Lions
- The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke provide an analysis and progress report of the Lions’ rebuilt receiving corps so far. They write that while it’s not clear whether Tyrell Williams or Breshad Perriman will be the No. 1 receiver, it might not matter as both will start.
- For what it’s worth, the two point out Perriman and QB Jared Goff have struggled to get on the same page so far, though Perriman’s athleticism has stood out. Williams has also looked good.
- Per Burke and Baumgardner, Lions fourth-round WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has shown off his technician skills as a route runner and could be a decent weapon underneath for Detroit this year.
- The duo note that the staff may have challenged WR Quintez Cephus because he’s looked much better in minicamp. Staying consistent in training camp will be key for him.
- Lions WR Victor Bolden has been one of the standouts of OTAs and Burke/Baumgardner think he could be battling Kalif Raymond for the final roster spot, with the return job on special teams a potential differentiating factor.
- Others on the bubble include veteran WR Geronimo Allison, who is also working on special teams, and Damion Ratley, who could stand out as a deep threat.
- The Lions signed three wideouts as undrafted free agents, Jonathan Adams, Javon McKinley and Sage Surratt. Burke and Baumgardner mention that Adams has some similarities to Williams but might need to get stronger. McKinley has an uphill battle for a roster spot and didn’t help his case with a wide-open drop of a touchdown, while Surratt hasn’t shown the quickness to separate against professional corners.
- Lions HC Dan Campbell said they are interested in free-agent RB Todd Gurley but aren’t concerned if he elects to sign with another team. Gurley notably wrapped up his visit with the Ravens on Thursday: “The last time that we’ve really discussed Gurley is probably two days ago… We’re not sweating it. Do we like the kid? Yes, we do. If it works, it works. If it does, it’ll be on our terms.” (Dave Birkett)
- Lions G Jonah Jackson said that first-round OT Penei Sewell has a veteran presence at OTAs: “They say he’s a 20-year-old, he acts like a grown man. … On the field, you see why he was the No. 7 overall pick, it’s very evident.” (Chris Burke)
Packers
Packers’ OC Nathaniel Hackett likes what he has seen from QB Jordan Love, who is entering his second year in the NFL and has been drawing praise from those around him this offseason.
“I think it’s just about being able to make the proper decisions and understand its timing and accuracy. And all those things have definitely been better up to this point,” Hackett told reporters Thursday, via NFL.com. “And I think just the more experience, the more reps you can get, it’s going to help him, regardless of who’s out there. It’s just about coaching and understanding the concepts, different protections, and the run game — there’s so much for him to be able to learn that it’s been great having him here and having the opportunity to help him out.”
Hackett knows that now is certainly the time for Love to get more familiar with both the playbook and the Packers system in general.
“One of the bigger things with Jordan right now is just his confidence in the system,” Hackett said. “Coming from college and then picking it up as a rookie and being able to have a whole season just to be able to learn that, so he can go out there and execute is so important. It’s something it, kind of takes that off his plate. Instead of trying to learn the verbiage and just understand how to call the plays, he can do that much easier now and then be able to go out there and execute them. And I think that’s something we’ve been able to see. So now we can talk about the techniques and the reads and all those intricate details that we want to get to him.”
Hackett also told the media that he has a unique situation considering that QB Aaron Rodgers is not in attendance for camp.
“Anytime you’re a coach, you have to coach everybody like a starter,” Hackett said. “That’s kind of always your intention. I think it’s a great opportunity for guys to get reps and opportunities out there to be able to develop. I think that’s what you’re always looking for.”
Vikings
- Vikings CB Bashaud Breeland’s one-year deal includes a fully guaranteed $1.075 million base salary, a $1 million signing bonus, and up to $925,000 in per-game roster bonuses. (Ben Goessling)
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