Six players from the Detroit Lions saw their stock decline during recent OTAs and minicamp, according to Pride of Detroit. The trends were reported following player evaluations in the lead-up to the upcoming season.[1]
What happened
The Lions have been evaluating their roster during OTAs and minicamp, focusing on players who have not met expectations. Coach Dan Campbell highlighted that running back Vaki, who has struggled with injuries, has shown potential as a special teams player but has not proven himself at running back. “The running back position is a little raw,” Campbell stated.
Similarly, offensive lineman Frazier surprised observers by lacking reps with the first-team offense, as Christian Mahogany dominated the left guard position. “The left guard position is wide open,” Campbell said, implying competition remains fierce. Meanwhile, wide receiver Lovett’s continued struggles with drops have limited his impact, leaving him competing for a spot on special teams.
Why it matters
The Lions’ decision-making around these players will impact the overall team dynamics heading into the season. Evaluating each player’s fit in the roster is crucial for strategic planning. The coaching staff has emphasized the need for improvement from players like Vaki and Lovett if they wish to secure their positions.[3]
Background
On May 20, 2026, the Lions kicked off their offseason training activities with optimistic expectations. However, as the off-season progressed, it became evident that several key players were not maximizing their opportunities during practices.
What’s next
As training camp approaches, players such as Arnold and Lovett will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, with specific evaluation dates set for late July 2026 to determine roster spots ahead of the preseason.
