12 Players to Watch at Lions OTAs

QB Hendon Hooker

Ahead of his third season, Hooker will once again have competition for the backup quarterback spot behind Jared Goff. There were some struggles he had to endure throughout last year's offseason, and so development in his accuracy and timing will be important this year.

Consistency will also be a big part in Hooker's assertiveness as the team's backup. He'll need to demonstrate an ability to pilot the offense in a reliable fashion, as competitor Kyle Allen has 19 games of starting experience.

DE Aidan Hutchinson

Hutchinson has been fully cleared for action, so he is expected to be back on the field for OTAs. However, the Lions have traditionally been cautious in bringing players back from injury and as a result he could be limited.

Even though he could have limitations, seeing Hutchinson back on the field will provide an opportunity to evaluate how he's moving in his first action since the injury. There won't be contact drills, but Hutchinson can still show off some explosiveness and agility during drills.

S Ian Kennelly

One of the most promising undrafted free agents in this year's crop, Kennelly wowed the Lions' coaching staff at the local pro day leading to an opportunity to make the team.

Safeties coach Jim O'Neill expressed his excitement about the Grand Valley State product, and excelling at OTAs would go a long way toward putting himself in position to contend for a roster spot. The Lions have some questions about their safety depth, and Kennelly could be a diamond in the rough capable of providing answers.

OL Christian Mahogany

The Lions return all but one starter, and it was Mahogany who filled in for the now-departed Kevin Zeitler when he missed the Divisional Round game with an injury. As a result, it can be presumed that Mahogany will have a leg up in the competition to replace him this year.

This offseason will be beneficial for his development, as he missed training camp last year with a lengthy bout with mono. He'll need to earn the available starting spot, but his performance when given the opportunity last year was very encouraging.

OL Giovanni Manu

Manu did not appear in a regular season game last year, so this offseason will be a big one for his future. Even with the Lions' offensive line being full of talent, Manu will have the opportunity to assert himself as at least a depth spot with a strong offseason.

His athletic traits got him on NFL radars, but refining his technique will be important ahead of his second campaign. If Manu is able to showcase improvement, it will bode well for his hopes of cracking the rotation up front.

DT Brodric Martin

Martin was drafted as a developmental player, but in two seasons he has yet to make a substantial impact. With the Lions bringing in veteran Roy Lopez and rookie Tyleik Williams, Martin will presumably have to earn his spot for the 2025 season and beyond.

In two seasons, Martin has appeared in just five total games as development and injuries have limited his impact. If he's going to carve out a consistent role, this will be the offseason to prove his abilities.

WR Isaac TeSlaa

One of the most exciting rookies in this year's class is TeSlaa, who has the frame to be an outside receiver at the NFL level. However, after predominately playing in the slot at Arkansas, he'll need some time to adjust to a new spot.

The Lions have Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond as veterans ahead of him on the depth chart. He can start to earn more snaps and opportunities with a strong showing at OTAs, which will be his first time matching up with the likes of D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold.

RB Sione Vaki

Vaki has a year under his belt at the running back position and could contend for a bigger role in 2025. The Lions liked the natural instincts that he showcased in spot duty at Utah, and he flashed this in the preseason.

Now, Vaki must demonstrate a more nuanced understanding of all aspects of playing the position. Doing so could give him a strong case to challenge veteran Craig Reynolds for more opportunities. At the very least, he'll offer plenty of value as a core special teams player.

DT Tyleik Williams

Williams was limited during rookie minicamp as the result of having played a lengthy college season, so OTAs could provide a better look at what the Lions have in this year's first-round pick. The lack of contact will limit his overall performance, but there's still plenty to be learned from what he can do during individual and team drills.

As it stands, Williams may be slated for a rotational role in run-first downs. However, he will likely get to demonstrate his explosiveness and hand usage in OTAs, and this could allow him to stake his claim at a bigger role heading into his rookie campaign.

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