Defensive line
With no pads on the defense is put in a difficult position of being asked to cover for the entire practice. For some this is natural, but others struggled as expected — and for the defensive line, there’s not a lot of info to be gained.
The Lions two-deep remained the same from yesterday, with the only change being a shift to a modified NASCAR formation in the 2-minute drill — with Flowers anchoring the line and flanked by the Okwara brothers.
Linebackers
Asking the Lions linebackers to cover has been a challenge in the past but we have seen some improvement.
Jamie Collins held his own covering Danny Amendola. Jalen Reeves-Maybin confidently ran step for step with Ty Johnson. Jahlani Tavai put himself in a great position for an interception but dropped it. And even Jarrad Davis got a pass break up when dropping into zone coverage on a pass intended for Hockenson.
It’s a work in progress but there were some positives today — which is more than could be said in previous camps.
Corner
Jeff Okudah tweaked something on one of the first reps of the day and was kept out of practice. With Marcus Trufant also sitting out, it opened the door for Darryl Roberts to get first-team reps opposite Amani Oruwariye, with Justin Coleman in the slot. The second team consisted of Mike Ford and Dee Virgin on outside with Tony McRae in the slot.
Coleman has had a low key good camp this year and is probably someone we should be talking more about. I’ll be looking for him tomorrow.
Safety
The Lions continued their cross-training at safety on Saturday. That means Duron Harmon was at single-high and Will Harris was at JOKER on the first-team, while Tracy Walker manned the single-high spot with Jayron Kearse at JOKER with the twos.
Harmon is the best single-high safety on the team but after him, the next best player at this spot is Walker, who is the best JOKER on the roster. When it comes to an actual starting lineup, I’m confident it will be Harmon and Walker on the field, with Harris and Kearse competition for the third role. But with Kearse suspended for the first three games, the Lions need to get Harris ready to contribute as soon as possible — thus his current run with the starters.
Something to keep an eye on. On Friday, Harmon did some positional drills with the corners, then today was manned up with running backs in 11-on-11s. The single-high spot is typically a deep zone coverage position, but he is getting some extra work in expanding his skill set.
By giving Harmon reps covering backs, and Walker reps at single-high, the Lions could end up with a pair of safeties who can swap roles at a moment’s notice. Interchangeable safeties would give this team another level of deception.
Special teams
After not being able to secure his three punt returns yesterday, Jason Huntley found his groove on Saturday and fielded all three with ease. Jamal Agnew and Danny Amendola were also fielding punts again, but the Lions also threw Marvin Hall into the mix, and had Victor Bolden on hand watching — he is still recovering from injury but could be given a shot when healthy.
One final note: Miles Killebrew has been working with the linebackers since Patrica took over two years ago, but this camp he appears to be attempting to expand his role. In addition to seeing some snaps at WILL linebacker, he has also some looks in a hang defender/strong safety role. This is an ideal spot for him and a potential opportunity to show coaches he can do more than just win on special teams.