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Five likely winners and five likely losers at Detroit Lions training camp

By Ash Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 13: Edwin Jackson #53 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a tackle against Michael Roberts #80 of the Detroit Lions in the first half of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 13: Edwin Jackson #53 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a tackle against Michael Roberts #80 of the Detroit Lions in the first half of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Kenny Wiggins #79 of the San Diego Chargers participates in pre-game festivities before playing the Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium on November 9, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Kenny Wiggins #79 of the San Diego Chargers participates in pre-game festivities before playing the Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium on November 9, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

Winner: Kenny Wiggins

A forgotten free agent acquisition, Kenny Wiggins may be in the best position of any player to become the Lions swing guard. If there is an injury to either guard position, Wiggins is my front-runner for the replacement job.

During the 2016 season, Wiggins’ last under current Lions offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, Wiggins earned his best PFF rating. Of course, that was in spot duty. Wiggins is not a starting caliber player, but he is familiar with the scheme the team will run.

Having a backup be in the right place is better than having a better player out of position, particularly on the offensive line. Because of that, Wiggins could end up as the primary backup for both guard positions.

Loser: Joe Dahl

Joe Dahl was a project pick in 2016. Whereas Graham Glasgow was an all but ready starter, Dahl hadn’t taken a snap in a three-point stance. He spent two years learning new positions and techniques from the worst offensive line coach in the NFL.

Dahl’s biggest problem is going to be overcoming that “training.” he is no longer a rookie. In fact, two years of his three-year rookie deal have been wasted. If he doesn’t pick up the new scheme, or he does but is not immediately successful in it, Dahl could be on the outside looking in.

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