We are inching ever closer to the start of Detroit Lions training camp, as the team will see its rookies report on Saturday, July 20, and veterans will report three days later on Tuesday, July 23. From there, the Lions will hold their very first practice of training camp on Wednesday, July 24.
While the Lions sport one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, there are still several notable roles up for grabs. Detroit began hashing things out during the offseason program, but things will really be settled in training camp and the preseason.
With the start of training camp just days away, it's time to take a look at the Lions' most important training camp battles, and we'll make predictions for how each of them will go.
Predicting Lions important training camp competitions
QB2: Hendon Hooker vs. Nate Sudfeld
Hendon Hooker will compete against Nate Sudfeld for the right to be the first man off the bench should Jared Goff get hurt, which could potentially derail Detroit's season if they don't have a good enough backup to keep the ship afloat.
Hooker had his fair share of ups and downs during the offseason program, but that was to be expected after he spent his rookie campaign working his way back from injury. While that was going on, Sudfeld didn't really do anything to stand out, although Hooker's uneven performance definitely keeps him in the running.
Hooker's projected ceiling is higher than anything Sudfeld has shown during his career. If he can show more flashes of that ceiling in training camp, Hooker will emerge as the backup to start the season.
Prediction: Hooker wins
WR3: Kalif Raymond vs. Donovan Peoples-Jones
With the uncertainty surrounding Jameson Williams as the No. 2 wide receiver, the Lions need reliable depth behind him and Amon-Ra St. Brown. For the No. 3 spot, Detroit will see a battle between Kalif Raymond and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
While Peoples-Jones was quiet during the offseason program, Raymond shined on several occasions in practice, giving him a great head of steam going into training camp. Thanks to that and his already solid chemistry with Goff, Raymond should emerge as the No. 3 wide receiver out of camp.
Prediction: Raymond wins
LB2: Jack Campbell vs. Derrick Barnes
Derrick Barnes is coming off a breakout campaign but Campbell wasn't too shabby in his first season in the NFL, although he certainly had his rookie growing pains.
Campbell has been getting rave reviews from coaches so far this offseason, and he appeared to be the preferred choice over Barnes when the Lions deployed two linebackers on defense during spring practices.
Assuming Campbell can continue playing at the level he did over the offseason program, he should secure a bigger role over Barnes in 2024.
Prediction: Campbell wins
CB2: Terrion Arnold vs. Amik Robertson vs. Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Terrion Arnold is the favorite for this role after having an impressive spring where he never looked overmatched and managed to make some plays in the process. He also saw the first-team reps on the boundary opposite Carlton Davis at OTAs and minicamp.
Detroit could very well give Amik Robertson and/or Ennis Rakestraw Jr. looks on the outside in training camp, but barring a complete collapse from Arnold, it will be tough for them to surpass the rookie.
Prediction: Arnold wins
CB3 (slot): Amik Robertson vs. Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
It remains to be seen how heavily the Lions will lean into it, but Detroit is at least strongly considering utilizing 2023 slot cornerback Brian Branch more at safety, which would open up a major role.
If that happens, the top-two competitors for the slot job will be Robertson and Rakestraw Jr., both of whom saw at least some reps at the position during the spring.
However, Rakestraw was only limited, so we didn't get to see much out of him, which also puts him behind the 8-ball going into training camp. Robertson, on the other hand, saw the vast majority of reps there with Rakestraw limited and Branch sidelined. He isn't a lock, but Robertson's experience gives him a significant edge.
Prediction: Robertson wins
