Lions' future is extremely bright after 4 players took huge leaps in training camp

The Detroit Lions boast one of the best rosters in the NFL, and it was almost entirely constructed through the NFL draft. Of course, that ability only came after some really tough years and big swing trades, but the team has fully realized itself thanks to the top picks they had and used from 2021 up until now.

The team recognizes this, and recognizes that the teams' most talented players rostered still have a greater ceiling to hit despite it feeling like they've already reached that point.

General manager Brad Holmes told reporters on Thursday that he feels like there are four particular players who demonstrated that they still have far more in the tank to use before hitting their actual peak: Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw, Giovanni Manu, and Jameson Williams.

Holmes identifies four players who impressed the most in training camp

Fans know what they're getting from Williams at this point: a 1,000 receiving yard second option on offense who plays with major grit and with a hugely competitive spirit. He's someone that the Lions hope to witness have a huge year, because it'd bode well for their chances to take over this regular season once again.

You can say the same for Arnold. He is shaping up to be one of the Lions' best defensive backs behind Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, and certainly is the leader of the cornerbacks room. Arnold, who finished up his 2024 season with 47 tackles and 10 passes defended, apparently showed in training camp that he's ready to become even more shutdown than he already was.

However, Manu and Rakestraw are two young players the Lions desperately need and want to see take a huge step. Manu is now the confirmed backup left tackle to Taylor Decker, who just underwent shoulder surgery this offseason. While he's yet to have any hiccups since returning to camp, Decker's injury history means that Manu has to stay ready.

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He looked good in the preseason and in training camp, inspiring confidence in Holmes that he can obviously handle those backup responsibilities after a rough 2024.

As for Rakestraw, it'll be a while until we get to see whatever Holmes did in training camp translate onto the field. The second year cornerback was anticipated to take a huge jump alongside Arnold in the Lions' secondary this season, but a shoulder injury landed him on the the IR for the season. He's expected to be back by next season at the very least, and Detroit is obviously still invested in his development.

This team has something really unique going for it: tons of buy in from players who could be asking for more in return for their star-caliber services. Rookie scale deals, or just very affordable extensions like Joseph received, have allowed the Lions to remain talented and flexible in case of emergency. That'll continue into this year, but likely not 2026.

That's what makes this such a pivotal season for players like Manu, Williams, and Arnold: this is the earn it year.