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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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The Detroit Lions cut cornerback Terrion Arnold to eliminate a season-long distraction and build around playable depth at corner. The legal case, including a million dollar bond and interstate court travel, limited availability and focus. As Scott Bischoff said, the timing and transparency issues pointed to a commissioner's exempt-list outcome anyway.

Detroit acted to remove a major distraction and move forward with players who can practice and play. Cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, faced kidnapping and robbery charges, a million dollar bond, and repeated travel for court, which prevented full investment in football. As Scott Bischoff noted, the post-hearing timing and a lack of full transparency pushed Detroit to act, and Arnold was headed for the commissioner's exempt list regardless. Kelvin Sheppard had already said Arnold was falling behind, and Russell Brown added that if teams truly wanted Arnold, a trade, waiver claim, or quick signing would have happened.

Yes, it can function with veteran competence and real competition. Cornerback Roger McCreary, Detroit Lions, profiles as the starting nickel, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, Detroit Lions, becomes a key outside option, and cornerback DJ Reed, Detroit Lions, settles the CB1 matchups when healthy. Rookies cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, and cornerback Keith Abney, Detroit Lions, compete to seize CB2 or rotational roles, with Thomas Harper and others in the mix. Russ Brown pointed out that Rock Ya-Sin posted a career-high nine pass deflections last season and allowed only 28 receptions for 274 yards, and even as a rookie he started 13 games and allowed 46 receptions. For context, Amik Robertson gave up 70 receptions, almost 900 yards and 8 touchdowns last year. Detroit does not need rookies to play every snap in September.

Increased pressure and flexible personnel shorten coverage snaps. Edge Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, teams with defensive tackle Tylek Williams, Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions, and edge Dorsey Moore, Detroit Lions, to generate the heat missing last year. Expect more nickel and dime once safety Brian Branch, Detroit Lions, returns and safety Kirby Joseph, Detroit Lions, is full go. As Russell Brown said, early in the season Detroit can lean a bit more on base with linebackers Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Dorsey Barnes, Jimmy Rolder and Trevor Nowaski until the safety room stabilizes. Coach Kelvin Sheppard has the bodies to mix packages.

A more assertive, gap-heavy run game that marries to play action. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Detroit Lions, will feature duo, pin-pull and trap concepts that fit running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, better than heavy zone. Tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, operates on the left, while the right side grows with tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions, and guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, plus guard Cade Mays, Detroit Lions. Quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, benefits from defined run looks and intermediate play action.

Tight end Tyler Conklin, Detroit Lions, gives Detroit a vetted third-down and red-zone option, stabilizes 12 and 13 personnel, and eases early load if tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, is limited.

Defensive tackle Skyler Gibbs Howard, Detroit Lions, as a true three-tech, uses quickness to penetrate and disrupt in camp and preseason, complementing Mekhi Wingo, Detroit Lions.

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Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany enters camp in pencil as the starter, but the job is open. He returned from injury late last season and did not lock down the role, and both Juice Scruggs and Ben Bartch will push him in a true competition.

Mahogany has flashed the ability to be an effective NFL starter, but it will take more consistent performance and health to lock up the starting job in 2026. Newcomers Juice Scruggs and Ben Bartch are more experienced and also bring more positional versatility to the Lions' den.

Then there are some wild cards who could also enter the mix, though more likely as reserve options than as true threats to be the Week 1 starter at left guard. Those include Miles Frazier and Giovanni Manu, as well as veteran Colby Sorsdal, who missed all of 2025 with an injury but took lots of reps in minicamp.

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The Detroit Lions have the top-end talent to win a championship. PFSN's Top 100 lists seven Lions, with offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. Health, execution, and timely plays must now match that talent.

Seven Detroit Lions made the list, led by offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4 as OT1, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. That is four Lions in the top 20.

Quarterback Jared Goff is No. 53 and QB10, tight end Sam LaPorta is No. 87, and linebacker Jack Campbell is No. 95 as LB4. As Jeff Risdon noted, PFN's linebacker impact score had Jack Campbell No. 1 among linebackers in 2025. PFSN also notes Sam LaPorta missed eight games in 2025, yet his 54.3 receiving yards per game was his best per-game mark since his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2023.

Jeff Risdon emphasized that while Penei Sewell is moving to left tackle, elite edges attack both sides. Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T. J. Watt rarely rushes against left tackles, Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson often works over right tackles, and Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett moves around.

No. Team health, execution, and key plays matter more than raw star counts. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks and the Super Bowl runner-up New England Patriots were not among the most represented teams on the Top 100 list.

Seattle’s core callouts on PFSN included wide receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, and quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 71 as QB12. They won with health and timely defense. Detroit’s takeaway is clear, as Risdon said, talent is there, but game-deciding plays must follow.

Quarterback Jared Goff at No. 53 and QB10 confirms he is not holding the Detroit Lions back. As Jeff Risdon stated, Goff is very good at what he is asked to do. Detroit does not ask him to run RPOs or fire frequent tight-window throws, and within that structure he wins.

Risdon added that if the Seattle Seahawks can win with quarterback Sam Darnold and that supporting cast, the Lions can finish the job with Jared Goff. The ranking validates Detroit’s approach, provided the offense sustains health and situational precision.

Detroit leads the division with seven Top 100 players. Green Bay has four, Chicago has three, and Minnesota has two, reinforcing that the Lions possess the division’s deepest top-end core.

Green Bay’s notables include quarterback Jordan Love at No. 34 as QB8, offensive tackle Zach Tom at No. 57 as OT7, and safety Xavier McKinney at No. 67 as S4. Chicago’s trio features offensive tackle Darnell Wright as the top Bear, guard Joe Thuney at No. 65 as OG3, and quarterback Caleb Williams at QB15. Minnesota’s two are wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 16 as WR4 and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel at No. 99 as Edge12. As Risdon concluded, Detroit’s talent is real, now the execution must be too.

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The quietest part of the NFL calendar rarely stays quiet for long. With training camp roughly 10 days away, the Detroit Lions have entered the final stretch before the real evaluations begin. The roster is largely set, the offseason program is complete, and every conversation now shifts toward one question: what are we about to learn once the pads come on?

On this week's Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon look ahead to one of the most important training camps of the Dan Campbell era. From position battles to injury updates, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating the running back room, there is no shortage of storylines despite the lack of football on the field.

Training camp is where optimism meets reality, and the Lions have several competitions that will define the opening 53-man roster.

The first battle begins at right tackle. Rookie first-round pick Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom split first-team reps throughout OTAs and minicamp, making this one of the premier competitions to watch when camp opens.

The secondary remains another major storyline following the departure of Terrion Arnold. Detroit must identify who will emerge opposite D.J. Reed, with Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. expected to receive every opportunity to claim the job. Replacing Arnold is not simply about finding another starter. It is about rebuilding depth in a room that suddenly looks much different than it did just a few months ago.

Running back is another fascinating discussion. Jahmyr Gibbs is unquestionably the featured back, but is Isiah Pacheco enough as RB2? His experience, physical running style, and pass protection bring value, but Sione Vaki continues to develop, making this a storyline worth following throughout camp.

Perhaps no player carries more intrigue entering camp than Kerby Joseph. The All-Pro safety remains one of Detroit's most important defensive players, but his recovery from a knee injury leaves legitimate questions. Training camp should finally provide answers about both his availability and effectiveness.

His availability could shape the entire defense. Fortunately, Brad Holmes added veteran depth at safety, giving Detroit more flexibility than it had a year ago, but everyone understands this defense is better when Joseph is healthy.

That naturally leads to the biggest discussion of the episode. How confident should Lions fans be?

The roster still has one of the NFL's strongest offensive cores. Jared Goff is surrounded by elite skill talent, the offensive line remains among the league's best, and the coaching staff has built a culture capable of competing with anyone. The questions largely reside on defense, where health, youth, and replacing Terrion Arnold all become part of the equation.

Training camp is where those answers begin to emerge.

Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they prepare you for everything to watch over the coming weeks. From the biggest roster battles to Kerby Joseph's health, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating Isiah Pacheco's role, this is your complete guide to the storylines that will define Detroit's 2026 training camp.

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The Detroit Lions defense in 2025 was not bad, it was untimely. They ranked 22nd in scoring defense but finished 17th in yards allowed per game and ninth on third downs, and Pro Football Focus graded them as a top-five defense overall. The real issue was explosive plays and situational lapses at key moments.

No. The unit performed better than its reputation. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were 22nd in points allowed, 17th in yards per game at 332.8, and middle of the pack at 5.4 yards per play. Crucially, they allowed a 36.9 percent third-down conversion rate, which ranked ninth, while the offense converted 38.8 percent, 19th.

That disconnect fuels the perception. The defense was on the field in tough spots and failed at the worst times, which is different from being bad snap-to-snap.

Excellent. PFF’s cumulative defensive grade for Detroit was 81.8, fifth overall, with a 78.5 run defense grade that ranked fourth. Tackling graded at 74.9, second behind the Green Bay Packers. The pass rush ranked fifth, and pressure rate ranked fourth, with help from Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Coverage graded 74.1, tenth.

Raw team data backs several strengths: Detroit allowed the sixth-lowest completion rate at 61.6 percent, averaged 7.3 yards per pass allowed which ranked 23rd, and posted an 8.11 percent sack rate, eighth. Special teams graded sixth. The defense simply surrendered too many explosive plays and got burned by short fields when the offense failed on third and fourth downs. Those two factors drove points more than down-to-down quality.

Cut the explosives and win the pivotal snaps. That means finishing drives with takeaways or stops on third and manageable, and protecting field position instead of gifting short fields.

As Jeff Risdon theorized, using more zone coverage and replacing some base 4-3 snaps with extra defensive backs or an additional lineman instead of a linebacker can specifically help in coverage. He also noted using the punter a little more in marginal situations to avoid feeding opponents favorable field position.

Risdon’s Houston analogy underscores it: clean up turnover differential and third-down execution and a defense that already grades well turns those metrics into points prevented.

Yes. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson closed strong after a slump and remains the headliner up front. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell delivered impact against the run, and the interior pairing of Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams should be a strong one-two punch.

Depth has improved in the secondary, though, as Jeff Risdon cautioned, safety Brian Branch and safety Kerby Joseph entering the start of the year is not optimal. Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone’s role can flex within sub-packages to prioritize coverage matchups. Bottom line, as Risdon put it, the defense was unfortunate and untimely in 2025, and those are correctable issues. He’s over the 10.5 win total.

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Penei Sewell is an elite NFL offensive tackle, not the 10th-best, as ESPN pundit Mike Clay ranked him. He finished third in pass protection efficiency at 98.2 with only two sacks, six hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures allowed, plus a 95.1 overall and 96.7 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.

Yes. Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell ranks among the NFL’s best, not 10th. As Jeff Risdon noted, Pro Football Focus graded Sewell at 95.1 overall with a 96.7 run blocking grade, and he allowed just two sacks, six quarterback hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures in 2025. Those results track with a 98.2 pass protection efficiency, which placed him third among qualifying tackles.

ESPN’s ranking leans on a proprietary pass block win rate and on the note that Sewell is moving sides. Risdon acknowledged that switching from right tackle to left tackle is a fair consideration, but he emphasized Sewell has played left tackle in the NFL and handled it well. Every visible performance marker says he belongs at the top tier.

No. What matters is not losing, and Sewell rarely loses. As Jeff Risdon said, the ESPN metric is subjective and measures “wins,” while pass protection success is about preventing losses. Sewell’s 98.2 efficiency shows he prevents losses as well as almost anyone, backed by only 19 total pressures conceded across a 50 percent of 1,294 snaps qualifier pool.

Context also matters. Protection can change based on a tight end’s alignment, the guard inside, or compensating for interior issues. Risdon pointed out that Detroit often had to shade inside last year because the center struggled, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is not mobile under quick pressure. That reality affects how any tackle is scored snap to snap.

As conservative. The unit projects better than 19th even with moving parts. Risdon accepted ESPN’s 19th as a defensible output for a formula, noting the Lions have starters at three new positions, but he stated Detroit will outperform that slot.

Continuity takes time, but the cornerstone is overwhelming. Sewell’s dominance stabilizes the front, and Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley can lean on elite edge play while integrating the new starters. That foundation raises the floor and the ceiling for the group.

They reinforce Sewell’s standing. In pass protection efficiency, Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garrett Bolles ranked first and New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas second, with Sewell third at 98.2. Pro Football Focus also showed Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs at 92.7 overall, while Sewell’s pass protection grade of 80.3 matched San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams and topped San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz.

Risdon added that Sewell’s pressure totals were equivalent with Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright, and he flagged Detroit Lions offensive tackle Larry Borom appearing in the top 10 for pass rush efficiency as an encouraging pickup. The eye test and the data converge on the same conclusion: Sewell is elite, and Detroit’s line trends up from a formulaic 19th.

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The Daily DLP welcomes Bish and Brown co-host Russ Brown to the latest episode. The show focuses on some of the recent Lions developments, including the team's dismissal of cornerback Terrion Arnold. Brown argued that Detroit can evaluate and win with the corners on hand while focusing entirely on football.

Yes. The roster and locker room benefit from removing a high-profile distraction and empowering the rest of the room. Detroit Lions cornerback DJ Reed, Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney give the staff multiple perimeter options.

Brown framed it plainly, the team has enough depth to stay afloat and can use the season to see exactly what it has in Rakestraw and Abney while Reed takes the CB1 role. He also noted the waiver reality and that the issue is no longer inside the building. Jeff Risdon added he expects a massive suspension and reminded listeners no team claimed Arnold. Training camp opens July 25, so the team’s clean slate at corner arrives at the right time.

Right tackle is settled, left guard is a true competition. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller starts immediately. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Krish Mahogany and Detroit Lions guard Miller Frasier headline the race with Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch in the mix.

Brown called Miller plug and play and said he has no doubt Miller will be the starting right tackle. He labeled left guard the bigger question, with the cream rising between Mahogany and Frasier. The hosts praised the front office for taking two interior swings and set the expectation that this group is better than a year ago.

It is elite, and it will be featured. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is a set-and-forget chain-mover, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams adds vertical thunder. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s health is trending up, and Detroit Lions running back Jameer Gibbs remains a centerpiece.

Brown told friends to draft St. Brown without hesitation because he wins every down and distance. He described Williams as a modern home-run threat who can get to roughly 60 catches and 1,000 yards with schemed touches. With Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka providing fresh eyes, as Jeff Risdon put it, the offense should clean the meat off the bone that was left last year.

Yes on the trenches, and no issue on specialists. Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ali McNeil pairs with Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ty II Williams to anchor inside, while Detroit Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gil Howard brings first-step juice as a late-round addition.

Brown outlined how Reader’s exit was expected short term and emphasized Williams’ faster play and McNeil’s reset year. Risdon, after seeing Gil Howard up close, said his physical presence impressed and that pads will tell the rest.

There is no mistake in having no camp challengers. Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates are established, and Detroit Lions long snapper Hatton is working under former long snapper and current staffer Don Muhlbach. Brown said the Lions would add competition if needed. Risdon called Fox unreal at minicamp, a reminder that this NFL unit is set.

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Colby Sorsdal makes the Detroit Lions 53-man roster as a reserve guard in Jeff Risdon’s current projection. His roster case centers on a cleaner guard fit, size and strength, and a depth chart that now places other tackles ahead of him. Spring reps and versatility keep him in the fight.

Yes, Jeff Risdon currently has Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal on the final 53, in pencil, as a reserve interior option. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sorsdal drew meaningful spring reps and remains in the core group competing for backup jobs.

Risdon emphasized that Sorsdal missed last season after a preseason injury against Atlanta led to an injured reserve stint. The perception that he was gone lingered because of the waiver process, but he reverted and remained with Detroit. With renewed health and visible work in the spring, he reenters a crowded battle for reserve offensive line roles.

Guard, not tackle. Sorsdal’s body type, power and grip strength translate inside, and the tackle depth ahead of him reduces the need to keep him outside.

As a rookie in 2023, Sorsdal played 94 snaps at left guard out of 253 total regular season snaps, the only regular season action of his career to date. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s staff has seen him at both guard spots, and his pass-protection challenges on the edge, specifically against quick inside counters that tested his foot reset and weight transfer, point to a cleaner projection at guard. The ask now is to channel his upper-body strength, anchor and hand usage in tighter spaces while sharpening the footwork that stalled him at right tackle.

Very crowded, and it shapes Sorsdal’s lane. Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom upgrades the OT3 spot, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller was drafted to play early, and Detroit Lions tackle Devin Cochran brings length. That stack narrows Sorsdal’s tackle path and pushes him to guard.

Inside, Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is part of the mix, Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is being sorted among positions, and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin is competing for depth. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is the presumptive winner per Risdon, with Juice Scruggs his top challenger. Within that framework, Sorsdal’s clearest route is becoming the best reserve right guard who can also cover emergency snaps elsewhere.

Dan Campbell underscored open competition and Sorsdal’s chance to earn it. Campbell said the staff’s eyes are open every year, Sorsdal is coming back from injury and doing a good job, and pads will tell more. He added that players get overlooked, then gain confidence, make plays and earn roles, and that Sorsdal has an opportunity.

That aligns with Risdon’s view: if the Detroit Lions keep him focused at one spot and he stacks solid padded practices and preseason tape, Sorsdal validates a reserve guard role on the 53.

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The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on Dominic Lovett, No. 19, and his roster odds as training camp nears. The NFL squeezes slot receivers who lack a clear special teams role, and Lovett sits right in that pinch point. He is listed at 5-10, 185 and profiles as a slot-only receiver. At Georgia, his routes rarely stretched beyond 8 to 10 yards. The usage leaned horizontal. Quick slants. Hitches. Get it out, make the first tackler miss. He has speed, but the vertical element was not a staple of his tape.

The top of the Detroit Lions depth chart leaves little room. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa define the top three. The club added Greg Dortch, who is smaller than Lovett and brings elite yards-after-catch production. Dortch owned minicamp. He was open, quickly and often. That is not how Lovett’s spring looked.

Lovett’s path is special teams. As a rookie, he logged snaps in most games but was a regular on those units only from Weeks 4 to 8, which included the bye. He logged no return action. In camp, he was not near the top of the returner reps. He did not record a special teams tackle. He is not noted for blocking. The evaluation lands near baseline, which means no real positive spikes.

The drops remain an issue. In minicamp, Lovett put two easy throws on the ground. One came when he tried to run before the catch. Another was a low ball he did not dig out. That tracked with college scouting reports on his hands. Meanwhile, Tom Kennedy offers physical play, nuanced routes, and trust from Jared Goff. Kennedy blocks, arrives on time in his spots, and catches what is thrown. If the decision is Lovett or Kennedy for the same role, Kennedy holds the edge.

Realistically, Lovett is battling for wide receiver five or wide receiver six if the Lions keep six. The competition includes Kennedy, Tarek Black, Malik Cunningham, and a wave of former UFL guys. Jackson Meeks is trending more toward an undersized tight end role than a true wideout. Dortch is locked as WR4. On the current board, Lovett trails Cunningham and Kennedy and likely at least one of the UFL additions, such as Black.

The episode framed a clear outcome set. If Lovett pops on special teams as a returner, blocker, or in gunning duties, he can change the conversation in Detroit. If not, he projects outside the 53 and likely clears waivers. In a crowded NFL receiver room, every rep will matter. For Lovett, the Detroit Lions Podcast made it plain: special teams is not a bonus. It is the job interview.

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