The second week of OTAs for the 2026 Detroit Lions has concluded and as the Lions get deeper into the off-season workouts, we start to see some trends emerge along with players that start to separate themselves from the pack early in the process. Let's recap the most important bits of news that came out of the three-day camp from the press events, photos, interviews and boots on the ground from the Lions beat reporters. Photo - Jeff Nguyen Detroit Lions Injury Updates During his Thursday press conference, Dan Campbell offered up some injury news on players and was asked questions about some of the guys coming back from injury Rookie 5th round WR Kendrick Law Campbell stated that Law tore his ACL Tuesday on OTA Day 5 and will miss the season. He was expected to at least challenge for the KR/PR position and potentially the 5th/6th WR, but his season is now over and will likely face at least a 10–11-month rehab process, likely making him available for OTA next year and definitely ready for the season. S Kerby Joseph Campbell was asked about Joseph Thursday and basically said he "I honestly do not know". Mentioned that Joseph and the Liosn have both done everything they can and been as smart as they can but aren't trying to push it until they absolutely have to. Joseph is still getting treatments on the knee, and the Lions likely won't know until training camp whether he will be ready to go or not. All -in-all, not a great update on Kerby, hence why Izien, Clark and Maddox were all brought in to work with harper and Branch once he is back. TE Sam LaPorta and CB Terrion Arnold It was reported that both LaPorta and Arnold participated in the OTA Day 6 walkthrough portion open to the press but left midway through practice when the work transitioned to individual and position drills. They reportedly declined interviews on their way off the field to their planned treatment sessions OL Brian Branch, OL Ben Bartch and TE Miles Kitselman It was reported that these were the other players that were not present at practice. Branch had released some rehab videos earlier in the week showing jogging and some progress. Bartch was not seen last week at practice either, and his season ended last year with the 49ers with a foot injury, but it is unknown if his absence is tied to that or something new. Kitselman did practice last week, so missing this practice is due to an unknown injury of reason at this time. TE Zach Horton Horton was not at last week's practice open to the media, but he has now returned and didn't appear to have any limitations per reports. Week 2 OTA Observations form the Lions Media General Observations The practice open to the media was only about an hour and there were not any 7-on-7s The practice started with an approximate 30-minute walkthrough and broke into position/individual drills for the second half along with a short special team (kickoff/kick returns). Practice was closed out when Campbell had the team run some situational football doing a walkthrough for the first and second team offense at the end of practice Thursday. They were given the scenario of trailing 28-27 from the opponents 48-yard line with no timeouts and 14 seconds on the clock. 1st Team: Gibbs run for 5 yards to 43 with a quick spike to set up Jake Bates for a 61-yard FG. It had the distance but was missed right. 2nd Team: Teddy Bridgewater had two incompletions (throwaways) and never got into FG range, but Campbell moved the ball up to give Bates another shot form deep and he nailed it right down the middle. Despite what Campbell said about not reading into who is where in the fields, there is a distinct Starter/Reserve setup between the fields per the media in attendance. QB Luke Altmyer arm strength was noticeable on post or out routes after being talked up by Campbell and Petzing earlier in the day from Pride of Detroit Dan Jackson logged an interception per Jeremy Reisman Offensive Line - 1st OL: Sewell-Mahogany-Mays-Ratledge-Borom It was noted that Borom would switch to LT and B Miller would jump in at RT with the 1st unit Unlike last week, it was reported that Borom at RT was the most common alignment, last week it was B Miller Of more importance, the fact that Borom is the one swapping between LT/RT and not Miller, who has been exclusively at RT is a good indicator that Borom will be the swing Tackle 2nd OL Reserve Field: Manu-Frazier-McLaughlin-M Miller-Sorsdal 2nd OL for the Situational Drill: Cochran-Niese-McLaughlin-M Miller-B Miller WRs Rookie 5th round pick Kendrick Law tore his ACL on Tuesday and will miss the season. The Lions quickly moved to sign a replacement in UDFA WR Kyre Duplessis from Delaware, as they are looking for competition at Gunner, KR and PR to replace the departed Khalif Raymond. TE Sam LaPorta was out during the walkthrough portion of practice and was observed moving around well, which is good coming off back surgery. WR Jackson Meeks was seen with the TE group during individual drills. DL No updates on who was opposite Hutchinson at DE McNeil (3-tech) and Tyliek Willians (NT) were the IDL starters Of note was that Mehki Wingo was on the starters field backing up McNeil and Onwuzurike at 3-tech, while Jay Tufele was repping on that field as the backup Nose Tackle. LBs 1st Tean - No Reports 2nd Team - No Reports 3rd team - No Reports Safety 1st Team - Christian Izien (In for Kerby) and Chuck Clark (In for Brian Branch) continue to get 1st team reps 2nd team - No reports 3rd team - No Reports Nickel McCrearey once again was the starter at nickel. No reports on who was the second team or rotating in. Outside CBs DJ Reed is moving around like the Reed from camp and early in the season prior to the hamstring injury last year per Tim Twentyman. 1st Team - DJ Reed and Rock Ya-Sin (with Arnold Out) with Khalil Dorsey rotating in 2nd Team - Terrion Arnold (Integrating back into practice) and Ennis Rakestraw outside 3rd Team - No reports Kick Returner WR Greg Dortch was noted as one of the primary KRs on Thursday joined by Isiah Pacheco, WR Tom Kennedy, WR Dominic Lovett, WR Jameson Williams, RB Jahmy Gibbs and WR Amon-Ra St Brown Rookies Blake Miller - As noted, spent more time this week's open practice with the reserve unit, still getting 1st team reps, all at RT Derrick Moore - No specific reports from practice, but he received unsolicited high praise from DC Kelvin Sheppard in his Fox 2 interview calling him a dog, complete football player and someone that will "put you on your face" Jimmy Rolder - Nothing specific noted about Rolder, but photos from OTAs still show him wearing the brace on his right arm. Keith Abney II - Again, no specific mention this week (was mentioned getting reps at nickel last week) but he was in the OTA photo drops Kendrick Law - Unfortunately the rookie tore his ACL and is done for the season. Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West - Zero mention of them in any reports and they haven't been featured in any of the OTA phots that I have noticed so far. UDFAs - Edge Anthony Lucas received a shout out from Sheppard during his Fox 2 segment talking about who would play opposite Hutch. QB Luke Altmyer received some praise from both Campbell and Petzing after they were asked about in their interview sessions. Lions Rookies OT Blake Miller, LB Jimmy Rolder and CB Keith Abney II Photo - Jeff Nguyen Detroit Lions Media Scrums with Players Penei Sewell on switching to Left Tackle Sewell was asked about switching to LT and he said it was "just different" due to having to switch stance and learn the playbook form a different perspective. “Every year we talk about it being a different year. This feels a lot different,” he said. “The standard is still the standard. I’ve been the one in the room that’s been here the longest. It’s up to me.” Jahmyr Gibbs on his contract, Detroit being home, additional workload and route running Gibbs spoke to the media and was asked about his contract. He stated that he isn't worried about getting an extension before the season, is more worried about the team. Also said doesn't matter whether he or Bijan Robinson go first (they will set the market) and that he doesn't really pay attention to that stuff and is letting his agent and Brad handle it. Was asked about Detroit becoming home and he said "It’s had a huge impact on me since I’ve been here. I love the people here, I love the sports teams here. It’s just been fun overall. I never thought I’d be here, in Detroit, you know growing up, but I really like it." Gibbs response to Dan Campbell saying they were going to put a lot on his plate in the run and pass game: "It’s nothing I’m not used to, growing up I’ve always been the person that’s had the most carries and stuff like that, so I’m not looking at it any different than any other year." Gibbs on his running of routes so far: He said he doesn't remember exactly when the Lions started installing his routes in the offense last year, "but it wasn’t this soon. It wasn’t right when we got back (for spring practices). So, I appreciate that." Jameson Williams on areas he focused on improving this offseason Willaims responded that his catching was the main thing. Said he wants to get better at it and it's a mind thing. Stated he didn't do any specific drills but rather used mental exercises to be able to catch the ball better. Dan Campbell Media Session Lions head Coach Dan Campbell met with the media on Thursday to cover quite a few topics that have come up since last week. After opening up with the Kendrick Law news and covering what practice would look like yesterday, he took some questions. Dan Campbell OTA Day 6 Press Conference Asked about how much more critical his eye (viewpoint) of the team has been: Campbell stated he doesn't want repeat offenders, that is the big thing. Then what are we trying to get out of it, the processing speed. Can this player learn form that mistake, have they been coached? Are they making that same mistake again? Also, if they figured it out, can they process it faster. That will have bearing on going into training camp and set the chart when they go into pads. Some guys are doing a really good job with that, and some that are not. First reaction to the Rams trading for Myles Garrett: Campbell was asked about the Rams getting Myles Garret and his initial reply was with a bit of sarcasm saying "Yeah, I mean, good for them. They've won it now, right?". After joking, he did say that both Verse and Garrett are both "hell of a player", albeit different types of players and said that "...was what (the Rams) felt they needed to do, and good for them, man." Asked about what would need to happen for lions to get in high-end trade market (Parsons, Croby, Garrett, etc.: Campbell simply said, I will tell you when that time happens. Asked about Ideal workload for Jahmyr Gibbs next season: Campbell said Gibbs will be their bell cow now, he became more of that last year, and we are going to hang our hat on him quite a bit. We are going to do a lot of things that we feel he does well. He also said that he has mentioned before that Gibbs can run everything the Lions have and can run any scheme out there. He is not just an outside runner, not just a space runner, he can create his own space in the middle, some of his biggest runs have been gap scheme right down the pipe where he has had patience and found it and guys blocked it up well. said will ask a lot of Gibbs, St Brown, LaPorta, Willaims Pacheco and Sewell and expect Gibbs to have a big year for the Lions. Said they are going to put a lot on his plate in the run and pass game. Asked about his confidence level in getting Kerby Josephy and what he expects to get out of him this season: Campbells answer was "I don't know, Honestly, I really do not know. We have done everything we can do, and he has done everything he can do to this point, and we are trying to be as smart as we can and not push this until we absolutely have to. Once we have done that, then we will know one way or another, and it is not worth it right now, we are slowly building continue to strength in there and he is getting treatment and done some of these different things, at different places, to try to help, so I feel good about that. I feel god that we have done everything we can and so has he, so we wort know, and honestly we probably won't know until we get into the thick of training camp." Asked what he likes about Christian Izien and safeties: Campbell said he likes Izzy a lot, played against the Lions, a pretty headsy player. He is violent, see ball hit ball, but hasn't done a ton on the back end with dept. So, working through that but feels like those ar things he can do. But said they won't know until they get into it in real time but knows he has some football player to him. really likes the current safety group that was brought in to compliment Branch and Joseph. Campbell mentioned Clark, Maddox and Izzy by name then added harper, Jackson and Strickland and said it was a pretty competitive group with young players and headsy veteran guys. Follow up on Kerby and steps he has taken besides acupuncture: Campbell simply said "I'm not going to get into all of that" Asked about getting back to play-action: Said they did try a lot of play action, but they weren't running the ball particularly well late in the year, and if you don't run it well there is only so much te defense will bite. Campbell said to go ask Jeff Campbell about it when they run over and over and the play pass. Said it will always be part of what the Lions do, but everything here starts on the ground on offense and that is where it begins. Will go form that as play action pass will be good for the Liosn because the players are good at it, the QB (Goff) is outstanding at it. Also said that the Lions QB can sit there in the gun to and dish the ball out. He said if you want to dep into the playoff, you better be able to run the frickin ball. So that is where it all begins. Asked about the benefit of bringing in Chris Grier and how will he be helpful in ways people won't see: Campbells aid that it would be a better question for Brad probably, but they did discuss it. Campbell said Grier has a lot of experience Director of College scouting under Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells, was GM through a few staffs. Said he has experience and Brad felt good about that. What can team do now that will impact team in season despite it being pajama time: This time of year, you can solve issues. Said Lions are doing a much better job of solving issues this this year than they were last year at this time. He like that part of it, even in walk throughs simulating guys needing to react, showing that they know what is going in. said also get some individual work, technique, timing with QB and receivers, do 7-on-7 full speed so DBs are getting good work (CBs, S, Nickels) and backers in coverage, so that is good. Cambell said there are things you can get out of it, and that is what Lions are trying to get out of it right now and improve on. Asked about signs he is looking for in DJ Reed to see that he is back where he needs to be: Likes where he is at for Sprint. he is moving well and that is encouraging for what he did. That was not easy for aa CB, coming back from a pretty significant hamstring injury, but likes the way he looks running around right now. Asked what is biggest improvement Petzing has brought to offense: Campbell said everything is tie together, and there is one voice and it spreads form there. Said Lions have an outstanding staff and across the board are really good. Having that one voice, clear communication and this is the way we want it to look in the run game, pass game and protections. Has done a good job of getting everyone on the same page form the get go. Asked if the Dl was built this offseason to tip scales more toward pass rush than run stop: Campbell said they certainly wanted to see if they could add a little bit of juice out there on the perimeter but also in the middle. That requires, if adding guys whose strength is in the pass rush, they also have to be able to hold up in the run game or they can't get into the game. Your niche has to be your niche, but the other stuff you have to show that you can hold your own at least. You don't have to be dominate, but thing they will have to work through once they get into camp. Asked about Luke Altmyer: Campbell said he doesn't lack confidence, that's for sure. Saif what we thought he would be at this point has held true, meaning able to retain the information so far, gets better every day, has a lot on his plate, but knows what the calls are, knows where guys are supposed to be, shifts, morions and that is good for a young guy that is really good. Campbell said we will see when it really gets going. Drew Petzing Media Session Lions' Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing met with the media Thursday for the first time since the scouting combine and provided some insight on what his offense might look like. Below are some of the key takeaways from his media session. On OTAs and his Offense: Seems like Petzing is on the same page as Dan Campbell about OTAs being glorified "pajama parties" due to no contact or pads, but it is still a critical time to absorb changes and make adjustments. Petzing indicated that the offense will be a blend of things he likes and is bringing over form Arizona along with stuff that the Detroit has been doing well for the last several years. He said there will be tweaks and some changes, but they have done a great job of handling it. On assessing his new weaponry: Last time Petzing met with the media, he stated he was assessing the team's skill players and looking to understand what it was they did best form their tape. Now that he has had them on the field and in the classroom, he stated it was fun getting to know their strengths and figuring out how to place them in the offense. He expects to create mismatches he can exploit, which is something Petzing had been known for at his previous stops. Working with Jared Goff and other Vets: Petzing said that he has been collaborating with Goff in installation since Day 1. Communication has been happening all the time, whether by text, FaceTime, or in the meeting rooms. he mentioned Gibbs, St Brown, Sewll and Williams that he has leaned on for feedback and to be an extension of the OC in their respective rooms. On his WR Room: Petzing had high praise for the WRs, including St Brown, Williams and TeSlaa. Said it was a really strong unit with different skillsets that complement each other. Petzing also praised their competition level and how they bring it to everything they do. Sewell moving to LT: Petzing said that it looks like it has been a seamless transition from Sewell moving to LT (echoing his boss form last week). Stated that Sewell looks like the best tackle in football and doesn't matter what side he is playing on. On QB Luke Altmyer: Earlier in the day (see above) Dan Campbell said that UDFA Luke Altmyer "didn't lack confidence" and Drew Petzing, when talking about Altmyer and the offense had this to say. “I think the emphasis is very similar to what we just talked about with the O-line. How quickly can you pick it up? You’ve got to call the plays, you’ve got to get in and out of the huddle, you’ve got the quarterback position, you’re responsible for the 10 other guys. Are they doing what they’re supposed to be doing, or when they’re not, can you correct it before it matters? I think that’s a big part of the process of playing quarterback and something that (Lions QB) Jared (Goff), obviously who’s been in the league for such a long time, does at such a high level that you almost start to take it for granted and some of the young guys got to get there, and to watch him do that, I think it’s great for Luke. I think he’s really embraced that and I think that’s been kind of the fun thing to get to work with him. You are building it from the ground up. He doesn’t have that foundation right now, and so we’re trying to set that foundation. I think he’s embracing that challenge.” Kelvin Shepperd interview on Fox 2's Sports Office Show Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard went on The Office Show with Dan Miller and Jennifer Hammond on Tuesday evening and dropped a significant amount of info on where he believes the Lions Defense is at, some breakout candidates and how he intends to improve over last year. You can read our full recap at the link below or watch the interview in its entirety. The Grey Manes recap of Kelvin Sheppard on Fox 2 The Sports Office The Lions second round of OTAs run this upcoming week form June 2nd-4th, third round is June 9th-11th and off-season workouts wrap with a mandatory minicamp from June 16-17th.

Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard went on The Office Show with Dan Miller and Jennifer Hammond on Tuesday evening and dropped a significant amount of info on where he believes the Lions Defense is at, some breakout candidates and how he intends to improve over last year. On Roster Competition Shep said it's the most amount of jersey numbers and new faces he has had to learn in his six years Credits the front office bringing in competition, says that was the thing leaving last year, making sure that they create such a competitive environment in house, so when the season gets rolling doesn't matter who they call up it truly will be a next man up with no drop off mentality About the Secondary Sheppard mentioned several players by name and why they have caught his eye and he expects them to help drive the Lions defense this year. Safeties Chuck Clark, Christian Izien and Avonte Maddox With uncertainty around what a Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph return will look like, Sheppard mentioned how the front office did a great job bringing in two proven vets and re-signig Maddox to ensure that the position has healthy competition so there is no drop off with next man up mentality. Nickel CB Roger McCreary Shep mentioned McCreary specifically as the guy who has popped in backfilling Amik Robertson. mentioned how they want to expand the use of nickel in 2026 over last year (injuries.) Defensive front changes As for the DLine, said he hates that he keeps hearing "Whose the guy opposite Hutchinson, as its a bit disrespectful to guys on roster. Last year AQM and his 12 sacks wasn't good enough Shep joked. He gets the concern, as did the front office, who attached it and addressed it in the draft via Derrick Moore Edges Derrick Moore, DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, Shep had some praise for Moore, offering unsolicited that he would describe him as a "dog' and "complete football player", stating that you can forget the flash with Moore, he is just a guy that will put you on your face. Did a great job in Free Agency nabbing DJ Wonnum, Lions saw him for four years with Vikings, Peyton Turner, another 1st rd. pick, believes light will come on for him. Undrafted edge Anthony Lucas and Ahmed Hassanein also were mentioned. Interior D-Line Alim and Tyliek Alim understand last year was not up to standards and have not shied away from it. McNeil was coming off major injury, not ability issue, so having confidence that he can put foot in ground and not think about it has made a difference. As for Tyliek, last year the Lions had luxury of having Reader and Lopez ahead of him, both now gone, Tyliek now getting those reps and done a tremendous job of getting self in shape. He did great job last year and Shep is excited for the year one to year two improvements. Shep also said that both can play Left or Right side along with either Nose or 3tech. Where will improvement come from? Complimentary football is top item. Defense coaches try to limit points and adjust for what does it take per week to win. It's not about being the #1 in any category but providing week-to-week clear cut understanding of what it takes to win each game each week. Playing at an elite level as a team in all three phases, by product is statistical category leader. How much do you look at other defenses? Sheppard stated that they absolutely do that as part of self-scout looking to know what those at highest level are doing. Understand who you are and who they are. He said you can't play certain styles based on personnel or complimentary football, but Seattle, Houston Jacksonville were all teams he looked at. Limiting points is goal, and if he found something that was applicable to Lions, Shep applied it. Will make the Lions better in long run. On Growth from year one to year two Said it means everything, you never know you're ready until you do it. Time on task ebbs and flows, ability to adapt and adjust during the season. No excuse for not having X, Y and Z. One of best games of season last year was Tampa Bay when the Legion of Whom netted their nickname. Been a player and coach, what part transitioned most? Shep said the most humbling moment as a player came when phone stopped ringing. As a coach, the moment came in year 1, walked into locker room with a lot of former teammates, and the first day or two they addressed him as sir or coach, and he realized he arrived on the caching scene.

The first week of OTAs for the 2026 Detroit Lions has concluded and a significant amount of information came out from the press events, photos, interviews and boots on the ground from the Lions beat reporters. Let's recap the most important bits of news that came out of the three-day camp: Photo - Jeff Nguyen Detroit Lions Injury Updates Dan Campbell in his press conference on Thursday provided several key injury updates on players, including those that ended last year on IR as well as those that came back last year but were still not performing at the level they expected of themselves. Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch are improving, but did not practice per Campbell at his press conference. LaPorta has done some walkthroughs and jog-throughs per Campbell Kerby Joseph (S) - Per Justin Rogers, was reportedly in Street Clothes, but was assisting in drills, catching passes and did not have a noticeable brace or sleeve on his leg or any type of limp. Terrion Arnold (Shoulder) and some rookies were also not practicing per Campbell. Arnold being held out, even though it is no-contact, was precautionary. Ben Bartch (OL) and Zach Horton (TE) - Addition veterans that did not participate Levi Onwuzurike - Campbell stated “I like where Levi’s at, and I’ll leave it at that. He’s working, he feels good. I’m not hyping anybody up, not in May. It’s not worth it.” Why no Rookie Mini Camp? Campbell basically said that rookies aren't ready for football, even on a limited basis. Says not worth it anymore. Last year they had guys on the ground, league didn't like it (they lost some practices because of it) Depth Chart/ Lineups Campbell also mentioned that the Lions would be split over two fields, so not to ready too much into what the beat writers would see with the lineups and apparent pecking order. However, a few nuggets did come out of their observations. Offensive Line - 1st OL: Reports were that the line was Sewell-Mahogany-Mays-Ratledge-Borom with the Rookie Miller subbing in for Borom. It was noted that the combo with Miller at RT was the most common alignment FWIW 2nd OL: Reports were Borom-Scruggs-McLaughlin-Frazier-Miller Versatile Depth: Borom was the 2nd team LT, and with Ben Bartch was out, so Gio Manu was taking reps at both OT and Guard. Frazier also was observed with reps at both Guard spots. Scruggs logged reps at all three IOL spots as well. Jumbo TE: Appears that both Miles Frazier and Larry Borom were observed getting reps as the Jumbo TE that had been filed by Coach Skipper in years past. WRs - Per Tim Twentyman, he noted how much more comfortable Isaac TeSlaa was this year vs last year at this time. TE Depth - Ty Conklin appears to have become a favorite of the QBs early on and may be surpassing brock Wright for the #2 TE position per Tim Twentyman. Said Conklin was a smooth route runner and had good hands. DL - base Defense 1st Team - Hutch, McNeil and Tyliek Williams were clear starters, with the DE spot being rotated in with Wonnum, Lacy, Turner, and Derrick Moore. 2nd Team - Onwuzurike (McNeil) and Chris Smith (Williams) were the backups LBs - In base defense 1st Tean - Jack Campbell (MIKE), Derrick Barnes (SAM) and Malcolm Rodriguez (WILL) 2nd Team - Jimmy Rolder (MIKE), Trevor Nowaske (SAM) and Damone Clark (WILL) 3rd team - Joe Bachie (MIKE), Nowaske (WILL) and Erick Hunter (SAM) Safety - Base Defense 1st Team - Christian Izien (In for Kerby) and Chuck Clark (In for Brian Branch) with Avonte Maddox subbing in 2nd team - Thomas Harper and Avonte Maddox 3rd team - Aamaris Brown and Dan Jackson Nickle - McRearey was running it out as 1st team Nickle to start, with Avonte Maddox and Rookie Keith Abney working into the reps. Outside CBs - Base defense 1st Team - DJ Reed and Rock Ya-Sin (with Arnold Out) with Ennis Rakestraw rotating in 2nd Team - Khalil Dorsey and Nick Whiteside outside and McCreary/Abney at Nickle 3rd Team - De'Shawn Rucker and Keith Abney (Outside) Punt Returner - Greg Dortch appears to be the first man up to replace Kalif Raymond, but Kennedy, pacheco and St. brown were also observed (in that order) fielding punts. Rookies Blake Miller - Was taking snaps at 2nd team RT and subbing in on 1st team with Borom, with Day 3 seeing Millers OL aligment the most common 1st team line. Derrick Moore - Aiden Hutchinson said that Moore is all about business and likes his approach. They have history working together back to Michigan Jimmy Rolder - Was playing a lot of the MIKE (MLB) position per Tim Twentyman, getting him experience to see everything form the middle and how the defense fits together. Lions Rookies LB Jimmy Rolder, OT Blake Miller and QB Luke Altmyer Photo - Jeff Nguyen Detroit Lions Ray Agnew Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew sat down with the media on Friday and shared that he had indeed interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings for their open GM position, that ultimately went to Seattle's Assistant GM Nolan Teasley. Agnew stated that he was excited for the opportunity and did reiterate that his ultimate goal was to become an NFL GM. Agnew will be in Detroit for at least the 2026-2027 season, staying as Brad Holmes right-hand man since they both came over from the LA Rams back in 2021. The Lions second round of OTAs run this upcoming week form June 2nd-4th, third round is June 9th-11th and off-season workouts wrap with a mandatory minicamp from June 16-17th.

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Detroit Lions Rookie OT Blake Miller Madden MUT Card Lions Players, Coaches and Team Ray Agnew will be back as Detroit Lions Assistant GM for at least one more year with Vikings hiring Seattle's assistant GM for their GM role Madden Ultimate Team released a GIF showing 1st round picks MUT scores including Lions OT Blake Miller Kerby Joseph shared on his Instagram that he was recently baptized. Lions posted photos from OTA: Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3. Rolder is still in his arm brace, and Kerby was not seen. Comprehensive OTA summary coming Tuesday. Jeremiah Love, good at football, not so much at Guessing QBs Happy Birthday to Derrick Barnes First Roary riding a bald eagle, now Barry is getting a new bobblehead, albeit steep at $100 Grant Gordon with a nice piece at NFL.com of the Lions still being "in their window" despite missing the playoffs in 2025 PFSN's Playoff Predictor gives the Lions the best shot to go for worst to first to win their division in 2026 Pre injuries in 2024, Alim McNeil and Aiden Hutchinson were an incredibly effective duo Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation Tom Brady had an interesting take on why Practice Squad players do not succeed in the NFL. Lions Coach Skipper respectfully doesn't share that view... The new "Retro" helmet by Ridell was spotted in the wild, with both Barry Sanders and Aiden Hutchinson signing them at the Detroit Sports Spectacular over the weekend. Minnesota Vikings QBs offer up two different answers on their relationship The Bears are one step closer to moving to Indiana as the Illinois Assembly failed to vote on a package to keep the team in the state The Madden '27 cover has been leaked, and surprisingly, it is Caleb Williams of the Bears, painted nails and all EA Sports is changing up how they reveal Madden 27 this year on June 4th Things I think are Noteworthy NBA Jam coin-op had secret code to ensure that the Jordan era Chicago Bulls couldn't hit a last second shot against the Pistons. Papa Johns is partnering with Disney for Toy Story 5 release and recreating Pizza Planet restaurants RIP to the greatest villain Hockeytown has ever seen Expect to see more of Taylor Swift at Cleveland Guardians games moving forward after her hubby bought a minority stake in the team...

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Lions LB Jack Campbell gets a four-year contract extension. Lions Players, Coaches and Team Jack Campbell gets rewarded with a massive 4-year $81M extension with $51.5M guaranteed. His APY of $20.25 makes him the second highest paid off the ball LB. Lions signed veteran WR Cedric Wilson, assigning him #86 and filling one of their remaining four roster spots The Lions have both David Shaw and Mike Kafka in the revamped NFL Accelerator program to help focus on coaches and executives that are ready for promotion to top jobs in the league. The Lion's 2026 schedule is set The Lions announced dates and times for their three pre-season games Another post-draft war room video shows that the Lions had a deal in place with Baltimore Ravens to move from 17 to 14, giving up 118 and a 2027 3rd. Speculation was that it was for Proctor, but in reality that aligns with Holmes statement that he had deals to move up for miller and once Simpson went to the Rams, he pulled all of them confident Miller would make it to 17. Who doesn't love Roary? How about an $85 Bobble head of Roary riding a bald eagle like a boss for America's 250th Anniversary Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation Nashville was officially awarded SB LXIV in 20230 in their brand-new stadium. The Minnesota Vikings will host the 2028 NFL Draft The NFL owners are slowly marching toward a full 16-game international schedule with the approval for up to 10 international games and maybe 11 with NFLPA approval (for more than 10) Things I think are Noteworthy Free Double Steakburger at Steak 'm Shake on Thursday 05/28/26 if you wear or show any American Flag Item The NFC North loses and Icon We have MORE excessive and weird sports concession including a 128 oz bucket of Barbacoa Beef Nachos at Arizona Diamondbacks games and a soccer ball stuffed with 12 cans of Miller light for $19.75 in time for the World Cup.

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Link to get Detroit Lions tickets for the Munich game in Germany Lions Players, Coaches and Team Everything to know about the Lions Game in Germany Click the graphic above to inquire about game tickets The Lions opponent was revealed to be the New England Patriots, who also have marketing rights to Germany Game will be 11/15/26 during Week 10 on Fox at 9:30 AM EST There is an AMEX presale for tickets to the Muchic game starting May 28th More post-draft nuggets, appears Holmes tried to move up to 37 form 50 with the Giants offering 50, 118, 128 and 157. They declined, and instead he went from 50 to 44 and picked Rolder, and Abney II with two of those picks he dangled. The Lions Complete schedule is out, and there are some pitfalls The full list of Jersey Numbers has been released by the Lions for returning players that changed numbers since last season (left), New Players (L-Middle), the seven draft picks (R-Middle) and nine UDFAs (Right) Longtime Detroit Sports Personality Pat Caputo recently passed away after a battle with Cancer Former Lion CB Jerry Jacobs calls it a career Going rate to get in after driving across Southern Ontario to watch the Lions Play the Bills in New Highmark Stadium is ~440 bottles of Molson Beer Lions will get new Rivalry Jerseys from Nike in 2026 Vikings requested to interview Ray Agnew for their vacant GM job Lions Asst GM Ray Agnew is on the short list of interviews for the Vikings GM role Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation NFL Owners will be voting Tuesday at Owner's Spring Meeting on whether to award Nahsville the Hosting City for Super Bowl LXIV Insightful look at how NFL Defenses have evolved and it spilling over into the Draft Things I think are Noteworthy Rare Rainbow Cloud caught on camera; Jim Cantore was not present this time though... RIP Donald Gibb...

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Lions Players, Coaches and Team Post draft news nuggets, Lions tried to trade up with both the LA Rams (13) and possibly with the Ravens (14) The Lions brought in a pair of veteran Receivers for a visit, both Scottie Miller and James Proche appear to be more toward Special teams and returner Jameson Williams is suing The Ohio State University, Alabama and the NCAA overt NIL monies he should have been paid. New podcasting duo out there, Scott Mitchell and Herman Moore The Lions continue to fill out the last five spots on the roster and build depth Workouts with veteran WRs Scottie Miller and James Proche Signed LB Joe Bachie and DL Jay Tufele Brad Galli signed off from WXYZ last Friday but will be covering Detroit Sports teams again very soon Thanks to our followers on X, we now know that DJ Wonnum was wearing the #98 formerly worn by DJ reader at the Lions Draft party at Ford Field. Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation Diego Pavia unsurprisingly went undrafted last week (signing with the Ravens), but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers snatched up his rights for the CFL Jeremy Fowler lists two Lions picks in his Top 100 steals and best fits YouTube TV has launched a fully customizable Multiview, and yes, Sunday Ticket can be added into the view Things I think are Noteworthy The World's Largest 4DX Cinema is a Regal in Times Square Ted Lasso Season 4 Trailer Dropped.... College Football '27 AI Fan Created Open World Concepts that should be in the game The latest in novelty refreshment at sporting events...beer skate!

Now that the draft has ended, and the Detroit Lions picked up players to plug most of their glaring needs, the time has come to reach agreements with the UDFA players that were not picked in the draft. Detroit Lions Current Depth Chart before UDFA Going into the Draft, the Lions had 69 players on the Roster, and with seven draft picks, they now have 76 roster spots spoken for. That leaves the Lions the ability to sign up to 14 Undrafted Free Agents (or veteran FAs) to fill out the roster for the upcoming camps and going into the season. Here are the confirmed UDFA agreements that have been posted: CB De'Shawn Rucker USF TE Miles Kitselman Tennessee QB Luke Altmeyer Illinois EDGE Eric O'Neil Rutgers EDGE Anthony Lucas USC DL Aiden Keanaaina Cal $20,000 signing bonus, plus $247,500 of base salary is guaranteed for total of $267,500 guaranteed OG Melvin Priestly Illinois LB Erick Hunter Morgan State 3-year, $3,125,000, including a $25,000 signing bonus, $175,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $1,041,667 DB Amaris Brown UNLV

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Lions Players, Coaches and Team The Lions 2026 NFL Draft is in the books and they drafted Round 1: OT Clemson Blake Miller Round 2: EDGE Michigan Derrick Moore Round 4: LB Michigan Jimmy Rolder Round 5: CB Arizona State Keith Abney II Round 5: WR Kentucky Kendrick Law Round 6: DT Texas tech Skyler Gill-Howard Round 7: DT Tennessee Tyre West Here are the Nine confirmed UDFAs that the Lions have agreements with. Includes the best HBCU prospect and TE (1), CB (1), QB (1), EDGE (2), DL (1), OG (1), LB (1) & DB (1) Additional round of New Numbers assigned to Lions are becoming known 99 - Ahmed Hassanein 93 - Tyler Lacey Wedding season claims another Lion, Congrats to the Wrights! Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation NBC's Football Night in American is adding form Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Things I think are Noteworthy Noodling not needed with the flooding happening in Northern Michigan The first Trailer for "Super Troopers 3" is out and looks amazing...Meow (NSFW!)

The final pick in the 2026 draft for the Detroit Lions was the addition of another undersized and athletically challenged DT in Tennessee Tyre West. This pick feels like Holmes wanting to guarantee having him on the roster vs fighting to sign him as a UDFA, as West was getting a lot of attention in the ore-draft process despite having UDFA projection. West had steady production in college, but his RAS wont wow anyone due to size and athleticism constraints. But much like Gill-Howard, the expectations is that he will be a playmaker with versatility across the DL. West Key Career Stats 48 career games 65 Combined Tackles, 34 solo and 31 assists 20.5 TFL 10 Sacks 1 PD and 2 FF The Grey Manes were again good with this pick do to the position and the fact he was someone Brad wanted to bring in without having to fight for as a UDFA. West wore 42 in college and that jersey is available, last worn by Ty Summers in early 2025.

The Detroit FINALLY got their DT that everyone has been clamoring for in Round 6 with the selection undersized DT Skyler Gill-Howard of Texas tech. The kid has some definite athletic shortcomings, but his motor is one of the best at the position and looks to be a complete Dan Campbell and Detroit Lions type of player. Gill-Howard spent two years in the MAC with Northern Illinois before finishing his career at Texas Tech. Law Key Career Stats 31 career games 88 Total Tackles, 51 solo and 37 assists. 14.5 TFLs 6 Sacks 1 INT, I TD, 2 PD and 1 FR The Grey Manes were happy to get some depth at the position and not overly worried about the size and athleticism issues this late in the draft. His college Jersey number of 0 is currently worn by Jamyr Gibbs, so Gill-Howard will need to pick a new one.

Brad Holmes made his first unexpected pick of the draft with the second 5th round pick by trading up with the Bills by giving up picks 181 and 213 in exchange for pick 168. The pick ended up being Kentucky (and former three-year Alabama WR) Kendrick Law. This looks to be a pick for Special teams and a way to get the roster younger, faster and cheaper. Law Key Career Stats 46 career games 86 Receptions, 883 Yards 10.3 Avg, 4 TDs 31 KRs for 710 yards (22.9 Avg) The Grey Manes were a bit perplexed by this pick due to a perceived lack of need and giving up a late 6th Rd pick to move up for him. However, adding speed and Special Teams players on rookie deals is a key need for the team. His college Jersey number of 1 is currently worn by Jameson Williams, so Abney will need to pick a new one.