The Detroit Lions returned the field today. Well, not all of them – at least not the veterans this time around. A total of 47 players are in town for the mini camp ranging from 2012 draft picks to undrafted free agents to first-year veterans to players in town on a tryout basis.
News broke earlier in the day that the Lions had signed third-round pick Bill Bentley to a four-year deal. That leaves just Riley Reiff as the only member of the Detroit Lions 2012 draft class yet to sign. Reiff is able to participate in the mini camp just the same.
Second-round pick Ryan Broyles was on the field but did not participate in drills with the other wide receivers as he is still in the midst of his recovery from a torn ACL. Once healthy, the Lions could have big things in store for Broyles. Head coach Jim Schwartz had this to say:
"I think once it’s healed, you just let him go. You don’t worry so much about what he’s doing on the field. If he’s cleared to catch passes, he’s cleared to return kicks, also."
Broyles is hoping to be healthy in time for training camp although starting on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list is not out of the question.
The first day of mini camp wasn’t without at least one injury. Wide receiver Marcus Harris suffered a calf or leg injury.
On the positive side, two of the Lions’ cornerback selections had good performances on day one:
Greenwood and Bentley are paired together in drills. Both are looking very good. Greenwood is showing impressive quickness in drills.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) May 11, 2012
Hopefully that continues when the big boys get in to town.
Now on to some photos…
The photos continue on page 2.