- With so many reports coming out of Allen Park at the start of training camp, here’s what you should know. These are the players who have left an impact, for better or worse.
Stock Up: T.J. Hockenson
You’ve heard the training camp reports. You’ve read the rumors. This kid is for REAL. While selecting a Tight End at 8 was the only discussion had during the draft, tons of people forgot that the man playing tight end is a phenomenal football player. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller had Hockenson as his 5th best player in the draft. Without the ability to truly assess his blocking skills, we’ve been forced to judge his abilities in the receiving game. It was expected early on that Hockenson would impact the team with his blocking, and his catching would take time, but would offer help. His pass catching is far more superior than any of us had previously thought at this time. I won’t call it crazy to believe that Hockenson might be the 2nd pass catcher on this team. While players have had ups and downs in camp, Hockenson has been consistently dominant.
Stock Down: Jamal Agnew
Jamal Agnew came onto the scene in 2017 with an All-Pro selection as a punt returner as a rookie, and the sky was the limit. In 2018 the plan was to see his returning improve, while becoming a true slot corner and a weapon on offense. A torn ACL ruined that opportunity. Could this be a reason he’s currently on the bubble? No. Jamal Agnew has been struggling during camp, and it’s his hands, not his legs that have let him down thus far. Multiple dropped punts/muffed kicks have been his downfall, and he’s still a liability in the secondary. I would be very very surprised to see Agnew on the team week one.
Stock Up: Marvin Jones
Marvin Jones missed 7 game last season, and was considered almost an afterthought in this offense, with Kenny Golladay receiving majority of the pass catching attention. Marvin Jones has come into camp and shown Detroit how much he still has to offer. Jones has been the hardest Lion to cover these last 2 weeks. It’s hard to gauge the production Marv should have this year, but the Jones-Golladay pairing is definitely top 12 in the league.
Stock Down: Justin Coleman
Coleman, an ex-Patriot, received a fat paycheck from Bob Quinn this offseason, making him the highest paid slot CB in the league. 2 weeks in, it’s not being earned. Coleman started training camp with on-and-off days, lacking consistency, but bringing solid performances. Yesterday Coleman struggled so much, he was moved to 2nd team D, with Tabor taking his 1st team Slot CB spot. While not a reason to panic, it sure isn’t good. The secondary has been a roller coaster this offseason, with one position excelling and another struggling(we’ll get there in a second). With week 1 against the pass heavy Cardinals, this lack of CB depth should be considered a problem.
Stock Up: Tracy Walker
When Walker was drafted last season, fans were confused. Initially because nobody had heard of the Division 2 stud, but also because of the reaction from the Lions’ draft room. Bob Quinn was jubilant. After a year of fine grooming, TW is ready to step on the scene. Walker was stealing snaps from Glover Quin towards the end of the season and he looks to grab the starting spot this season. What should you expect from him? First, he’s looooong. 6’3, with a ridiculous wingspan, and speed to matchup with it. I’d be disappointed with less than 4 INTs this season from the sophomore. He has been consistently solid all camp and may be the next young stud to show up.
Stock Up AND Down: Teez Tabor
It’s hard to put a read on Teez Tabor at the moment. Here’s a quick timeline:
- Teez Tabor
runs a slow 40 yard dash in the combine, drafted by Lions.
- Has 2 of
the worst seasons in the league by any players still on a team.
- Looks
noticeably better in spring of 2019, looks to have found himself.
- Starts
camp off with the 2’s, has had his wins and losses.
Tabor found time with the 1’s, and lost his spot to a 5th round rookie, Amari Oruwariye, within a span of a week. What should we be expecting around final 53-team season? Your guess is as good as mine.
Stock Up: Defensive Line Depth
With 4 positions on the line, it’s mouthwatering constructing the possible scenarios. 3rd and long pass? Romeo Okwara and Devon Kennard outside, Mike Daniels and Da’Shaun Hand inside. Short yardage? Da’Shaun Hand and Trey Flowers outside, Snacks Harrison and A’Shawn Robinson inside. Depth pieces? Eric Lee, Austin Bryant, Mitchell Loewen, PJ Johnson. There are always exceptions, but this group has the depth to lose a player at any position on the line (God forbid), and regroup with a minimal drop-off. Okwara, Kennard, and Mike Daniels are pass rush experts, Snacks and A’Shawn are run D experts, with Flowers and Hand the jacks-of-all-trades. If this group isn’t a top 5 defensive line, it should be considered a disappointment.
Stock Down: Matthew Stafford
This hurts to write. What is coming probably won’t feel much better either. Matt Stafford, Matty Staff, Frat Stafford, Clayton Kershaw’s baseball teammate. Whatever you prefer to call him, it’s undeniable the impact and legacy he has created in Detroit. The man played every game last season with a broken back. How is that possible. Despite his grit, love for the D, and accolades, facts are facts. And here’s a fact: Matt Stafford has looked below average this training camp. Sure, a new offense is being put in place. Sure, it’s only camp and doesn’t mean much. The amount of interceptions already thrown in camp says otherwise, however. He’s missed open receivers, overthrown deep balls, and looked flustered on multiple occasions. Hoping for an early camp slump, but the play of Matt Stafford is currently the biggest developing story in camp.
Michigan Chat 