The Detroit Lions training camp is in full swing, and it's an exciting time for fans as the team prepares for the upcoming season. With the preseason opener on the horizon, it's a great opportunity to take stock of the players who are making waves and those who are struggling. Here's a breakdown of the top performers and underperforming players so far.
The Winners
Nick Whiteside
Nick Whiteside has been a standout performer at cornerback. Initially, he was with the second and third teams, but his consistent play has earned him a promotion to the first team. His ability to make plays has caught the attention of the coaching staff, and he's now comfortably above the roster bubble. Whiteside's rise is a testament to his hard work and talent, and he's quickly becoming a key player for the Lions.
Ahmed Hassanein
Ahmed Hassanein is another player who has impressed during training camp. He's not just a high-energy player with a good origin story; he's consistently making plays on both special teams and against the second-team offense. Hassanein's performance has solidified his position as the unquestioned backup to Tyler Lacy at the big defensive end position, and he's firmly off the roster bubble.
Alim McNeill
Alim McNeill's 2025 season was a disappointment due to a torn ACL, but the 2026 version of him is looking more like his usual self. His explosiveness and strength are back, and he could have a big year if he stays healthy. McNeill's resurgence is a positive sign for the team and a testament to his resilience.
Chuck Clark
Chuck Clark has been a welcome addition to the safety position. Fans' concerns about the starting lineup were eased by Clark's disciplined play, great instincts, and aggressive mindset in the run game. His high-level communication skills and ability to follow through on plays make him one of the Lions' best offseason additions so far.
Rock Ya-Sin
Rock Ya-Sin has stepped up to fill the void left by Terrion Arnold's loss. He's been competing against the team's talented receivers and has assumed a starting role. While concerns about the outside cornerback depth remain, Ya-Sin's performance has been impressive, and he's a key player in the starting lineup.
Luke Altmyer
Luke Altmyer, an undrafted rookie quarterback, has been making a strong impression. His poise during situational drills, relative accuracy, and arm strength have caught the attention of the coaching staff. Altmyer's performance has earned him a chance to win the backup quarterback job, and his potential is an exciting prospect for the team.
Jabari Small
Jabari Small's competition with Jacob Saylors for the RB4 spot is intense. Small's shifty skills, strength on special teams, and grit have made him a strong contender. Despite battling through knee discomfort, he's shown his determination to compete, and his performance has earned him a place in the mix.
The Entire Linebacker Corps
The Lions' linebacking corps has been impressive, with players like Derrick Barnes, Damone Clark, and Devin White making big plays. Their fast and downhill style of play, along with decent coverage skills, has surprised many. Even undrafted rookie Erick Hunter is making an impact. The depth and talent in this room are a positive sign for the team's defense.
The Losers
Giovanni Manu
Giovanni Manu's 2026 season seemed promising, but his failure to report an offseason injury has resulted in him being placed on the Non-Football Injury list. This setback could impact his future with the team, as he missed the opportunity to make a strong impression with the coaching staff.
Isaac TeSlaa
Isaac TeSlaa's slow start to camp has raised some concerns. While his hands are still impeccable, he's struggled against press coverage and in one-on-one drills. TeSlaa's lack of progress in his releases is a disappointment, and he'll need to step up his game to secure a spot on the roster.
Payton Turner
Payton Turner's injury-prone reputation has followed him to Detroit. After practicing once and tweaking his back, he hasn't returned to the field. With the rise of Hassanein and the return of rookie Derrick Moore, Turner's chances of making the roster are looking slim.
Ennis Rakestraw
Ennis Rakestraw's camp has been up and down, and his position in the depth chart is now below Whiteside's. While he's still in the competition for the nickel job, his inconsistent performance has raised concerns. Rakestraw needs to string together good days to secure his roster spot.
In summary, the Detroit Lions training camp has revealed some exciting talent and areas for improvement. The winners have shown their potential and determination, while the losers will need to step up their game to secure their spots on the final roster. As the preseason progresses, fans can expect to see even more competition and growth from these players.
