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The 5 biggest things learned from the first two weeks of Lions training camp

By Mike Payton,

1 day ago

We're two weeks into Detroit Lions training camp and while that's still early, there's been a few things that seem pretty clear cut at this time. Stuff we can go ahead and chalk up as something we learned. Here's the five big things we've learned so far.

They'll probably roster three quarterbacks in 2024

We know that Jared Goff is the number one guy for this team, but deciphering the number two guy isn't as simple. It was presumed ahead camp that it would be Hendon Hooker, but he has been having a rough time since the spring and Nate Sudfeld has been looking a lot better than he did last year. At least at camp.

Hooker needs time. Right now he feels like he's a year away from being a guy the Lions could feel comfortable about. Obviously the team isn't going to give up on him, but they might not feel comfortable enough to rely on him if they need to during the season. A good preseason performance could change that.

The Lions need receiver help

Look, I know some Lions fans are tired of me bringing this up, but the problem is that if I had to choose six receivers to make the 53-man roster, I don't think I could. Furthermore I'd have a hard time getting past four.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond and Daurice Fountain seem like the guys that are set to make the team, but the team still wants to see more out of Fountain.

Donovan Peoples-Jones is falling down the depth chart and having a really rough time out there. Other reporters were comparing him to Breshad Perriman this past week and that is not the comparison you want around here. Antoine Green is not close to being ready, Maurice Alexander has a shot, but he hasn't been moving up the depth chart. Tre'Quan Smith, Isaiah Williams and Jalon Calhoun could make the practice squad maybe?

It's bad. It's a real problem.

Jermar Jefferson is changing the Lions running back room

This was just so unexpected. Jefferson was supposed to just be the guy that was going to get cut in August. Now he's the guy that's likely going to make the Lions carry five running backs.

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are locked in. After them you can't move on without Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki. Neither guy seems like they could be cut. Then there's Jefferson. He's been so good this summer. Could he edge Reynolds out? I just don't know. It's hard to see that happening. That's why the Lions could carry five

The kicker search continues

Jake Bates was the guy that Lions fan really wanted this offseason, but so far it's not working out. It's actually been pretty bad to be honest. The accuracy issues he had in the UFL have transferred over to the NFL. This past week was especially bad.

The Lions have already been searching for a kicker. They'll probably look to sign one once they get back from New York. The dirt isn't covering Bates yet, but he's the hole.

The Levi Onwuzurkie hype is very real

What an offseason this guy is having right now. He has come so far from being the guy that everyone was so unsure of to the guy that could be first in line to have a breakout season on the Lions defense. He looks great out there. We'll see if he continues his hot summer. Right now it seems like he will.