Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Lions Links for Wednesday Evening 6-12-24

Articles:

Added strength helping Williams improve in Lions' offense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/added-strength-helping-williams-improve-in-lions-offense


Chris Spielman: Lions Embrace Being 'The Hunted':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/chris-spielman-lions-embrace-being-hunted

How Added Strength Has Improved Jameson Williams' Route-Running:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/added-strength-improved-jameson-williams-route-running

Colby Sorsdal Accepting Challenge of Playing Multiple Positions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/colby-sorsdal-second-year-expectations

Lions' 2024 Roster Bubble: Interior Defensive Line:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2024-roster-bubble-interior-defensive-line

Lions Aidan Hutchinson Has Been 'Unbelievable' During Spring:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-aidan-hutchinson-has-been-unbelievable


Lions Offseason Takeaways, How Team Has Evolved Since 2021:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/podcasts/lions-offseason-takeaways-how-team-has-evolved




'When it's time to show everybody,' Lions rookie Ennis Rakestraw will be ready:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-ennis-rakestraw-thinking-super-bowl-as-rookie

Lions have big plans for Brian Branch in year two: 'We'll be more aggressive with him':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-have-big-plans-for-brian-branch-in-year-two

How Detroit Lions cornerbacks have impressed LBs coach this offseason:  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/detroit-lions-cornerbacks-impressed-lbs-coach/b55fa2e1c8b7939c13102b30



Under-the-radar NFC players who could be 2024 stars (Detroit Lions: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. - Terrion Arnold was the splash of the Lions' 2024 draft, surprisingly sliding to Motown at the back of Round 1. But Rakestraw's tenacious physicality could make him an equally seamless fit for a Dan Campbell contender, especially depending on Carlton Davis' availability at corner.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/one-under-the-radar-player-who-could-be-a-star-for-each-nfc-team-bears-packers-have-underrated-skill-weapons/

QBs poised to take step forward, regress in 2024 (Most likely to regress - Jared Goff:  Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for over 4,000 yards (4,575) and over 25 touchdowns (30) for the second season in a row in 2023, something Matthew Stafford did five times in 12 seasons with the Lions, but never in consecutive years like Goff.  Thus, the Lions rewarded Goff with a five-year, $212 million extension, making him the second-highest paid player in the entire NFL on an average per year basis ($53 million). Detroit's entire offensive core remains intact in 2024, but the Lions failed to add significant wide receiver talent opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown in the offseason. Second-Team All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta makes for a strong second option, and they do have Jameson Williams entering Year 3, but the failure to find a reliable No. 3 in a tougher NFC North that includes a rising, young Green Bay Packers squad and a revitalized Chicago Bears group could lead to a Goff regression in 2024.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/quarterbacks-poised-to-improve-regress-in-2024-patrick-mahomes-numbers-to-rise-step-back-for-brock-purdy/

Clustering all 32 NFL offenses from the 2023 season:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-clustering-all-32-nfl-offenses-2023-season

Examining the Best Kick-Returner Option for All 32 Teams Under NFL’s New Kickoff Rule (Detroit Lions: Sione Vaki - Sione Vaki is one of the most intriguing rookies in the NFL’s entirety. Vaki played both safety and running back at Utah, and the Detroit Lions believe he will be a great addition to their backfield. Yet, Vaki’s upside could truly shine on special teams, where he would be able to put his experience and toughness to use as Detroit’s primary kick returner.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-kickoff-rule-best-kick-returner/

Video: 


Posted by LionsFan at 6:52 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Lions Links for Tuesday 6-11-24

Articles:

Lions think Branch is ready for a bigger role on defense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-think-branch-is-ready-for-a-bigger-role-on-defense

Lions looking to get Gibbs more work in the passing game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-looking-to-get-gibbs-more-work-in-the-passing-game





Observations: Hooker Finds Former Michigan TE, Special Teams Dominates:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/observations-final-lions-ota-practice-2024

What They're Saying: Continuity Looming Large for Lions' Staff:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/what-they-re-saying-lions-assistant-coaches




Detroit Lions final OTA observations: Young players try to make impression:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/6/11/24176339/detroit-lions-final-ota-observations-young-players-making-impression




Should Lions take a run at Bengals WR Tee Higgins to build 'unstoppable offense?':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/should-detroit-lions-trade-for-bengals-wr-tee-higgins

Ranking every WR room by tiers: Eagles in top grouping (Tier 2: - Superstar headliner:  Detroit Lions.  The Lions have Amon-Ra St. Brown, who -- in my opinion -- is still one of the more underrated receivers in the league, despite finishing inside the top five in catches, yards and receiving touchdowns last season. He's a key outlet for Jared Goff in the passing attack, and it wouldn't be surprising if he led the league in receptions in 2024. Beyond St. Brown, Jameson Williams is the X-factor for this unit. If he can finally live up to his first-round potential and stay on the field, they could have one of the best receiver tandems in the NFL.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-every-wr-room-in-the-nfl-by-tiers-eagles-bengals-star-duos-headline-patriots-broncos-at-the-bottom/

Highest-graded wide receivers by route type: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nacua and more (SLANT: AMON-RA ST. BROWN, DETROIT LIONS (97.3) - St. Brown’s three touchdown receptions on slants in 2023 trailed only Jakobi Meyers. He averaged 5.78 yards per route run, turning 15 targets into 11 receptions for 185 yards.  HITCH: AMON-RA ST. BROWN, DETROIT LIONS (97.1) - St. Brown was the league’s highest-graded receiver on hitch routes, too, recording 24 receptions for 240 yards and a touchdown.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-highest-graded-wide-receivers-route-type-amon-ra-st-brown-puka-nacua-2023

What the NFL's final four had in common -- and what the league might copy in 2024:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40271635/what-nfl-teams-learn-chiefs-49ers

Video:










WATCH - Hammer reports from Allen Park where the Lions held their last workout on the field until training camp:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1469438
Posted by LionsFan at 7:48 PM 0 comments

Monday, June 10, 2024

Lions Links for Monday Evening 6-10-24

Articles:

McNeill looks forward to playing alongside Reader:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/mcneill-looks-forward-to-playing-alongside-reader

What's next for Melifonwu after breakout third season?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/what-s-next-for-melifonwu-after-breakout-third-season



All 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) ranked by their cornerbacks:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/all-32-nfl-teams-including-the-lions-ranked-by-their-cornerbacks/

Jared Goff graded in top 10 in all three throwing distances:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/06/09/jared-goff-pff-grades-top-10-throwing-distances/

Why Amon-Ra St. Brown Is Lions' Best Choice for Madden Cover:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-st-brown-2024-madden-cover-candidates

What They're Saying: How Lions Are Handling Super Bowl Expectations:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/how-lions-handling-super-bowl-expectations

Lions Owner Sheila Hamp Named Michiganian of the Year:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lsheila-hamp-named-michiganian-of-the-year


Lions Offensive Core Ranked Fifth in NFL:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-offensive-core-ranked-fifth


Roundtable: Do Lions Need to Sign Free Agent Before Training Camp?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/do-lions-need-to-sign-free-agent-before-training-camp

Lions Have Third-Most Salary Cap Space in NFL:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-third-most-salary-cap-space-nfl




Reason for optimism for all 32 NFL teams in 2024: Jayden Daniels is teeming with potential, Mike Macdonald kicks off new era in Seattle (DETROIT LIONS - They have an elite offense and an improved secondary.  Hope is eternal in Detroit, as the Lions carry an elite offense, led by Jared Goff and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. They also boast an elite receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, a dynamic running back duo in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, an emerging star tight end in Sam LaPorta and the best offensive line in football.  Their undoing last season, though, was their secondary. They used this offseason to overhaul their cornerback room, acquiring Carlton Davis via trade and Amik Robertson via free agency. They also spent their first two draft picks on talented cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The Lions likely would’ve made the Super Bowl last season with a better coverage unit. They have one this year, and expectations should be incredibly high.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-reason-for-optimism-all-32-nfl-teams-2024-jayden-daniels-mike-macdonald

Which NFL players will improve in 2024? Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young among nine locks to rise (Jack Campbell - The Lions’ 2023 rookie class was a banner group, with Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta carving out critical roles on offense and Campbell and Brian Branch doing the same on defense. All four delivered, with LaPorta and Gibbs finishing third and fourth, respectively, in the Offensive Rookie of the Year balloting and Branch and Campbell coming in fifth and eighth, respectively, in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.  However, Campbell had his share of struggles, too. After a promising opener against the Chiefs, Campbell had trouble in coverage. The Lions tried to moonlight him as a blitzer as a way to kick-start the pass rush, but Campbell struggled to generate much pressure. He also had games where missed tackles were an issue, something he almost never struggled with in college.  But Campbell wore the green helmet sticker as the team’s defensive play-caller when Alex Anzalone was injured and was tasked with a lot more than your typical rookie linebacker. Becoming the cerebral center for a defense on a team that carried itself like a world beater last season was no easy task. And Campbell was more good than bad, even while looking stressed and overloaded at times.  I expect less of the panicky, jittery Campbell we saw at times in his rookie season and more of the fire-branded field general he was at Iowa. Another year in the Lions’ system under Aaron Glenn should help, as should more help in the secondary with the additions of Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and others.  The Lions have showered Campbell with praise this offseason, and I think he’s on tap for a breakout Year 2.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/which-nfl-players-will-improve-in-2024-trevor-lawrence-bryce-young-among-nine-locks-to-rise

Second-year NFL players set to break out in 2024 (Jack Campbell - Campbell had an up-and-down rookie campaign. On over 600 snaps for the Lions, he amassed 95 tackles with five tackles for loss. In coverage, an area in which he thrived at Iowa, Campbell showed plenty of room for serious improvement. While linebackers can be "charged" for receptions in their coverage area on something as simple as a harmless checkdown, Campbell did "allow" a passer rating of 124.2 with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and two pass breakups. This year with the Lions, he'll make the leap in coverage. The size and athleticism are there for him to do it -- Campbell's nearly 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds with above-average speed, burst, and elite-level agility for the linebacker spot. Plus, counting the postseason, Campbell got nearly 350 snaps of experience sinking in coverage on pass plays.   I also love what the Lions have done in front of him. After finishing fourth in defensive pressure-creation rate a season ago at 41.6%, the Lions added hulking nose tackle D.J. Reader in free agency to pair next to Alim McNeill on a front anchored by Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson who has 21 sacks through two professional seasons.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/second-year-nfl-players-primed-for-breakout-seasons-in-2024-broncos-marvin-mims-lions-jack-campbell-more/

Best move by each NFC team this offseason (Detroit Lions - Signed core players to extensions.  Detroit made the NFC Championship game for the first time since the 1991 season, having a bunch of young players that are built for deep playoff runs. The Lions wasted no time getting their young core signed to contract extensions this offseason.   Penei Sewell earned a $112 million extension ($28 million per year) and Amon-Ra St. Brown got $120 million ($30 million per year). The Lions also committed to Jared Goff by giving him $212 million over four years ($53 million per year). Detroit sees a contention window with these three players -- and more that will be due for extensions in the coming years.  There's a Super Bowl window in Detroit. Their commitment to Goff, St. Brown, and Sewell demonstrates that.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/best-move-by-each-nfc-team-in-offseason-bears-giants-score-big-with-offseason-trades-eagles-make-key-hire/


NFL Tight End Rankings 2024: Travis Kelce Loses Top Spot, Brock Bowers Debuts in Top 20 (5. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions:  The Lions recycled drafting a TE high instead of paying the one they already had on the roster. Considering Hockenson is now the richest TE in NFL history and decidedly not the best TE in the NFL, the Lions are probably comfortable with their decision. They even got the same model — a brand-new Iowa TE.  And a great one at that. Sam LaPorta was a beast in his rookie season, finishing with 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-tight-end-rankings-2024-who-is-best-tight-end/
Posted by LionsFan at 7:38 PM 0 comments

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Lions Links for Saturday Evening 6-8-24

Articles:


Detroit wants to see second-year QB Hendon Hooker progress in grasp of offense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-players-impressed-detroit-lions-minicamp-williams-campbell-robertson


All Lions: Eisen Ranks Detroit Fourth in Latest Power Rankings:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/rich-eisen-lions-early-power-rankings

Lions Kicker James Turner Has 'Huge Upside':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-kicker-james-turner-huge-upside

5 Players Who Must Step Up at Lions Training Camp:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-who-must-step-up-training-camp


3 Sleepers Who Could Rise Up Lions' Depth Chart:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/sleepers-who-could-rise-up-lions-depth-chart

Lions Break Player Work Rules, Forfeit OTA Practice:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-break-player-work-rules-forfeit-ota-practice

Lions Expect Hooker to Be 'Much More Comfortable' at Training Camp:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-expect-hooker-to-be-more-comfortable-training-camp



The NFL's 11 best slot defenders (3. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions - Branch was my 13th-ranked prospect overall in the 2023 draft class, so I was certainly surprised that he dropped to the 46th overall pick, where the Lions snapped him up. Maybe teams shouldn’t focus as much as they do on 40 times, because the 4.53 Branch ran at the scouting combine in no way represented his abilities on the field — whether at Alabama, or with the Lions. Nick Saban has been turning out multi-position defensive backs for years, and Branch was one of his best.  In his rookie season, Branch played 417 snaps in slot coverage, ninth-most in the NFL. He allowed 41 catches on 63 slot targets for 382 yards, 186 yards after the catch, three touchdowns, two interceptions, nine pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 84.2. Branch also had one sack and five total pressures from the slot.  Branch was able to match and trail receivers from the start in the NFL, which is singularly impressive, especially in press and match coverage, where he had to deal with receivers step-for-step from the snap.Branch’s ability to read the field and progressions through the play was also unusual for a rookie. The Lions did a lot this offseason to try and upgrade their cornerback room, but they’ve already got a top-tier slot guy now, and for at least the next few years.): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/slot-cornerbacks-trent-mcduffie-kyle-hamilton-brian-branch/

Video:

Watch: Video recap covering Lions minicamp performances and observations:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/06/08/watch-video-recap-covering-lions-minicamp-performances-and-observations/
Posted by LionsFan at 7:50 PM 0 comments

Friday, June 7, 2024

Lions Links for Friday Evening 6-7-24

Articles:




Where all 32 NFL teams (including the Lions) rank in salary cap room (3. Detroit Lions: $40.3M):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/where-all-32-nfl-teams-including-the-lions-rank-in-salary-cap-room/




Lions Want 'Whole Enchilada,' Will Dan Campbell Cook?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-whole-enchilada-dan-campbell


Minicamp Takeaways: Lions' Defense Shines, Team Embraces Hype:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/podcasts/minicamp-takeaways-lions-defense-shines-team-embraces-hype


Chris Simms gives Jared Goff his props: "One of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-chris-simms-gives-jared-goff-his-props

Alim McNeill is "about to take it up another notch." The contract will take care of itself.:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-alim-mcneill-on-verge-of-stardom-and-payday

Dan Campbell and Lions "want the whole enchilada." Here's how they get it.:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/dan-campbell-detroit-lions-want-the-whole-enchilada

Lions violated OTA contact rules, must forfeit practice:  https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-violated-ota-contact-rules-must-forfeit-practice

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 9:10 PM 0 comments

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Lions Links for Thursday Evening 6-6-24

Articles:


Anzalone thinks 2024 could be his best season yet:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/anzalone-thinks-2024-could-be-his-best-season-yet



Dan Campbell shares his message to Lions vets on the final day of minicamp:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/06/06/dan-campbell-message-to-lions-veterans-detroit-minicamp-whole-enchilada/

New Lions DT D.J. Reader might not be ready to start training camp:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/06/06/detroit-lions-injury-update-dj-reader-training-camp/

McNeill on Playing Next to Reader: 'It Looks Like Destruction':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/mcneill-playing-next-to-reader-looks-like-destruction

Observations: Lions Practice Comeback Scenarios:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-practice-comeback-scenarios

Khalil Dorsey Misses Minicamp Practice with Ankle Injury:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/khalil-dorsey-misses-minicamp-practice-ankle-injury


Melifonwu: 'No Animosity' in Competitive Secondary:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/melifonwu-no-animosity-in-competitive-secondary

Derrick Barnes: 'It Was a Long Journey For Me':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/derrick-barnes-reflects-nfl-journey

Goff: Jameson Williams Holding Himself to 'Really High Standard':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jameson-williams-has-high-standards




Lions minicamp highlights: Watch Jameson Williams snag deep shot from Jared Goff:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/6/6/24172700/detroit-lions-minicamp-highlights-watch-jameson-williams-deep-shot-jared-goff

Terrion Arnold, aka Sub Zero, looks the part: "We're reshaping the cornerback position in Detroit":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-cb-terrion-arnold-has-a-nickname-and-nose-for-the-ball

Every NFL team's biggest remaining need (Detroit Lions: Wide receiver - The Lions are asking a lot out of Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and others for support freshly paid Amon-Ra St. Brown for freshly paid Jared Goff.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/every-nfl-teams-biggest-remaining-need-2024-offseason/39eb3ab7aa3b6301dfbec79d

Ranking the NFL's head coaches from 32-1 (8. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions.  Motor City Dan Motor City Dan’d a little too hard in the NFC Championship Game this past season. While I admire the commitment to the bit, he tried to bite one kneecap too many and it cost the Lions a trip to the Super Bowl. However though, we’re talking about the Detroit Lions being a few plays away from playing in the Super Bowl. That alone puts Dan Campbell high on this list. The steady progression from lovable bad team to serious NFC powerhouse in the matter of three seasons just goes to show how well Campbell has done with this team, and they aren’t going away anytime soon.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-best-head-coaches-andy-reid-kyle-shanahan-mike-tomlin/




The First Read: Biggest questions hovering around NFL's first wave of mandatory minicamps (8. Is this the year when Jameson Williams figures it out?  There have been so many great vibes around the Detroit Lions the last couple years that it's been easy to forget something that hasn't worked so well: The development of Williams. GM Brad Holmes traded up in the 2022 draft to take the former Alabama wide receiver with the 12th overall pick. What the team has received so far has been underwhelming (25 catches, 395 receiving yards and four total TDs in 18 games over two seasons), which is why this offseason is so critical for Williams. He couldn't participate in offseason workouts as a rookie because he was recovering from surgery for a torn ACL. He also missed the first four games of last year while serving a suspension for violating the league's gambling policy.  Thus far, the Lions have been encouraged by the way Williams is pushing himself through offseason workouts, even though he's still struggling occasionally with drops. The fact is that Williams could supercharge an offense that already ranks among the league's best. His electric speed could create even more space for Amon-Ra St. Brown and second-year tight end Sam LaPorta, while also lightening up boxes for running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. There have been a lot of reasons to explain why Williams hasn't taken off yet. This is the year when we'll learn if he really can live up to those lofty expectations.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/the-first-read-biggest-questions-hovering-around-nfl-s-first-wave-of-mandatory-minicamps

Every NFL team's ideal kick returner with new safer kickoff rules: Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley wild options (NFC North - Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs.  Swift actually has a perfect skill set for this sort of role. All the things that have frustrated coaches about his running style could actually be played up in the new-look return game. Gibbs and Watson are pretty self-explanatory. Those dudes are really freaking fast. And Gibbs, in particular, is also just explosive in short areas and excels at avoiding tackles. Jefferson isn't necessarily a perfect fit for this exercise, but who wouldn't want to see it anyway? And Jones has always had a knack for snapping off long runs and receptions, so he can do the same sort of thing as a returner.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/every-nfl-teams-ideal-kick-returner-with-new-safer-kickoff-rules-lamar-jackson-saquon-barkley-wild-options/

Every team's biggest offseason departure (Detroit Lions: Jonah Jackson - The hype around the Lions coming into 2024 is substantial, but their offensive line did take a bit of a hit losing Jonah Jackson. The guard signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams at the start of free agency. Jackson was drafted by Detroit in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2021. To replace him, the club has signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/every-nfl-teams-most-notable-offseason-departure-patriots-seahawks-part-ways-with-legendary-coaches/

Way-too-early picks for division winners: Miami Dolphins to win AFC East, San Francisco 49ers set for a three-peat (NFC NORTH: DETROIT LIONS - On FanDuel, the Lions and the Packers are both below +200 to win the NFC North, which I was a bit surprised by. That’s no slight to the Packers, who ended the season on a heater, with Jordan Love playing like an elite quarterback and marching into Dallas as a wild-card team to win on the road.  That said, the Lions had one of the best teams in the NFL last season and only got more talented in the offseason. Detroit’s 69.7 team defense grade ranked only 22nd in the league, but most of that is due to a very low coverage grade. They addressed those concerns in a big way by bringing in Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson in free agency while drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.  Plus, Green Bay also has the harder strength of schedule when using last year’s team win totals.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-way-too-early-picks-division-winners-miami-dolphins-san-francisco-49ers

Podcast:  


Minicamp Takeaways: Lions' Defense Shines, Team Embraces Hype:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/podcasts/minicamp-takeaways-lions-defense-shines-team-embraces-hype

Video:




Lions Mini Camp Wrap 6-6:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1467059

WATCH - Lions minicamp day 2 - Woody reports from Allen Park:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1466616
Posted by LionsFan at 8:44 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Lions Links for Wednesday Evening 6-5-24

Articles:



Robertson's competitiveness makes him a good fit for Lions' defense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/robertson-s-competitiveness-makes-him-a-good-fit-for-lions-defense



Healthy Detroit Lions DL Levi Onwuzurike adds weight, reaps praise from Dan Campbell:  https://lionslowdown.com/2024/06/05/healthy-detroit-lions-dl-levi-onwuzurike-adds-weight-reaps-praise-from-dan-campbell/



Ranking the NFL's top 32 tight ends after the 2024 NFL draft (5. Detroit Lions):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/ranking-nfl-top-32-tight-ends-after-2024-draft-laporta/

Lions minicamp notebook for June 5: Hooker, Jamo, Manu and more:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-minicamp-notebook-for-june-5-hooker-jamo-manu-and-more/

Q&A: Sione Vaki Shares Goals, Progress Made During Spring:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/sione-vaki-shares-goals-progress-made



Stroud: Stafford Could Have Had More Rings Than Rodgers:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/stroud-stafford-could-have-more-rings-than-rodgers

After Injury Setback, Lions Want Antoine Green to 'Go Compete':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-want-antoine-green-to-go-compete




Mathieu Betts’ versatility gives him a real shot at making Lions’ 53-man roster:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/6/5/24171909/mathieu-betts-versatility-gives-shot-making-detroit-lions-53-man-roster

NFL minicamp 2024 live updates: teams begin mandatory camps (Detroit Lions - CB Khalil Dorsey suffered a lower leg injury and was evaluated after practice. Dorsey was productive during Wednesday's session, with a pick-six play off backup QB Hendon Hooker before going down with the injury. Coach Dan Campbell says he wants to identify who is going to be reliable in the secondary.  "The talent level, the competitiveness, the versatility," Campbell said. "Honestly, we have no idea who our starting lineup's going to be right now, and it's exciting. It's so good. There's no telling who's going to be outside corners, who's going to be our nickel, who's going to be our safeties. This thing is wide open across the board." -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40283313/nfl-minicamp-live-updates-2024-wednesday-news-notes-depth-charts

Alex Anzalone sees and feels more possibilities for Aaron Glenn's defense:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-alex-anzalone-already-feels-change-on-defense



10 best quarterback-wide receiver duos ahead of the 2024 NFL season (JARED GOFF TO AMON-RA ST. BROWN - The Detroit Lions just paid Jared Goff big money after seeing what he could do within their offense with Ben Johnson calling plays and the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown catching passes from him. Only CeeDee Lamb saw more targets or caught more passes than St. Brown did last season, including the playoff run, and Goff threw just three interceptions when targeting his favorite receiver.  St. Brown spent 43.6% of his snaps out wide in 2023, a new career high for a player who has been primarily a slot weapon in the NFL. Overall, passes targeting him generated a 115.9 passer rating last season.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-10-best-quarterback-wide-receiver-duos-2024-nfl-season

PFF Guard Rankings: Top 32 ahead of the 2024 NFL season (27. GRAHAM GLASGOW, DETROIT LIONS:  Glasgow returned to the Lions in 2023 after three seasons with the Denver Broncos and slotted in at right guard. The veteran earned a 75.1 PFF overall grade in 16 games, the eighth highest among all guards in 2023, while his 82.1 run-blocking grade ranked fifth.  He was rewarded with a three-year, $20 million contract to return to the Lions in the offseason and will resume his role as the starting right guard on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-guard-rankings-top-32-2024-nfl-season

Recent NFL contract extensions: Examining new deals for Justin Jefferson, Christian McCaffrey and more (QB JARED GOFF, DETROIT LIONS - Extension: Four years, $212 million ($113.6 million guaranteed).  Goff’s extension made him the second-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL on a per-year basis, turning a player who was an afterthought in the trade that sent Matthew Stafford into one of the league’s highest earners.  Goff has delivered for the Lions since arriving in that trade, ranking sixth in PFF passing grade (85.2) last season.  WR AMON-RA ST. BROWN, DETROIT LIONS - Extension: Four years, $120 million ($34.6 million guaranteed).  St. Brown’s 91.3 PFF receiving grade in 2023 was topped by only Tyreek Hill and Brandon Aiyuk, with the 2021 fourth-round draft pick continuing his climb into the elite tier of the position.  The former USC standout has improved his production every year since arriving in the NFL, with his yards per route run average going from 1.74 in 2021 to 2.40 in 2022 to 2.59 last season.  T PENEI SEWELL, DETROIT LIONS - Extension: Four years, $112 million, $43 million guaranteed.  The seventh overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell went from a 69.4 PFF pass-blocking grade as a rookie in 2021 to 74.2 in 2022 to 79.2 last year.  He has also developed into arguably the best run-blocking tackle in football, with his 95.1 PFF run-blocking grade leading all tackles in 2023.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-recent-contract-extensions-justin-jefferson-christian-mccaffrey

Why the Slide?: Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri:  https://walterfootball.com/ws2024erakestraw.php

Video:





WATCH - Jennifer Hammond reports from Allen Park where the Lions kicked off day 1 of mand loopatory minicamp:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1466018

Dales: Starting spots are 'wide open' for Lions at cornerback right now | 'The Insiders':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/dales-starting-spots-are-wide-open-for-lions-at-cornerback-right-now-the-insiders
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