The Detroit Lions' recent OTAs and minicamp have shed light on some players whose stocks are on the decline. While it's important to remember that these spring practices carry relatively low stakes, there are still some players who haven't quite lived up to expectations. Let's take a closer look at six players whose stocks have fallen, and the reasons why.
Sione Vaki: Special Teams Ace, But Can He Prove His Worth at Running Back?
Sione Vaki is a special teams standout, and the Lions value him as a four-core special teamer. However, his role as a running back is still up in the air. After two injury-filled seasons, Vaki has yet to prove himself as a polished runner. Coach Dan Campbell was frank about Vaki's limitations at running back, stating that he hasn't played the position much and that it's still a work in progress. Unless Vaki can show improvement, the Lions may opt to keep a fourth running back on the roster, like Jacob Saylors, for added insurance.
Miles Frazier: Left Guard Contender, But Facing Tough Competition
Miles Frazier's stock has fallen slightly due to a lack of reps with the first-team offense. Christian Mahogany and Juice Scruggs have held down the left guard position during OTAs and minicamp. While Campbell acknowledged that the left guard position is wide open, he expressed more excitement about the chance to throw Ben Bartch into the competition when healthy. This leaves Frazier as a big underdog to win a starting spot, and it's unclear if he'll be able to prove his worth against tough competition.
Dominic Lovett: Struggling Receiver, But Can He Turn It Around?
Dominic Lovett was expected to benefit from Kendrick Law's ACL tear, but the second-year receiver has continued to struggle in practice. Drops remain a significant problem for Lovett, and he hasn't established himself as a special teamer either. While he's rarely repped with the returners, Lovett still has a lot to prove as a gunner. His lack of development has raised questions about his future with the team.
Ahmed Hassanein: Transitioning EDGE, But Can He Make the Big End Position?
Ahmed Hassanein has been widely praised for putting in the work to add weight and strength to his game. However, the Lions are transitioning him from the rush end position to the big end position. This is a tough transition for Hassanein, as he'll be competing against players like Tyler Lacy, Levi Onwuzurike, and Tyre West, who are typically around 300 pounds. While Hassanein has bulked up this offseason, he'll need to prove himself in the big end position to secure a spot on the roster.
Damone Clark: Background Player, But Can He Make a Splash?
Damone Clark has fallen a bit into the background due to the media's fascination with Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and rookie Jimmy Rolder. While Clark still has a good chance to make the roster, he'll need to make a splash during team drills to stand out. During one particular drill, Clark gave up a touchdown, while Rolder made a couple of big plays in coverage. Clark will need to step up his game to secure a spot on the roster.
Terrion Arnold: Shoulder Injury, But Can He Regain His Starting Job?
Terrion Arnold's shoulder injuries have limited his participation in team drills this spring. While he's estimated his health at 75-80 percent, he hasn't taken part in any drills where media was present. Arnold will need to regain his health and compete for his starting job. Coach Campbell acknowledged that Arnold will enter a competition for the starting job, and it's unclear if he'll be able to climb out of the hole he's in.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions' OTAs and minicamp have shed light on some players whose stocks are on the decline. While it's important to remember that these spring practices carry relatively low stakes, there are still some players who haven't quite lived up to expectations. As the Lions prepare for training camp, these players will need to step up their game to secure a spot on the roster.
