Detroit Lions Training Camp: Rookies Roster And Who To Watch

Apr 26, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz (left) hands first round draft pick Ezekiel Ansah a Lions cap before a press conference at the Lions Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Can you feel it? Smell it? Almost taste it? Can you hear the faint roar of a Lion on the Savanah? Well if you can you must know that Detroit Lions Training Camp has finally opened. Now Jim Schwartz and his staff will begin evlauating and constructing a team that is expected to compete for a playoff spot this season.

Camp starts to today for some nervous rookies who will very quickly get a taste for what is it like to prapare for the grueling NFL season. Whether they were highly drafted or an undrafted free agent they are all rookies and will get the rookie treatment.

Here is a list of the rookies that should be reporting to camp today:

• Ziggy Ansah – Defensive End – BYU – 1st round pick (5th overall) 
• Blake Clingan – Punter – Georgia – Undrafted Free Agent
• Alex Elkins – Linebacker – Oklahoma State – Undrafted Free Agent
• Joesph Fauria – Tightend – UCLA – Undrafted Free Agent
• Corey Fuller – Wide Reciever – Virgina Tech – 6th round pick
• Brandon Hepburn – Inside Line Backer – Florida A&M – 7th round pick
• Austin Holtz – Tackle – Ball State – Undrafted Free Agent
• Darren Keyton – Center – Central Michigan University – Undrafted Free Agent
• Sam Martin – Punter – Appilacian State – 5th round pick
• Jon Morgan – Linebacker – Albany – Undrafted Free Agent
• Spencer Nealy – Defensive Line – Texas A & M – Undrafted Free Agent
• Martavious Neloms – Defensive Back – Kentucky – Undrafted Free Agent
• Theo Riddick – Running Back – Notre Dame – 6th round pick
• Havard Rugland – Kicker – Sweden – Undrafted Free Agent
• Darius Slay – Cornerback – Mississippi State – 2nd round pick
• Devin Taylor – Defensive End – South Carolina – 4th round pick
• LaAdrian Waddle – Offensive Tackle – Texas Tech – Undrafted Free Agent
• Larry Warford – Offensive Guard – Kentucky – 3rd Round pick 
• Micheal Williams – Tight End – Alabama – 7th round pick
• Cody Wilson – Wide Reciever – Central Michigan University – Undrafted Free Agent

Rookies To Watch

Ziggy Ansah – All eyes will be on the controversal Detroit Lions 1st round pick. The Lions passed on some can’t miss talent to draft Ansah and his performance will determine how this draft class is precieved by fans and the media.

Darius Slay – The Lions are thin at cornerback and need slay to make an immediate impact.  Darius Slay had off-season knee surgery so the Martin Mayhew took a gamble when drafting player with an injury history so high.  Slay will be working hard to make sure the gamble pays off.

Sam Martin – Normally nobody cares about the punter but the Lions drafted this punter in the 5th round.  Martin is one of the draft picks that will determine whether or not this draft class is a success.

Cody Wilson and Darren Keyton – Two Central Michigan Chippewas trying to make it to the pros with a local team.  Both have a pretty good chance to make the team and add depth.