We are inching closer to the start of the 2024 NFL season after the Detroit Lions completed their first week of organized team activities, which kicked off on Tuesday, May 21.
The Lions had a total of three sessions over the course of the week, but only one of them (Thursday, May 23) was open to the media. From here, the Lions will have a total of six more sessions, according to their offseason workout schedule, but teams are permitted to hold a total of 10 sessions of OTAs.
Sandwiched in between next week's sessions and the final three practices is mandatory minicamp, which runs from June 4-6. The rest of the Lions OTAs schedule is as follows: May 29-31, June 10-11.
Thanks to beat writers on the ground, we were able to gather a lot of information over the course of the week. Here are the biggest takeaways and storylines from Week 1 of OTAs.
Lions OTAs storylines, takeaways
Brian Branch out until training camp
After the draft, a picture of Branch wearing a boot and using a scooter surfaced, which obviously led to some concern about his status ahead of 2024.
We learned from head coach Dan Campbell that Branch will be out until training camp after having a clean-up procedure, but Campbell didn't go into specifics. He also left the door open for Branch's recovery to run up until the start of the season.
Amik Robertson in the slot
With Branch sidelined, it was Robertson who saw reps in the slot, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Robertson also saw reps on the boundary in the same session. Robertson has played a total of 423 snaps in the slot over four seasons, with 383 of those coming in the last two years (career-high 283 in 2022).
For now, it appears he's the preferred choice if Branch isn't ready for the start of the season, but look for the Lions' second-round pick, Ennis Rakestraw, to get involved once he's fully participating, which he wasn't on Thursday.
Terrion Arnold getting starters reps
Per Twentyman, Arnold was running with the ones this week, lining up on the boundary opposite Carlton Davis. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, considering Arnold is expected to start in 2024, but it's notable nonetheless.
Twentyman also noted that Arnold more than held his own, which is a good sign for his progress in Year 1.
Jameson Williams the most improved
Campbell was very complimentary of third-year wideout, Jameson Williams, who he called the team's most improved player this offseason. The Lions head coach also said that Williams is "a man on a mission."
That's good to hear considering the Lions will need more out of the Alabama product, who hasn't done much over two years in the league. He should be no worse than the No. 3 option in the passing attack.
Improvement from Michael Badgley
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp noted that Michael Badgley has improved leg strength so far this offseason — and Badgley showed that in practice, with the veteran kicker nailing field goal attempts from 52 and 60 yards.
Fipp also praised UDFA James Turner for his big leg. Despite the praise for both kickers, the Lions should still be targeting UFL star and Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates to add to the competition.
Carlton Davis' epic quote
Davis might've had the best quote of the entire week when speaking about what he plans to do once the season starts.
"I'm about to just lock s--- up," he said on Thursday. "Excuse my French. I'm not going to lie. I'm about to lock No. 1 receivers up, get my hands on some balls and give the ball back to our offense and play physical and bring energy. You'll see."
Dan Campbell and Super Bowl or bust
Speaking of great quotes, Campbell was asked about the idea that it's Super Bowl or bust for the Lions in 2024. Campbell's reply was excellent:
"I don't see bust," Campbell replied. "I see Super Bowl. I don't know what bust is."
Antoine Green with the ones
It's still very early in the process so this may be nothing, but it was Antoine Green running with the first-team offense during the open session of OTAs, along with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Williams, per Colton Pouncey of The Athletic.
Veteran Donovan Peoples-Jones was running with the twos, according to Pouncey, and there was no mention of Kalif Raymond, who is projected to be the No. 3 receiver on the depth chart behind St. Brown and Williams.
