Mike Moraitis– Sporting News
The Detroit Lions had their first practice of training camp on Wednesday and there were several players who managed to stand out during the session.
Of course, it’s still incredibly early in the process, so nobody should go crazy over what they’re reading at training camp right now. However, preparing for the 2024 season is also a process and players have to stack good days in order to earn their roles.
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Among the players who are off to a good start is wide receiver Jameson Williams, who stole the show despite the fact that he was throwing up early on in the session. He attributed that to eating the wrong thing at breakfast, but didn’t say what it was.
Check out more information on Williams’ big day, along with the rest of the players who appeared to stand out above the rest based on the observations of writers on the ground.
Lions’ training camp standouts Day 1
WR Jameson Williams
Williams had some issues keeping his breakfast down early on in practice and even cut loose after reeling in a touchdown catch. But he still managed to put together a strong showing, according to beat writers on the ground.
He also had what was described as the play of the day, when he beat two defenders deep for a long touchdown grab that showcased his deep-threat ability.
Based on what we’ve seen through spring practices and the first day of training camp, Williams looks primed to make the leap the Lions need him to in 2024.
QB Hendon Hooker
Not only did Hooker get all of the second-team reps over Nate Sudfeld, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, he also had a “very nice day,” per Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit.
Hooker started his day off with a lot of accuracy issues, but he settled the ship quickly and ended up having a very nice day. In addition to his throw to Fountain, he routinely made nice crisp throws, taking all the second-team reps. Nate Sudfeld continues to look like the more consistent backup quarterback, but he is still with the third team and doesn’t look to be moving up anytime soon.
It would appear the Lions are going to give Hooker every opportunity to win the backup job behind Jared Goff. He’s off to a great start in that quest.
WR Daurice Fountain
Fountain is battling for a depth role with the team, and Schlitt noted that he had a good day on Wednesday and veteran Donovan Peoples-Jones, who was on the non-football injury list before being activated after practice, should be looking over his shoulder.
When the Lions cycled in a fifth wide receiver, it was Daurice Fountain, who continues to make standout plays—including arguably the catch of the day. While with the second team, Fountain ran a simple sideline route that was strongly covered by Kindle Vildor. Quarterback Hendon Hooker placed the ball high and outside to avoid the coverage (maybe a bit too high) and Fountain was able to snag it with a leaping full extension. People-Jones needs to get on the field in a hurry or he’ll be looking over his shoulder at Fountain for his role.
The Lions are likely to utilize Kalif Raymond as the No. 3 behind Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, leaving the No. 4 spot up for grabs. Aside from Peoples-Jones, keep an eye on Fountain and Antoine Green.
DE Aidan Hutchinson
Not that anyone should be surprised, but Hutchinson was ballin’ on Wednesday, per the observations of multiple beat writers, including Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network.
Aidan Hutchinson looks primed for a breakout, making the jump from really good to elite. That was highlighted by a dominant three-play stretch where he beat the crossing backfield block of running back Craig Reynolds for a would-be sack, sliced inside to stuff a run, before executing a vicious spin move for another sack that left All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell grasping at air.
Hutchinson is coming off a campaign in which he had a career-best 11.5 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl. With a little more help around him in 2024, the Michigan product is primed for big things.
CB Emmanuel Moseley
Moseley didn’t necessarily make any big plays on Day 1, but his mere presence on the practice field after coming back from his second torn ACL in as many years was noted by many writers.
“At the nickel, you’re in that run game and I’m a physical player,” he said. “I like to hit. That’s one of my things, I like to put my face in the fan and make people feel me. That’s what I love about nickel.”
He was also the primary slot corner with Brian Branch playing at safety during the session. Ennis Rakestaw Jr. played opposite Terrion Arnold with Carlton Davis on the NFI list. Davis has since been activated.
DE Josh Paschal
According to Schlitt, Paschal “got the start on the opposite side” of Hutchinson and “found himself in the backfield on several occasions with nifty technical pass rushing moves.”
The Lions need reliable edge depth in the event that Marcus Davenport, who was activated off the PUP list on Wednesday, sees his injury issues creep up like they have during his career.
LB James Houston
Houston saw reps as the SAM linebacker after Derrick Barnes and Schlitt pointed out that he “launched himself into the backfield on several occasions” and “it’s fair to say Houston was in a position to make several tackles for loss.”
Also of note, fellow linebacker Mathieu Betts took a back seat to Houston as far as his respective performance was concerned. The pair are competing for a top depth roles.