10 Players to Watch at Lions' 2026 OTAs

The Detroit Lions have been battling through the offseason workout schedule, and will kick things up a notch starting this week with organized team activities.

Though the team has been conducting workouts for the better part of the last month, the team will be allowed to do more with OTAs per the NFL rules, as they can conduct non-contact team drills during their three sessions, all of which will be three days.

Here are 10 players to watch when the Lions begin organized team activities later this week.

OT Blake Miller

The Lions' first-round pick in this year's draft will have plenty of eyes on him. After Taylor Decker was released, Miller is expected to compete for a starting job right away opposite of All-Pro Penei Sewell.

Miller proved to be extremely durable in college, making over 50 starts in his four seasons at Clemson. He's expected to be competing for the right tackle job, which is where he spent his time in college.

With the reputation of dependability that Miller built for himself in college, it would not be surprising to see him acclimate rather quickly and really push veteran free agent signing Larry Borom for a starting job.

LB Malcolm Rodriguez

Detroit lost multi-year starter and defensive captain Alex Anzalone this offseason in free agency, which creates a big vacancy in Detroit's defense. While Jack Campbell signed a four-year contract extension and is anticipated to take over Anzalone's leadership role, someone will need to pick up where he left off as the team's WILL linebacker.

Enter Rodriguez, who returns to Detroit on a one-year deal that essentially operates as a prove-it contract. He has starting experience dating back to his rookie year, where he started 15 games, and was a starter once again in 2024 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Now, Rodriguez must prove that he still has what it takes to work with Campbell and fellow starter Derrick Barnes. The Lions also signed Damone Clark and drafted Jimmy Rolder, so it will be competitive. However, if he has a strong offseason, Rodriguez should be able to play his way into a significant role for the Lions' defense.

OT Penei Sewell

Sewell has proven plenty throughout his five NFL seasons, but likely faces a challenge heading into his sixth. The three-time All-Pro selection is expected to be moved from right tackle to left, replacing veteran Taylor Decker who held the role for 10 years.

With the position change, Sewell will have to adjust from playing on the right side to the left. This could come with some ups and downs, as is natural in the NFL. However, he does have experience playing the spot as he started several games there in place of an injured Decker as a rookie in 2021.

OTAs will likely be the first opportunity to see Sewell play the position in a team setting, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in this setting.

EDGE Ahmed Hassanein

Hassanein is beginning a critical second season and could use a strong start to the offseason workout program. He generated some optimism with his performance in training camp, but suffered an injury in the preseason finale that led to him being waived with an injury designation.

Though he would eventually return to the Lions later in the season, he was unable to get into action as he never got back on the active roster. The team made several additions at his position, and now he finds himself in a battle for a roster spot in 2026.

C Cade Mays

The Lions overhauled their offensive line, and their headlining free agent signing was Mays. He inked a three-year deal, which indicates that the team hopes he can be the long-term answer at center following Frank Ragnow's 2025 retirement.

Detroit leaned on Graham Glasgow at the position last year, but the veteran struggled with injuries and was ultimately released. Now, Mays will have his first chance to showcase his ability playing the pivot in Detroit's offense.

As mentioned earlier, the Lions' offensive line has a new look. Mays will be at the center of it all, and his performance will go a long way toward reviving the team's consistency in the run game.