Tag: Detroit Lions rookie minicamp

Lions sign wide receiver after rookie minicamp tryout

Lions sign former USFL wide receiver Kaden Davis after rookie minicamp tryout

One of the features of rookie minicamp is the presence of unsigned players who are formally trying out for the Detroit Lions. Whether there by some interest from the team, previous connections with a member of the coaching staff, or even a favor to an agent, it’s an opening in the NFL door.

For Kaden Davis, he was fortunate enough to walk through that door. The former USFL wide receiver signed with the Lions after his rookie minicamp tryout. Numerous reports indicate the Lions are signing Davis to a contract.

Davis, 25, a 5-foot-11, 188-pound receiver from Northwest Missouri State, has bounced around since going undrafted in 2022. He spent his rookie season on the Denver Broncos practice squad, and also had a camp stint with the Arizona Cardinals.

He’s actually played with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL in 2023, before the new UFL merger. He was the Panthers’ primary return man, and he did get several reps on the kick return unit in Friday’s open practice.

Watch: Lions rookie minicamp report via the Detroit Lions Podcast

Watch: Lions rookie minicamp report via the Detroit Lions Podcast from Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon

Friday marked the start of the Detroit Lions rookie minicamp, the first chance to see the newcomers to the team in action. It was the only session of the three-day rookie event open to the media, and it was one worth the trip to Allen Park to catch the debut of all the rookie newcomers.

It was a good time to check out the draft class of 2024 on its first day in a Lions uniform. Knowing that it’s the first day of any sort of practice, the first experience with the coaching staff and the first time many of these guys have had live football action in six months, it’s important to not read too much into the action. Even so, first impressions are important.

How did Terrion Arnold do at cornerback? What was it like to see Giovanni Manu in action? Who stood out amongst the undrafted rookies? What was the coaching staff like without Dan Campbell in attendance?

All of that and much more gets covered in the video recap here, produced via the Detroit Lions Podcast.

The audio-only version of the podcast is also available from your favorite podcast provider.

Check out these top photos from Lions rookie minicamp

Check out these top photos from the first day of Detroit Lions rookie minicamp

This weekend marks the debut of the Detroit Lions rookie class. Six draftees, 15 undrafted free agents and over 20 camp invitees are participating in the Lions rookie minicamp, the first taste of their NFL dreams.

Friday’s session was open to the media, which allowed the professional photographers to grab some nice shots of the action in Allen Park. Here are some of the best photos captured on the first day of Lions rookie minicamp.

Ennis Rakestraw starts out in the slot CB role at Lions rookie minicamp

Second-round CB Ennis Rakestraw starts out in the slot role at Lions rookie minicamp

Lions second-round rookie Ennis Rakestraw was an outside cornerback for nearly all of his college career at Missouri. In his first practice in Detroit, however, the lanky Rakestraw spent the day in the slot role.

Instead of pairing with Terrion Arnold on the outside to give the Lions a 1-2 draft duo on the outside, Rakestraw was inside in the initial practice. Camp invitee Harrison Hand, a three-year vet, ran with the first team with Arnold on the outside.

After practice, Rakestraw seemed unfazed by playing inside. He noted he played in the slot in his freshman year at Missouri. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounds (as listed by the Lions, perhaps generously) Rakestraw showed the quick feet and change-of-direction skills necessary to thrive in the slot.

It’s also worth noting defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has cross-trained defensive backs at multiple positions throughout his tenure in Detroit. Rakestraw projects as a reserve CB in his rookie season, so being able to fill in at multiple spots makes him even more valuable.

Rakestraw was pulled early from drills by the training staff, a planned precaution. The rookie is coming off core muscle surgery following the conclusion of Missouri’s college season, and his recovery limited his pre-draft workout ability.

Rakestraw did not appear to be limited or inhibited while doing drills, but the Lions are clearly playing this one carefully.

“That’s just the plan they already had set for me,” Rakestraw said after practice. “I was trying to go, but they was like, ‘Nah, you trying to exceed your reps we already had for you.’ But what I got to do a great job of is sticking to the plan. They’ve been here, they’ve got a ton of experience and just keep it like that.”

Three UDFA’s that could impress at Lions rookie minicamp

Three UDFA’s that could impress at Lions rookie minicamp, including an intriguing WR prospect

As teams across the NFL welcome their rookies to their rookie mini-camp, the Detroit Lions will be doing the same today. They will be getting their first look at the rookies they have on the roster. From the 6 players they drafted to 30 other players that signed as undrafted free agents (UDFA) or trying out for the team, the competition will be real.

That’s one thing we’ve learned from the Lions coaching staff over the years and is they want competition. That competition has opened doors of opportunities for veteran players such as Kalif Raymond, John Cominsky and others.

While I can’t wait to see how Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw play this summer, I’m really excited to see a couple of undrafted players compete. Let’s take a look at three UDFA’s that could impress over the next few days at Lions rookie mini-camp.

Illinois WR Isaiah Williams

Starting with a player that has a clear path to becoming a number 4 or number 5 receiver on the roster. Isaiah Williams from Illinois should get a chance to crack the 53-man roster.

He’s listed 5’10” and 186 pounds and is more of a gadget player than anything else. However, he posted 82 receptions in consecutive seasons at Illinois and is tough over the middle of the field.

While he doesn’t have blazing speed, he plays faster than he tested. Additionally, the usage and ability to move him around offensive formations could bode well for him with Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator. Even though it does sound like Brad Holmes is content with Antoine Green and Donovan Peoples-Jones, it wouldn’t be surprising if Williams forces the Lions to make some difficult decisions in August.

Ole Miss EDGE Isaac Ukwu

One thing we’ve learned with Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn, they have a type for their defensive front. Ole Miss EDGE Isaac Ukwu certainly fits that type of player.

Listed at 6’3″ and 258 pounds, I’ve only watched one game of him up to this point. He’s not been overly impressive but there are certainly flashes. His ability to hit a ghost rush or dip his shoulder and turn the corner to pressure the quarterback is fun to watch.

Ukwu needs to get stronger against the run. Primarily with recognizing blocks faster and staying square to the opposition. That will all come with time but the chance to compete is important and Ukwu will get that chance. I could see a scenario where he finds himself in some type of rotation with Mathieu Betts, James Houston and Josh Paschal.

Florida IOL Kingsley Eguakan

Finding a backup center should be a goal for the Lions this summer. While it’s nice to rely on Graham Glasgow, it’s important to have multiple options on the interior part of your offensive line.

When looking at Kingsley Eguakan, he was a player that I watched a few weeks prior to the Senior Bowl and he impressed me enough that I thought he would be drafted. Unfortunately, he didn’t and he now finds himself in Detroit with a clear opportunity to earn the backup role at center.

Eguakan is 6’3″ and 307 pounds and he put up 26 reps on the bench press at the Scouting Combine. His frame appears to be somewhat maxed out but he’s a strong finisher in the run game. One of the biggest concerns with him was health as he battled through an ankle injury for most of last season. He’ll need to get stronger and he’ll have to improve his pad level. However, there’s much to be desired with his skill-set as a developmental prospect.

Terrion Arnold would jam his mother in the dirt if she was playing WR across from him

Terrion Arnold would jam his mother in the dirt if she was playing WR across from him, and that’s the way she’d want it too

It was just one minicamp practice, but it’s already very easy to see the appeal of first-round rookie Terrion Arnold to the Lions. On the field, he’s smooth, fast and confident. But it’s the feisty nature that also stands out.

Arnold proudly credits his mother for his style and attitude. After Friday’s rookie minicamp practice ended, he shared a great example of the competitiveness that he inherited and was also nurtured by his mother.

“We used to fight when I was younger, just wrestling,” Arnold said with a smile. “I’ll never forget one time she kicked my tooth out. We were going at it.”

But that wasn’t the end of it. Arnold continued,

“If my mom was a receiver I’d jam her in the dirt. And my mom knows that right now.”

He meant it, too.

“That’s just how I was brought up,” Arnold said.

As Arnold later said,

“I’m one not to be played with.”

Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew believes Detroit ‘pretty well stocked’ at WR

Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew believes Lions ‘pretty well stocked’ at WR when talking about Isaiah Williams’ chances as a UDFA

Isaiah Williams is easily the undrafted rookie with the highest expectations as the Detroit Lions begin their rookie minicamp. Detroit signed Williams to a $225,000 base salary guarantee as a UDFA out of Illinois after the 2024 NFL draft.

However, Williams faces an uphill battle to stick in Detroit. At least that’s what Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew intimated on Friday in his pre-practice press conference.

Agnew noted Williams’ background coming out of St. Louis, where the Lions assistant GM played on the Rams’ defensive line for the final three seasons of his career. Williams was a quarterback as a youth and began at that position at Illinois before switching later in his time in Champaign.

He talked up the “playmaker” nature and mentality Williams brings, but that won’t ensure a spot on the Lions roster, not even with the hefty signing bonus and salary guarantee. Agnew noted that the wide receiver position is “pretty well stocked for us.”

That’s a statement that might catch some observers off-guard, though it’s been a consistent message from the offseason actions the Lions have taken all winter and spring.

After re-signing Donovan Peoples-Jones, a midseason trade acquisition in 2023, the Lions are running back the same receiving corps as in 2023, with the exception of Josh Reynolds, who signed as a free agent in Denver. Reynolds started 13 games and caught 40 passes for 608 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season. All were second on the team amongst wide receivers behind All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Jameson Williams is expected to step up in his third season and the first without any offseason issues (injury, gambling suspension) occluding his path. Veteran Kalif Raymond (35 catches, 489 yards in 2023) is back as well. Peoples-Jones and 2023 seventh-rounder Antoine Green, as well as former Saints starter Tre’Quan Smith are all in the mix as well.

Williams joins that competition, along with another UDFA the team signed, Jalon Calhoun from Duke.

Lions invite record-setting QB to rookie minicamp

Cade Peterson is a two-time GLIAC Player of the Year and posted some incredible numbers for GVSU

One of the undrafted players hoping to make a strong and positive impression on the Detroit Lions in this week’s rookie minicamp is a very decorated college quarterback. Cade Peterson from Grand Valley State is among those UDFAs who received a rookie minicamp invite to compete for attention in Lions minicamp.

Peterson had a prolific career for the D-II powerhouse Lakers, leading GVSU to a 33-5 record in his three seasons as the starting quarterback and playoff berths all three seasons. Peterson earned two GLIAC Player of the Year honors.

He completed 60.4 percent of his pass attempts, netting over 7,200 yards and 67 touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Peterson also ran for over 1,500 career yards and scored 21 touchdowns on the ground.

Peterson will be competing to earn a spot as the fourth quarterback heading into Lions training camp. Detroit did that with UDFA Adrian Martinez in 2023, with Martinez now leading the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL.

Detroit Lions sign undrafted free agent wide receiver Dylan Drummond

Drummond impressed enough in his rookie minicamp tryout to earn a contract

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Today the Detroit Lions announced that they’ve signed Eastern Michigan wide receiver Dylan Drummond. Over the weekend, the Lions invited 10 players to a rookie minicamp in Allen Park. The strong impression earned Drummond a contract.

During his 52 games played at Eastern Michigan, Drummond had 183 receptions for 2028 yards and 14 touchdowns. This past season, he averaged a career high of 15.9 yards per reception for the Eagles. He was also a kick and punt returner during portions of his five year career at EMU with 39 total returns under his belt.

At the Eastern Michigan Pro Day, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds. Meanwhile, he posted 33″ vertical jump and had a 3-cone drill time of 6.86 seconds. Standing 6’0″ and 194 pounds, he doesn’t have blazing speed but he has shown good fluidity to run and create yards after the catch.

Since the news of wide receiver Jameson Williams being suspended for 6 games, the Lions have made their intentions clear of upgrading the wide receiver room. They added North Carolina wide receiver Antoine Green in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. They’ve also added undrafted free agents Keytaon Thompson and Chase Cota. There’s a chance that one of these players stick on the roster, maybe it could be Drummond out of Eastern Michigan.