Quick Read: OTA Storylines to Follow

Lots of questions to follow during Lions OTAs

Information sourced from: Pride of Detroit, The UFL Official Website

OTAs are upon us. If you’re not familiar, these are organized team activities that are bringing the players back and give us our first taste of the Lions new roster. Let’s quickly dig in on a few story lines to follow during the next few days.

Logjam at Left Guard

The incumbent starter, Christian Mahogany, returns at Left Guard for OTAs. However, the burning question here is will he continue to be the starter at this position. The Lions have no lack of potentially capable replacements. Let;s not forget that Christian Mahogany looked pretty rough last year. Players to watch are Miles Frazier, Ben Bartch, and Juice Scruggs.

QB2 Old or New?

When the Lions signed Teddy Bridgewater I sighed a sigh of relief. In the limited time we have seen him serve as the Lions backup he has been capable. However, let’s not forget that he retired last year before returning this year. The question is, did his play drop off at all? Or is Luke Altmyer poised to take a step and snag Bridgewater’s spot?

RB3 Vaki?

Is Vaki really the RB3? I tend to think not. I don’t see his usage beyond special teams working out. Erik Schlitt from Pride of Detroit tends to disagree, and sees the upside. I lean more the Jacob Saylors route, who was very productive in the UFL not that long ago. If you consider the improved offensive line in front of him, perhaps he could be the RB3 and unseat Vaki

Is Laporta really good to go?

The most burning question for me is if Sam LaPorta is good to go and play? I’ve read a lot of things leaning the way as of late, but also a lot of skeptical writers. Any information we can obtain from OTAs about Laporta’s health would be helpful to put these debates to bed one way or the other.

Who is the Lions Nickel?

Finally, who is the Lions new nickel? There are no lack of options: Roger McCreary, Ennis Rakestraw, Christian Izien, Keith Abney. This battle is going to be the most fun to watch, especially as we head into training camp.

There are no definitive answers, but definitely questions we can dig into as Lions news drops over the next few days.