #teddybridgewater #samlaporta #brockwright #tylerconklin #j.r.tufele #tylikwilliams

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Daily DLP Training Camp Preview: Tight ends Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

The Daily DLP previews the Lions' tight end room, which could already be set ahead of training camp.

Is Sam LaPorta fully cleared and what does it mean for the Detroit Lions offense?

Yes. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is fully cleared to participate in training camp after a microdiscectomy for his back. As Jeff Risdon noted, the procedure carries some recurrence risk, but LaPorta’s efficient production, route versatility and red-zone finishing restore a core option for quarterback Jared Goff in Detroit’s NFL-best skill group.

LaPorta is the clear number one tight end in Detroit. He functions as the offense’s chain mover and a red-zone target alongside Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Game plans will flex week to week, with some games funneling to LaPorta near the top of the pecking order based on coverage.

Who is TE2 right now, Tyler Conklin or Brock Wright?

Tyler Conklin holds the higher receiving ceiling and overtakes Brock Wright if Detroit gets the New York Jets version of Conklin. If Conklin mirrors his Chargers stint, Brock Wright retains the role. As Jeff Risdon put it, Conklin’s upside as a mover and flex option can bump Wright to TE3 if Conklin is right.

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright’s last three seasons tell a consistent story: 13 catches, 91 yards, 1 touchdown; 13 catches, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns; and last year 14 catches, 108 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He is 27, smart and crafty, but lacks athletic dynamism. Risdon added that Wright’s run-blocking has graded around the bottom of the top tier to the middle tier range for tight ends.

Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin, 30, is listed at 6-3, 248. Risdon relayed that Conklin’s absence from minicamp appeared excused after conversations with the tight ends coach and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Conklin thrived as a pass catcher with the Jets but struggled with the Chargers under Jim Harbaugh, including one bad early day that soured the fit. When right, Conklin can split out, motion, and complement LaPorta in two tight end sets, even if inline is not his strength.

Which depth tight ends have a real path to the 53 or practice squad?

After the top three, the group is chasing one realistic practice squad spot. Risdon gave Horton the early edge because he has been in the building and can also play some fullback. Detroit also has Miller Kitselman as a UDFA and Thomas Gordon in camp.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks is practicing at tight end, but at 6-2, 218 he is undersized for NFL in-line work and, per Risdon, visibly smaller than Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. TeSlaa is a big-bodied wide receiver, not a tight end, and remains a wide receiver assignment despite his frame.

Will Drew Petzing feature two or three tight end sets in Detroit?

Expect frequent two tight end looks, with three tight end packages possible even though none appeared in minicamp. Petzing used three tight ends in Arizona, and in Cleveland he deployed two tight ends as window dressing to feed Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb. That history fits with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff’s strength in distributing to the best matchup.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #samlaporta #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #jahmyrgibbs #brockwright #tylerconklin #isaacteslaa #jacksonmeeks #drewpetzing #lionstrainingcamp

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Daily DLP Mailbag Ahead of Training Camp Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

The Daily DLP tackles a lot of good and interesting questions from the Detroit Lions Podcast member Slack channel. Ahead of Lions training camp, there are a lot of ideas and questions about what might be happening with the team and what we may see in Allen Park in the coming weeks.

Among the questions:

Which young players make the biggest jump?

Who wins the CB2 role?

Is Kelvin Sheppard on the hot seat?

Do any UDFAs have a chance to make the roster?

What would I like to see implemented in training camp

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #mailbag #kelvinsheppard #dancampbell #rockya-sin #terrionarnold #tyleikwilliams #alimmcneill #aidanhutchinson #kerbyjoseph #panaysewell #brockwright #tylerconklin #jackfox #lukealtmyer #amarisbrown #ennisrakestrawjr.

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Daily DLP: Setting up the Lions' kick return battle Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Tom Kennedy and Jacob Saylors are the returning Detroit Lions kick returners right now, with Khalil Dorsey and Greg Dortch pushing hard to take the job. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp values ball security and net field position, and Kennedy checks those boxes. So does Saylors, but not with a lot of dynamic ablity. With today’s kickoff rules, reliability beats boom-or-bust.

Who leads the Detroit Lions kick return battle?

Tom Kennedy leads because he is the clean, assignment-sound option, and Khalil Dorsey and Greg Dortch are the most credible challengers for explosive plays. Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has been a reliable return man, catching the ball, following blocks, and protecting possession. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey brings top-end speed and prior team return experience. Wide receiver Greg Dortch arrived from Arizona with recent volume and will get real chances.

As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP, Fipp will reward the returner who elevates average starting field position without sacrificing ball security.

How good were the Lions on kick returns last season?

They finished a notch below league average in both return average and resulting field position. The primary kick returner logged 33 returns for 897 yards, an average of 27.2, compared to the NFL average of 28.8. Detroit’s average post-kickoff field position was the 30.2 yard line, short of the 30.8 league average.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy produced 447 yards on 16 returns, a 27.9 average. Another returner finished at 26.8 on six returns. The Lions punt return fixture led the NFL with 32 punt return attempts but managed only 7.5 yards per return, which underscored the need for more juice and cleaner execution. That is not good enough for a unit Fipp expects to win the hidden yardage battle.

Which names should fans watch in camp reps?

Greg Dortch and Khalil Dorsey headline the challengers, while Dominic Lovett and Sione Vaki project better in supporting roles. Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch has 39 kick returns at 26.3 yards per return since 2024, including 31 for a 26.2 average last year. Jeff Risdon noted Arizona’s special teams were not strong, which affected his numbers, but Dortch still brings proven reps. Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey posted four kick returns for 159 yards in 2024, including a 72 yarder, the longest Lions kickoff return in eight years.

Detroit Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett had one kick return for 22, and he had not returned kicks in college beyond a single punt at Missouri, so he is not a natural option. Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki logged two returns for 39, with one going for 29, but he excels more as a lead blocker on returns. Keeping Vaki as a blocker boosts whichever returner wins the role. Roster-wise, last year’s primary kick returner is competing with Sione Vaki, Jabari Small, and Kai Robichaux for the RB4 role, and as Jeff Risdon speculated, if he is not the return man, he probably is not on the 53.

How do today’s kickoff rules shape the decision?

Touchdowns are rare, so field position and ball security drive the choice. That reality favors Kennedy’s profile while leaving room for Dortch or Dorsey to claim the job if they upgrade average start without inviting risk. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jacobsaylors #lionstrainingcamp #tomkennedy #khalildorsey #gregdortch #sionevaki #dominiclovett #davefipp #jackfox #grantstewart #craigreynolds #jabarismall #kairobichaux #jeffrisdon #michaelgrey #detroitlionskickreturner #nflkickoffrules

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Daily DLP Training Camp Preview: Safeties Detroit Lions Podcast Jul 19, 2026

Show notes

The Detroit Lions have a deep, flexible safety room that still needs defined roles. Injury concerns to both regular starters complicate the safety spot, and that will make for a very intriguing training camp in Allen Park.

Is Kerby Joseph the turnover engine this defense needs?

Yes, when Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is on the field, the defense gains its best ballhawk. As Jeff Risdon noted, Joseph is "exceptionally good at creating opportunities for the defense to turn defense into offense." Risdon explicitly wants him healthy for 17 games because nobody else has provided that level of takeaways. Joseph had ups and downs last season, but his ability to flip possessions remains the singular swing factor in the secondary’s ceiling and the overall NFL playoff push.

Is Chuck Clark the answer while roles settle?

Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark looked like a starter and a tone-setter in minicamp. He played primarily in Joseph’s role, handled every assignment, and, as Jeff Risdon put it, "impressed the hell out of me" as a leader and communicator. Clark can play over the top or in the box, and at 32 years old he still moved and directed traffic like an alpha. The only open question, per Risdon, is whether his best days are behind him, but his spring performance says he can anchor the room as jobs crystallize in camp.

Where do Thomas Harper, Christian Izien, Avante Maddox and Dan Jackson fit?

They are the versatile chess pieces who fill the gaps while starters settle. Detroit Lions defensive back Thomas Harper plays everywhere, with prior work in the slot, at free safety and at strong safety, and he aligned closer to the line of scrimmage in camp. Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien, an undrafted Rutgers product who became Tampa Bay’s "positionless wonder," has started in the slot, over the top, in the box and even outside, and he profiles more as a slot safety. He missed the early part of last season, then resumed his value as a super sub. Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox is a veteran presence who can contribute in a sub role. Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson, a Georgia draft pick who missed his entire rookie year, is a strong safety and core special teams type, but he remains an unknown until he stacks camp reps.

How will the scheme changes unlock this group?

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil and the staff want to be less predictable on the back end, and the room’s versatility enables that. Chuck Clark can blitz, and Dan Jackson showed last summer he can blitz from the slot and from depth. This camp is about someone, whether it be Clark, Izien or Harper, seizing a defined role so the coaches, including Kelvin Sheppard, can deploy fewer moving parts and more consistent combinations. If health cooperates and one or two players lock down jobs, the Lions field a very good safety unit, with depth that is far better than a year ago.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #kerbyjoseph #chuckclark #thomasharper #christianizien #avontemaddox #danjackson #detroitlionssafeties #jimo'neil #kelvinsheppard #nfltrainingcamp #slotsafety #boxsafety #nfldefense #takeaways

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Should the Detroit Lions ditch three-linebacker packages in 2026?

What fronts should replace the 4-3 and 3-3 for Detroit?

Usage facts that demand a shift

Why did Detroit lean so hard into three linebackers last year?

Will coaching changes accelerate the shift?

Who went on the PUP list and what does it actually mean?

PUP vs. NFI: what changes?

When can Brian Branch return from his Achilles tear?

What is going on with Kirby Joseph after his tweet?

How does Tyler Conklin’s status impact tight end depth?

Can the Lions avoid another position group wipeout?

Will Hank Fraley get the offensive line ready to lead?

How should the defense change its usage and packages?

Did Dan Campbell get it right with Drew Petzing and the offensive core?

Can Blake Miller make the Detroit Lions' Week 1 starting lineup at right tackle?

How big is Derrick Moore’s Year 1 role opposite Aidan Hutchinson?

Will Jimmy Rolder jump Malcolm Rodriguez for LB3 snaps?

What is Keith Abney’s path to snaps, and which defensive rookies stick?

Is Luke Altmyer a lock for the Detroit Lions roster?

What must defensive end Anthony Lucas show to make the 53?

Which UDFAs look like immediate practice-squad value?

Who are the longest shots and what numbers define their uphill climb?

Is Sam LaPorta fully cleared and what does it mean for the Detroit Lions offense?

Who is TE2 right now, Tyler Conklin or Brock Wright?

Which depth tight ends have a real path to the 53 or practice squad?

Will Drew Petzing feature two or three tight end sets in Detroit?

Who leads the Detroit Lions kick return battle?

How good were the Lions on kick returns last season?

Which names should fans watch in camp reps?

How do today’s kickoff rules shape the decision?

Is Kerby Joseph the turnover engine this defense needs?

Is Chuck Clark the answer while roles settle?

Where do Thomas Harper, Christian Izien, Avante Maddox and Dan Jackson fit?

How will the scheme changes unlock this group?

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