By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Week 2 had some major up and downs for a few players.
Stock trending up:
Levi Onwuzirike looks like the most improved defensive player, not only because he’s healthy, but showing the ability to play inside and out on the Dline. Mainly with the first-string defensive unit. He’s been splitting time with Marcus Davenport at DE. As well as being the DT 2 next to Alim McNeil. Receiving praise from not only beat writers, and players, but from the Head Coach Dan Campbell himself. Much different from reports out of camp last season, where it was mostly beat writers and fans.
A marked improvement, when at the beginning of camp. He was considered to be on Bubble Watch. Which means was considered a most likely cut candidate. It’s a pleasant surprise to everyone but Brad Holmes. Which he looks like the player he envisioned.
Jameson Williams continues to be the most improved offensive player.
But according to coaches and teammates. Daurice Fountain picked up this off-season is making a case to be the WR3 on this roster. But at least should be the WR5 if not. Playing ahead of guys like resigned Donovan Peoples-Jones, and last years 7th round pick Antione Green.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. the young corner back has been making life rough on 2nd string defense. Taking the ball away at any opportunity he can. He also has been playing with the first string at Nickel Back. Relieving Emmanuel Mosely Jr.
Emmanuel Mosely Jr. might be the biggest surprise for doing great this camp. After tearing his other ACL right after returning from rehabbing his other knee from the same injury. Was considered a nice depth piece. But has been taking the Starting Nickel role with the first string.
Clearly it will be interesting to watch these camp battles this training camp!.
Stock Trending Down:
James Houston and his return from injury, it looks like it’s having long-term effects. His bend isn’t looking as well, nor is his first step. He’s been struggling to get anything going against back up offensive linemen. Not having the same results as the prior 2 camps.
Josh Paschal has also struggled to make the impact the coaches would want . Thus having him fall from first string to 3rd string duties.
Mathieu Betts, while still taking 2nd team reps at DE, and making plays on STs. The wanted to test his ability to transition to SAM LBer. But they may have done that a bit premature. Because he looked overwhelmed at the position. But it is valuable to know what a player can and cannot do.
Injury Bug Bites at Camp:
We saw two players go down with season ending injuries at Camp.
DE/DT John Cominsky went down with an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), and a partial MCL (mediate) tear in his knee. Requiring surgery.
Back up Offensive Guard Netane Muti, who was showing great promise to make the 53 man roster went down with a shoulder injury. It requires surgery and also will miss the season or a majority of it.
Not so serious, but STs/RB Sione Vaki also had a minor shoulder injury and should return to training camp soon. He’s been making a case to be the RB3 or 4 on the roster with his versatility.
A couple of signings:
After the injuries. Lions acquired the services of UFL Michigan Panthers Offensive Guard Jake Burton. He started every game for the Panthers this past season.
As well as DE Patrick O’Connor. Former Bob Quinn pick (2017 7th Round, Pick 250 overall). He was cut the year he was drafted, only to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he remained on the roster until this off-season.
The Lions joint practices begin August Fifth and Sixth versus their first preseason opponent, the New York Giants. Last time, things hit a little fiesty between the two teams. Wonder if that same fire and intensity continues. They play the game August 8th.
A Little Announcer News:
Golden Tate is to be entering the announcers booth for home games. Always was a fan favorite with his time here.
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