The Detroit Lions’ latest roundtable touched on everything from rookie camp intrigue to a few big-picture roster debates, and the conversation kept circling back to one theme: there’s no shortage of players worth watching as 2026 training camp approaches.
One of the first topics was Penei Sewell, whose placement at No. 10 drew a mixed reaction. Vito Chirco called the ranking “a bit low” given everything Sewell has done through his first five seasons, though he also pointed out that Sewell is moving to left tackle, which he described as “arguably a harder spot on the line to man than right tackle.”
That made him more willing to live with the ranking. Christian Booher was more direct, saying it was surprising to see Sewell that low since many analysts have him near the top of their lists and ESPN coaches recently named him the best at his position.
Booher noted the ranking drew plenty of backlash and said Lions fans strongly defended Sewell. Even with some possible growing pains at left tackle, Booher still views him as one of the league’s elite offensive linemen and believes he should be ranked higher than No.
When the focus shifted to the rookies, Michigan products Derrick Moore and Jimmy Rolder both came up, but Chirco said Moore is the one he’ll be watching closest. Moore, drafted by the Lions in April, has a real shot to win the starting EDGE job opposite Aidan Hutchinson out of camp, according to Chirco, who also believes Moore will become Detroit’s second-most reliable EDGE rusher as the 2026 season unfolds.
Booher went in a different direction, saying Blake Miller is the rookie he’ll monitor most closely. Miller could be asked to step in right away and may even compete for a starting job, which means he’ll be under the microscope as a potential replacement for Taylor Decker.
Booher also flagged Keith Abney as a name to watch, especially with Terrion Arnold’s release creating an opening at starting cornerback and giving Abney a real chance to impress the coaching staff in 2026.
The discussion also turned to the Lions’ passing game, where Chirco and Booher both expect more from TeSlaa. Chirco predicted TeSlaa, entering his second season, will double his receiving output from last year and land around 500 receiving yards.
Still, he said Gibbs, who had 616 receiving yards last season, will top that number in 2026. Booher agreed that TeSlaa should see more production this season, arguing that while Gibbs will continue to draw targets, TeSlaa’s ability to win downfield and in contested catches will make the difference.
Booher added that with so many weapons on the roster, Gibbs could wind up with a smaller share of the targets, while the offseason buzz around TeSlaa suggests a breakout could be coming.
At tight end, Chirco and Booher both sided with LaPorta over McNeill for the better season. Chirco acknowledged there could be some injury concern around the Pro Bowl tight end after last season, but said he doesn’t trust McNeill as much and expects LaPorta to be more productive.
Booher framed it as a meaningful year for both players: McNeill is trying to prove last season’s dip was just a blip, while LaPorta is heading into a contract year. Even so, Booher chose LaPorta, pointing to how important he is to the offense and how he gives Jared Goff a threat at all three levels of the field.
That, Booher said, should translate into a bigger impact this season.
The roundtable closed on a lighter note. Chirco picked DT Alim McNeill as the Lions player with the best baseball background, citing his standout days at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was known for hitting the long ball.
Chirco even said he’d love to take in a Tigers game with him this summer. Booher went with Derrick Barnes, saying he’d like to learn more about Barnes as he enters his sixth NFL season.
With Barnes’ role potentially expanding after the loss of Alex Anzalone, Booher said Barnes could have some interesting insights on how he’s been preparing, which would make him a strong candidate for a deeper conversation.
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