Jarrad Davis has demonstrated his leadership ability and didn’t look out of place at the starting Mike linebacker position for the Lions. He is making defensive calls and has impressed the coaches with his instincts, speed, and coverage ability. Davis brings attitude and physical prowess to the inside running lanes. Cornerback Jalen “Teez” Tabor, Davis’ teammate at Florida, had an injured hamstring early in OTAs but late in the practice session he picked off Matthew Stafford and has shown burst after the catch. Tabor received work in base nickel and five/six defensive back packages. His size stands out with his light feet and good ball skills. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay has been standing out for the Lions at a position of need. He is bigger and longer than other Detroit receivers. He covers ground quickly for an angular receiver. His catching radius helped him pluck balls during red zone drills. During open practice sessions the ex-Huskie didn’t put the ball on the ground. Jalen Reeves-Maybin was getting most of his work at weakside linebacker after recovering from shoulder surgery last fall at Tennessee. The Lions like his instincts, speed, tackling ability, and athleticism. His rookie role may be on special teams first as he gets bigger from his long injury layoff. Michael Roberts impressed the veterans in OTAs with his athletic ability and movement skills for a big tight end. The Lions have feature tight end Eric Ebron who improved immensely last year in the pass game. Roberts’ role is not yet defined as a sub package player or run game blocker with his wide frame. There is no question that he will compete for two tight end sets. Jamal Agnew must beat out Quandre Diggs and DJ Hayden for the nickel corner job. He is also in the mix to replace Andre Roberts as a return specialist. He had 59 passes defended his last two years in school and was a four-year starter. Pro day numbers: 5094, 186, 4.36/40, 16/BP, 36/VJ, 10-5/BJ, 4.27/SS, and 6.92/3 cone. Jeremiah Ledbetter brings a versatile skill set and the ability to fit into the front rotation. He looks like a three technique and an edge pass rusher in camp. Ledbetter is a high motor great effort player who is highly competitive. Brad Kaaya may have a tough time making the 53-man roster with the play of Jake Rudock. Kaaya has limited mobility and consistency, but does have better than average arm strength. Pat O’Connor is a disciplined technical edge player who flashes an edge burst as a pass rusher. A gap conscious player in the tackle-end area. He flashes good hand use. He was a three year team captain in college. Pro day numbers: 6042, 276, 4.84/40, 17/BP, 31/VJ, 1.62/10, 4.36/SS, and 7.34/3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
FREE AGENCY: Ricky Wagner was guaranteed 20.5 million of a 47- million dollar contract to man the right offensive tackle position. Guard TJ Lang was signed away from division foe Green Bay with 19 million guaranteed. Akeem Spence (DT), Cornelius Washington (DE), DJ Hayden (CB), Paul Worrilow (IB), Nick Bellore (IB), Armonty Bryant (DE), and Jordan Hill (DT) were added for defensive depth. Greg Robinson (OT) was acquired by trade from the Rams due to injury to Taylor Decker.
NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: Noel Thomas Jr. (Connecticut) WR, Michael Rector (Stanford) WR, Storm Norton (Toledo) OT, and Des Lawrence (North Carolina) CB.
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