The first week of Lions training camp has already started sorting out the rookie class, and a few names are beginning to separate themselves from the pack while others are still waiting for a clearer path.
Detroit opened practice on Wednesday and went three straight days before taking Saturday off. The first session open to Lions Loyal Members is set for Sunday, and by then the early shape of the rookie pecking order should be a little easier to read. The latest edition of Inside the Den also offered a closer look at the team’s draft process and war room, adding some context to how these seven newcomers fit into the bigger picture.
At the top of the list, Miller looks like he has a real chance to make an immediate impact. The first-round tackle from Clemson has been getting a heavy load of first-team work, with some reports saying he handled those reps on both the first and second days.
That kind of usage says plenty about how the staff views him. Still, the early challenge has been obvious: Aidan Hutchinson has been a tough test in both 1-on-1 work and team drills.
The bigger movement in Miller’s position battle figures to come once padded practices begin.
Moore turned in one of the more encouraging performances on Friday. In 1-on-1 work between the offensive and defensive lines, he found success against veteran Larry Borom, who is also competing for the right tackle spot and brings 63 games of NFL experience.
Moore reportedly came away with two comfortable wins. Even with that strong showing, his role is expected to be more rotational early on, with D.J.
Wonnum projected to handle most of the work opposite Hutchinson because of how he fits that job. When Detroit uses a bigger end, Levi Onwuzurike or Tyler Lacy could fill that role.
Local reporters noted that the Lions also tried out some different looks, and Moore could climb the depth chart once the pads come on.
Rolder has carried over the momentum from a strong offseason workout period and has continued to draw attention for the right reasons. He’s been showing good instincts, getting to the proper spots on plays and flashing as a blitzer.
That said, Friday brought a setback when he left practice early to be checked out for a leg injury. Dan Campbell is expected to provide an update on Sunday.
Abney has been getting plenty of work on special teams, which lines up with how the Lions have used defensive backs in the past. On defense, though, he has been outshined so far by veteran Nick Whiteside, who has put together a strong three-day start.
Abney’s eventual 2026 role is still unclear, since he could line up either in the slot or on the outside. Padded practices should help answer that question.
Gill-Howard is another rookie with a door open in front of him. According to MLive, he changed his body this offseason and dropped around three percent of his body fat, a sign that could help his versatility.
With veteran Jay Tufele released before camp, there is a chance for Gill-Howard to work his way into the mix. He may still have a hard time breaking through for a major role because Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeill are already in place, but his athletic profile gives him a shot to contribute.
West, meanwhile, is still waiting for his role to come into focus. He’s a big, physical lineman who could fit inside or serve as the big end in Detroit’s defense. For him, the upcoming padded sessions should tell the story, because that’s where his physical style can really show up.
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