Which Detroit Lions players were the biggest winners from training camp?
With Detroit Lions training camp coming to a close on Wednesday, we’re inching closer to the start of the NFL regular season, but before we get into that, let’s recap some of the best performances of camp.
Today’s Question of the Day is…
Who were the biggest winners of training camp for the Detroit Lions?
To me, there are several players that stand out, but I think Levi Onwuzurike stands out as perhaps the biggest winner of camp. Once thought of as a bubble guy who could be on the outside looking in, Onwuzurike quickly stood out at the beginning of training camp, and once he was able to convince coaches to hand him some first-team reps, there was no looking back. Onwuzurike has now solidified himself as one of the Lions’ best interior defenders and when the coaches talk about how good this defensive line looks this year, he’s one of the first names that come up.
Parker Hesse is another name that has had a meteoric rise during camp. Though he had spent some time in the NFL prior to reaching the Lions, he was still somewhat of an unknown coming in. The Lions had their top two tight ends set with Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, but they were in need of a reserve with good blocking skills. Hesse immediately stood out in that area, but we also saw him provide some versatility with his ability to slot in as a fullback. As it stands, Hesse is the frontrunner to land one of the reserve TE spots, with James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra potentially fighting for that final spot, if the Lions choose to keep four.
Isaiah Williams might not be the X-receiver that the Lions desperately need right now, but he is one of the only receivers that has stood up when called upon, and he may have worked himself onto the roster despite the Lions not having much need for another slot receiver. With that being said, even if the Lions decide to cut Williams, he’s put enough good tape out there during the preseason that he’s a good candidate to make someone else’s 53-man roster.
Let’s hear from you. Who was the biggest winner during Lions training camp? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.