Besides the benefit of going against an opponent, and the window that can give into its own players, joint practices provide insight for an NFL team in another way. There's definitely an opportunity to scout the other team's players, which Lions' head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged goes both ways before Monday's first practice against the New York Giants.
"I would tell you, Brad (Holmes) and Ray (Agnew) and our scouting department, they'll be looking just like, you know, our roster is going to be looked at by Joe (Schoen) and those guys. So you're looking, I mean, you want to see what's out there. You want to see if there's a potential guy may not make it to this roster, and if so, do we like him? You know, you're, of course, you're going to do that. So that's part of the process on both sides."
How much beneficial assessment of talent took place during Monday's intense, fight-filled practice can be debated. But with the idea the Lions could look to eventually add someone the Giants currently have, who should they particularly have on their radar this week?
5 Giants players the Lions should be paying attention to this week
5. OT Matt Nelson
Nelson, at minimum, is a well-known quantity for the Lions. He started games at right tackle for them in 2021 (675 offensive snaps), and he saw some action in 2022. A ankle injury last year led to him missing the rest of the season, and he was not brought back this offseason.
Nelson is nothing more than a viable swing tackle, but the Lions have a bit of a question there right now and he's an easily projected cut for the Giants. A reunion is not out of the question if/when he becomes available, and if the Lions aren't satisfied with their offensive line depth.