Detroit Lions 2023 Training Camp Preview
At training camp, the Detroit Lions are looking to get started with their 2023 season. In 2022, the Lions finished with a 9-8 record. That was the franchise’s first time finishing above .500 since 2017. Now, Detroit is looking to break through and win the NFC North for the first time since 1993. That all starts with training camp. Training camp will be crucial for Detroit as they look to assemble the depth chart after an extremely active free agency and 2023 NFL Draft. Let’s dive into what to expect from the Lions when their 2023 training camp rolls around.
Three Position Battles to Watch
Middle Linebacker: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez
The first position battle for the Lions will take place at middle linebacker. Last season, Detroit utilized the 4-2-5 defense regularly. In most cases, Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez were the starting linebackers.
The Lions will likely continue to run two linebacker schemes after signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson, an elite slot corner, this offseason. The difference is that they also drafted linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round. That leaves three linebackers competing for two positions.
The Lions love Anzalone and he will likely start. Anzalone has been a captain for the past two seasons and signed a three-year extension in the offseason. That leaves Rodriguez and Campbell competing for the remaining reps. Considering the fact that Campbell was a first-round pick while Rodriguez was a six-round pick leads you to believe that the Iowa linebacker will get an opportunity as the starter. Let’s see if he takes advantage of the opportunity and becomes the full-time starter.
Defensive Tackle: Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, Levi Onwuzurike, Brodric Martin,
The Detroit Lions will have to take a long look at the defensive tackle position in training camp. The top end of the Detroit interior defensive line rotation revolves around Alim McNeill, Isiah Buggs, Levi Onwuzurike, and Brodric Martin.
Last season, McNeill and Buggs were the only two of the group with any production. McNeill started all 17 games and had 80 total tackles, one sack, and six tackles for loss. More importantly, he improved throughout the season and played his best in the latter portion of the year. Buggs played in every game and started 13 of them while adding 46 total tackles and a sack.
Onwuzurike missed the entire 2022 with a back injury. Prior to that, he had an underwhelming rookie season. The future of Onwuzurike is highly in question. The Lions are hoping he can return for training camp. If he does, his performance could greatly determine where the 2021 second-round pick lies in the Lions’ defensive line rotation.
Finally, Martin will be the group’s rookie wild card. The Lions traded up to select the Western Kentucky product in the third round. Martin projects as a run-stopping defensive tackle. It will be interesting to see how the Lions utilize him. At a minimum, you would expect that he gets reps on obvious run-downs, but training camp may determine how much run he gets in other scenarios.
Overall, it is likely that all of these players, assuming they are healthy, will find their way into the Lions’ rotation. The question is who will emerge as the best player in the group. Training camp will be the first step in finding that answer.
Right Gaurd: Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Graham Glasgow
The Lions’ offensive line is practically set aside from the right guard position. Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasgow are two players that could find themselves in a position battle during training camp.
At his peak, Vaitai is the better player between the two. The question is if he is still at his peak. In 2021, he started every game and put together a solid season, but he missed the entire 2023 season with a back injury. At 30, it is reasonable to question how that will affect his immediate play.
Glasgow will be making his return to Detroit on a one-year deal. Previously, he played in Detroit from 2016 to 2019. Glasgow serves as an outstanding backup option on the interior of the offensive line. That does not mean he can not start, however. The Detroit Lions should have an open competition in training camp as Glasgow attempts to show that he can start the 2023 season at right guard considering the injury concerns surrounding Vaitai.
Ready to Break Out: Jameson Williams
Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams will have an opportunity to break out in 2023. Yes, he will miss the first six games of the season after being suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy. Still, he has massive potential for a midseason breakout.
Williams is entering his sophomore season after showing flashes of potential in his rookie campaign. The Alabama product’s sole catch of the season was a 41-yard touchdown while his only rush was a 40-yard gain.
The most important factor for Williams is that his ACL tear is far in the past. The injury hampered his ability to find the field as a rookie. Now that he is fully healthy a breakout can take place. Yes, it will have to wait six games, but that does not completely eliminate his breakout potential.
Once Williams hits the field, he will have an opportunity to consistently get playing time which has the potential to net massive gains for the Williams and the Lions.
If Jared Goff is truly playing the best football of his career, as Dan Campbell believes, Williams should have a productive year in Detroit.
Rookie to Watch: Jahmyr Gibbs
The Detroit Lions have a handful of rookies that could make an impact in 2023. The team made six selections in the first three rounds. Out of that class, the most obvious rookie to keep an eye on is running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
I understand the criticism around selecting a running with the No. 12 pick in the NFL Draft. Those concerns are valid; however, they do not invalidate Gibbs’ role in the Lions’ offense. Detroit did not invest that much draft capital into a player to see their talent go to waste.
Gibbs will be given the opportunity to run behind an elite offensive line while adding value in the receiving game. That should immediately allow him to carve out an impact role in a productive offense.
At the end of the day, Detriot took a massive swing drafting Gibbs at pick No. 12. That makes Gibbs’ production highly important to the front office. If he does not become an elite running back, the Lions will be left looking silly. That in itself makes Gibbs’ rookie season worth watching.
Fantasy Sleeper: Marvin Jones Jr.
The Detroit Lions are an interesting team from a fantasy perspective. The Lions have a ton of turnover heading into the 2023 season. That will present some fantasy value if you can nail who the biggest producers will be.
The Lions have several options for fantasy sleepers. I am picking Marvin Jones Jr. out of the bunch.
Jones will have an opportunity to carve out a role in the Lions’ offense as wide-receiver No. 2 behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. As mentioned earlier, Williams will miss the first six games of the season. With Williams on the sideline, Jones will be a veteran presence that can momentarily fill his shoes. Obviously, this will limit his long-term fantasy upside. I do think he can help a fantasy roster a lot at the beginning of the season.
Jones is a deep sleeper as he will likely go undrafted in most standard leagues. If you can add him at the end of a snake draft or for cheap in auctions, he can provide value. In all honesty, the best play here would be to draft Jones late as a handcuff after an early Williams selection.
It is also worth noting that tight end Sam LaPorta and receiver Josh Reynolds are solid sleepers as well. LaPorta was selected in the second round and will have little competition in a weak tight end room. Reynolds may find early regular-season success during the Williams suspension too.
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