Mandatory minicamp has been taking place this week around the NFL. The Detroit Lions decided not to participate in minicamps this year since they will report to training camp earlier, with them playing in the 2025 Hall of Fame game.
While the Lions are away, former coaches Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand are holding minicamp with the New York Jets. The three-day session wrapped up on Thursday, and offensive linemen were seen running routes.
We’ve got big men running routes at #Jets practice! pic.twitter.com/glUrp5ISgC
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) June 12, 2025
New York Jets Had OL Run Routes at Minicamp
Over the past few years, when Ben Johnson was the offensive coordinator, the Lions used their offensive linemen on multiple different plays. Whether they were decoys or legitimate passing options, they weren't afraid to throw out different looks that caught defenses by surprise. Johnson has already been seen bringing that over to the Chicago Bears.
Engstrand was Johnson's No. 2 in Detroit, and he's also bringing that style over to New York. The Lions were able to rebuild and come out of the basement. That's why guys like Glenn and Engstrand were able to land new gigs in New York.
They are looking to turn things around for an organization with the longest active playoff drought (14 years) in the NFL. Thursday's practice was the last one before training camp, but it's clear this is something that may come out during the 2025 season.
The Jets offense will certainly have other elements of the Lions' travel over. First and foremost, that offense will be run-heavy, highlighted by Breece Hall and Braelon Allen in the backfield with quarterback Justin Fields as a dual-threat option under center.
They will look to use the rushing attack to establish a play-action passing game that can attack downfield. They have Garrett Wilson as the No. 1 WR with former Lion WR Josh Reynolds slated to play a big role in the offense as well.
It'll be interesting to see what other elements from Detroit Engstrand or Glenn bring out, but it's clear they will be using some things that worked during their time with the Lions.