Detroit Lions: What to watch for in the coming weeks
By Mike Payton
The Detroit Lions began offseason voluntary workouts today. While that may not be the most exciting thing you’ve heard in a while (did everybody see all the trailers that came out over the weekend?) it does mark the beginning of a very busy few months for the Lions and the NFL.
Here are some things to watch for in the coming weeks:
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Voluntary workouts begin
As previously mentioned, to the Lions began voluntary work outs. Fans should pay attention for the sake of seeing how new players begin to gel with their new teammates. Also as the Cowboys learned with Sean Lee last season, injuries can happen at the voluntary workouts.
voluntary workouts are limited to strength and conditioning only. It’s a good thing though. Working out together can build or strengthen a bond. Quarterbacks can throw the ball but not in any in-game situations.
James Ihedigbo Contract Status.
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions strong safety James Ihedigbo (32) reacts after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Detroit Lions defeat the Chicago Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
As reported a few weeks ago, James Ihedigbo announced he would be holding out for a better contract.
The #Lions announce all players except James Ihedigbo show up for first day of offseason workouts
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) April 20, 2015
As we can now see he has followed through with that plan by missing the first day of voluntary workouts. This should be an interesting storyline to follow in the coming weeks as we should see soon enough what the Lions rebuttal Digs will be.
NFL Releasing 2015 Schedule
It’s time to start getting excited about the 2015 season. It was announced today the 2015 NFL schedule will be released tomorrow on a 2 hour special on ESPN. It will be interesting to see how many Prime Time or nationally televised games the Lions will receive this year and how the division schedule will look.
NFL regular-season schedule will be released, at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday on ESPN networks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 20, 2015
It’s time to get your tailgating and party bus affairs in order.
NFL Draft
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell begins the draft and puts the Houston Texans on the clock at the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Draft is 10 days away and the anticipation is palpable at this point. On April 30th commissioner Goodell will take the stage at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, Illinois and announce the 1st pick. Until then the rumors will continue to swirl and the Lions will finish up their allotted pre-draft visits.
Iowa DT Carl Davis, a second-round prospect, visits Lions http://t.co/4IpUraz1qJ
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) April 20, 2015
Who the Lions will take in the 1st round remains to be seen. We Here at Detroit Jock City have our opinions on who the Lions should or shouldn’t select with the 23rd pick.
Rookie Camp and symposium
Speaking of the draft, The Lions will get a chance early to show these young guys what is expected of them at the rookie camps. The Lions can either hold their 3 day rookie camp on May 8-11 or May 15-18.
Then June 21-27 the NFL will hold the their rookie symposium which teaches these young players about professionalism in the NFL and how to deal with their new-found fame and money.
Will the Lions make anymore moves in free agency?
Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings (15) catches a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions still have positions to fill on offense and defense. While they will most likely elect to fill a potion of them through the draft, there are still some quality players left that can come at a value.
The Lions can help their receiving woes by scooping up a guy like Greg Jennings for cheap. The offensive line is still in need of some upgrades. Justin Blalock who visited the Lions a while back is still available as well, maybe for a reason.
Detroit Lions
If the Lions do make anymore moves in free agency it will likely be cheap additions of under the radar players or camp bodies that won’t make the final 53 man roster.
Training Camp Begins
This is where reality begins to set in a football fever begins to burn hotter than ever. Who improved and who regressed begins to show, what will the camp battles be? will the Lions stay healthy through out camp?
These are all questions that we will know the answers to soon enough as the tentative date for training camp is July 15th.
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
There will be many sights to see on the road to the 2015 NFL season. Some will be ugly and some will heighten fans excitement. One things for sure, Football fever is a year round thing.
Stay tuned to Detroit Jock City and SideLion Report for all your Detroit Lions news this offseason. Be sure to follow me on Twitter as well @Lionmike26.
Next: Suh showed up for voluntary workouts, why not Detroit?