5 biggest position battles to watch during Detroit Lions training camp

3. Who will be the kicker?

Reporters on the ground at OTAs and minicamp had a general consensus. Michael Badgley, simply by not being part of it, benefited from the kicker battle between John Parker Romo and Riley Patterson.

The re-addition of Patterson in May, via a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, was a little odd. He lost the kicking battle in Lions' training camp last year, to Austin Seibert. Seibert eventually gave way to Badgley, who stabilized the kicker situation for the Lions after taking over last season. Patterson kicked well for the Lions late in the 2021 season (13-for-14 on field goals, with a long of 49 yards and the long miss from 50-plus yards out), but it was telling he couldn't beat out Seibert. But it does appear the Lions were a bit seduced llast preseason by Seibert having a stronger leg.

The idea of a notable addition to either compete with or outright replace Badgley has been easy from from the outside. But it appears the Lions aren't interested in someone of that ilk (Robbie Gould, Mason Crosby), as they've chosen to sign an XFL kicker in Romo after a rookie minicamp tryout and go back to the well to add Patterson as "competition".

Badgley will probably either have to be injured or fall completely flat on his face to not win the Lions' place kicker job. But it is a battle to watch when training camp starts, as reports come in over who's doing what and how well (or poorly).