The Detroit Lions' first set of OTAs begin on May 27, and while they're optional, you'd have to guess that a unit hand-picked by Dan Campbell is going to be eager to get on the field. This is especially true for the Lions' recently drafted rookies, who didn't get a chance to participate in rookie minicamp as Detroit declined to host one this offseason.
As a reminder, the Lions' OTAs run from the 27th until the 29th of May, start up again from June 2nd to June 4th, and then again June 9th through the 11th.
There are a few key storylines worth following during OTAs, as the Lions look to get a better idea of their slightly-newer look roster for the 2026 season.
Question marks remain around their offensive line and safety room, as well as at some key backup spots. OTAs should help to thin out those roles, and should help Detroit's coaching staff understand which way the wind is blowing in terms of their depth chart structure.
3 storylines to follow during Lions OTAs
Rookie standouts
As mentioned, Lions rookies will get their first taste of NFL training during these OTAs. Fans are likely most excited to see Blake Miller and Derrick Moore get to work, as they were the Lions' first and second round picks from the 2026 draft.
But, Jimmy Rolder and Keith Abney II could quickly distinguish themselves on defense with open opportunities at linebacker and cornerback, respectively. There's also a good chance that Tyre West or Skylar Gill-Howard do the same given the Lions' lack of depth at defensive tackle after free agency.
UDFAs making legitimate push for roster spots
Last year, the Lions did so-so work identifying talent after the NFL draft had wrapped up. They shored up their special teams unit by signing Jackson Meeks as a UDFA, but they didn't really land any other solid players through those signings in 2025.
This year, there were some eye-catching names brought in following the draft - EDGE Anthony Lucas, QB Luke Altmyer, CB De’Shawn Rucker, and G Melvin Priestly are all names to watch during this portion of offseason training.
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Altmyer could very well compete with Teddy Bridgewater for the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff. He had a pretty poor evaluation from NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein, who wrote of Altmyer that he "could have a tough time beating out pro backups for a roster spot."
Good thing Bridgewater isn't looking like a very tough pro to beat out, we suppose.
Cade Mays' potential
The Lions were never in on any of the big name free agent centers this offseason. Bills center Connor McGovern went back to Buffalo quite immediately, and Tyler Linderbaum walked from the Baltimore Ravens for the Las Vegas Raiders on a back-breakingly large deal.
So, Cade Mays was basically the Lions' next-best target, and he was probably the best remaining target after those two players were off the board.
Mays is coming off a breakout year with the Carolina Panthers, where he posted a 69.4 pass-blocking grade and allowed zero sacks through 726 snaps at center. He had taken over for Austin Corbett after he had gotten hurt, starting in 12 games.
He isn't necessarily an established top center in the league, but Detroit's betting on his upside. If he has a good start in OTAs, that would go a long way towards establishing some confidence within the Lions' offense in 2026. They need a far better start in their trenches this year than what they had in 2025.
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