3 under the radar players to keep an eye on in Detroit Lions training camp
After a day off on Thursday, the Detroit Lions had their first padded practice of 2023 training camp on Friday. Moving to hitting each other is a significant step, particularly for rookies in their first taste of NFL contact, and it's also a general opportunity for players to show out more and step up with the natural ramp up in intensity.
Players who aren't locked into a roster spot but stood out through the first four lighter days must now carry that momentum into contact days, joint practices and preseason games. A significant portion of the Lions' 53-man roster heading into Week 1 can be predicted easily right now, but there are battles for roles in some spots and the last handful or so of what will be that final 53 heading into the season is naturally flexible. The Lions coaching staff will not care about anything other than who earns it with their work, and some good players will be left to find an opportunity elsewhere.
There are prominent names who will be mentioned for what they do nearly every day in recaps of Lions' training camp practices, for good or maybe for bad if that's warranted. But here are four under the radar players who are worth watching during camp until further notice.