By Mummy Grace With OTAs giving just a glimpse of the Detroit Lions’ likely starters, the real competition begins at training camp, where jobs and roles will be decided. The DetroitLions.com team weighed in on the most intriguing position battles to watch:
Tim Twentyman: Interior Offensive Line The offensive line has three returning starters — Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, and Graham Glasgow — but plenty of uncertainty inside. Will Glasgow step in at center for Frank Ragnow, or shift back to right guard? Rookie Tate Ratledge has practiced at both center and guard. Meanwhile, second-year lineman Christian Mahogany has repped at left guard and hopes to earn a starting spot after an encouraging rookie season. There are several veterans and young players who could challenge for these roles, making the interior O-line a key storyline.
Dannie Rogers: Cornerback Once again, Detroit’s cornerback room has undergone a major overhaul. Terrion Arnold is the only returning starter, with Ennis Rakestraw Jr., D.J. Reed, and Khalil Dorsey all vying for spots. Veteran Rock Ya-Sin, entering his seventh year, finds himself on the outside looking in. In the nickel battle, Amik Robertson currently leads, but Avonte Maddox or another player could emerge. With a mix of veterans and young talent, it’s a group worth watching closely in camp.
Editor’s Pick: Interior Offensive Line The offensive line is the heart of the Lions’ top-ranked offense, and with Decker and Sewell set at tackle, the interior battles will be key. Will rookie Ratledge earn the starting center job, or will the team go with Glasgow’s experience? Who locks down the guard spots? These questions will shape Detroit’s offense heading into the season.
Training camp will reveal the answers as players compete for starting roles on a team with big expectations in 2025.
