The Detroit Lions have entered into a critical year in their progression. With large money now invested into the core of the team, their window to obtain the crown of superiority in the NFL is open. With such lofty expectations comes a very intense and competitive training camp ahead for the team. Next we will look at some players that it is imperative they have a strong camp or they could be on the outside looking in when the Regular Season begins.

Hendon Hooker

Hooker is entering a pivotal 3rd year, and hopes to solidify the backup role behind Jared Goff. He was originally a projected 1st round talent, whose draft stock fell after suffering a ACL injury his last year of school. He would eventually be selected in the 3rd round to Detroit as a potential predecessor to Goff. After sitting out a vast majority of his rookie year, he utilized the Sophomore stint as a developmental season. He showed some potential as a dual threat quarterback throughout the preseason, but he didn’t exactly command the reins as a solidified backup. It was even more evident the Lions were not totally comfortable with Hooker, when they signed Veteran Teddy Bridgewater down the stretch as insurance policy for Goff just before the playoffs began. Hooker will be competing this summer with Kyle Allen for the backup position. If he lacks progression this summer, it may mark the end of the road for the former Heisman Trophy candidate.

Hendon Hooker had himself a day 🦁

🔵 12/15
🔵 161 Total Yards
🔵 1 TD
pic.twitter.com/h9n8gHPPGw

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 18, 2024

Brodric Martin 

Martin is another former 3rd round pick. The Lions traded two fourth rounders and a fifth to move up and select him. He has been hindered by injuries in his short career. Playing in only 3 games his rookie season. He started his second season on the injured list, then remaining inactive the remainder of the year, despite the team dealing with depth issues on the defensive line. With the Lions going out and drafting two Defensive Lineman and a number of others returning from season-ending injuries the pressure will be on for him to finally be an active participant on the line. How quickly interior Defensive Lineman Alim Mcneil is able to recover from his injury may be a determining factor in whether the team wishes to retain Martin.

Joshua Paschal

Paschal was the 14th player selected in the second round of the 2022 draft. He was drafted the same year that Aidan Hutchinson was selected, and was the 4th ranked edge rusher coming out that year. Paschal has yet to have a breakout season to match the mid-second round draft pick selection. Paschal is a natural leader who throughout his three years as a Lion, has played the steady role of depth piece on the inside and out along the defensive line. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so if the Lions choose to look elsewhere the penalty would be minimal. With the potential resigning of Z’darius Smith still looming, Paschal could be the odd man out, although his durability and positional fluidity could make him somebody worth while to keep on the roster.

Trevor Nowaske   

Trevor is a local bred player who attended Saginaw Valley State and has found a home back in Detroit for a second time after a short stint in Arizona. He appeared in a much more expanded role after the injuries of Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and eventually Malcom Rodriguez towards the end of the season. Now, with Anzalone returning to full strength and Derrick Barnes coming back with a brand new extension, Nowaske will be competing for one of the final spots in the Linebacker room. In the offseason the Lions went out and signed former Indianapolis Colt Brock Stuard to bolster the linebacker depth and special teams role. This may further squeeze Nowaske out of a spot, but with Dan Campbell affirming that Malcom Rodriguez will likely miss at least half of the season, that could leave an opportunity for him to make the Week 1 roster.