The Detroit Lions entered 2025’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with heightened expectations following a historic 2024 season that saw them reach the NFC Championship Game. With a strong foundation, ascending leadership under Dan Campbell, and continuity across key units, Week 1 of OTAs gave fans and analysts alike a glimpse of how the team is preparing for another potential deep postseason run.
From standout performances and injury updates to rookie observations and schematic tweaks, here’s a comprehensive 1,500-word breakdown of everything we learned in Week 1 of Detroit Lions OTAs.
1. Jared Goff’s Command of the Offense
One of the most reassuring takeaways from OTAs was Jared Goff’s poise and command of the offense. Goff, fresh off a contract extension that solidified his place as the franchise quarterback, looked sharp in 7-on-7 drills and full-team sessions. He was decisive, accurate, and continued to demonstrate strong chemistry with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.
Observers noted Goff’s increased comfort working with second-year offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who returned after flirting with head coaching opportunities this offseason. The offense hummed along efficiently, with Goff appearing to be in midseason form in terms of timing and leadership.
Goff’s deep ball also stood out. A 40-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams down the sideline highlighted his accuracy and trust in his young receiver. It’s clear that with his long-term deal now inked, Goff is embracing his role as the unquestioned leader of the offense.
2. Rookie Impressions: Terrion Arnold and Giovanni Manu Turn Heads
The Lions’ 2025 draft class arrived with buzz, and Week 1 of OTAs gave them their first opportunity to showcase why.
Terrion Arnold, the first-round cornerback from Alabama, lived up to expectations. Matched up often against St. Brown and Williams in coverage drills, Arnold held his own and even broke up several passes. Coaches praised his technique and football IQ, and it’s evident he could be an immediate starter opposite Carlton Davis III.
Giovanni Manu, the massive offensive tackle from British Columbia, was one of the more intriguing prospects coming into camp. Though raw, his sheer size and footwork caught the attention of line coaches. While he’s likely to begin as a developmental backup, Manu handled edge rushers well in drills and looks like a future fixture on the line.
Third-round linebacker Edgerrin Cooper also flashed range in coverage, particularly on a pass breakup against running back Jahmyr Gibbs. His sideline-to-sideline speed may earn him a rotational role early on.
3. Jameson Williams’ Breakout Is Brewing
Entering his third season, Jameson Williams has become one of the most anticipated breakout candidates in Detroit. His speed has never been questioned, but now Williams appears to have put it all together — health, timing, and confidence.
During the first week of OTAs, Williams stood out in nearly every practice session. He consistently created separation with quick releases and burned defensive backs deep. Perhaps more impressively, he caught several intermediate throws in traffic — a part of his game that had previously been inconsistent.
Dan Campbell was effusive in his praise, noting, “You can just feel it. Jamo’s locked in — his attitude, his work ethic, his trust with Jared. He’s ready to take that next step.”
Williams could evolve into a legitimate WR2 alongside St. Brown, giving Detroit a vertical threat that forces defenses to stretch and opens things up underneath for LaPorta and Gibbs.
4. Defensive Line Shuffle: Brodric Martin Making Strides
The defensive front was an area the Lions prioritized improving this offseason, and early signs are encouraging.
One of the most notable developments is the play of Brodric Martin, a third-year defensive tackle out of Western Kentucky. Often considered a developmental project, Martin has physically transformed his body and looks quicker off the snap. In 11-on-11s, he routinely disrupted run plays and even recorded what would’ve been a sack in live action.
With Alim McNeill holding down one starting DT spot, Martin’s rise could solidify the interior rotation alongside veteran DJ Reader. If he continues this trajectory, the Lions might boast one of the deeper defensive tackle units in the NFC.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery: Dynamic Duo Expanded
Ben Johnson is clearly scheming more two-back sets for the 2025 season, as both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery were frequently on the field together during OTAs.
Gibbs, in particular, was deployed all over the field — lining up in the slot, motioning pre-snap, and running option routes. His explosiveness after the catch remains elite, and his route running has become more nuanced. Montgomery, meanwhile, continues to be the reliable power back and pass protector Detroit leans on.
The synergy between the two backs could be a nightmare for defenses, especially when combined with LaPorta at tight end. Expect Detroit to innovate more with personnel packages to create mismatches.
6. Sam LaPorta: Even Better Year 2?
After a phenomenal rookie campaign, Sam LaPorta isn’t slowing down. He arrived at OTAs noticeably leaner but stronger, and the early returns are promising.
Goff repeatedly looked to LaPorta in red zone drills, where his size, hands, and body control make him a preferred target. One highlight saw LaPorta catch a one-handed touchdown over Brian Branch, drawing cheers from teammates and coaches.
LaPorta’s role as a security blanket in Detroit’s short-to-intermediate passing game remains secure, but expect his red-zone target share to increase as he continues to build rapport with Goff.
7. Secondary Takes Shape: Brian Branch Ascending
With the addition of Terrion Arnold and the return of CJ Gardner-Johnson, the Lions’ secondary looks to be in much better shape this year. But one player who continues to impress and grow into a leadership role is Brian Branch.
Now entering his second year, Branch has become a vocal presence during walkthroughs and team huddles. He’s been splitting time between nickel and safety, showcasing his versatility.
In coverage drills, he had multiple pass breakups and was particularly effective in limiting LaPorta — a challenging assignment for any DB. His football IQ and communication skills suggest he may soon be a captain-level presence in the locker room.
8. Injury Notes and Absences
The first week of OTAs featured no major injuries, a massive win for the Lions’ training staff. That said, several veterans were on limited workloads:
- Taylor Decker was present but not fully participating as he recovers from offseason clean-up surgery. No setbacks are expected.
- Emmanuel Moseley, recovering from last year’s ACL injury, did light work on the side with trainers. The team is optimistic about his training camp availability.
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a limited participant in team drills but fully active in individual work. His return adds swagger and depth to the secondary.
One absence that raised questions was Josh Paschal, who was excused for personal reasons. Campbell confirmed it’s not injury-related and emphasized it was a “non-issue.”
9. Offensive Line Depth Battle Heating Up
Detroit’s offensive line has long been one of its strengths, but depth has been a concern. Week 1 of OTAs revealed a tight competition among reserves.
- Colby Sorsdal, a 2023 draft pick, rotated at both guard and tackle and received praise for his footwork.
- Kayode Awosika also saw increased reps and may be a dark horse to secure the swing guard role.
- Matt Nelson, returning from injury, struggled at times in edge protection, which could open the door for rookie Giovanni Manu to earn early snaps as a backup tackle.
The Lions are committed to maintaining a top-five offensive line, and the positional flexibility of younger linemen will be critical if injuries strike.
10. Coaching Continuity Breeds Confidence
Perhaps the most understated advantage Detroit brings into 2025 is continuity. Dan Campbell, Ben Johnson, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are all back. That stability is paying dividends, as players are executing faster and with fewer mental mistakes.
Team sessions were crisp, organized, and infused with energy — a credit to the culture Campbell has built.
“Everyone knows what the expectations are,” said linebacker Alex Anzalone. “We’re not teaching a new system or changing philosophy. Now it’s about sharpening what we already do well.”
Detroit’s first week of OTAs didn’t feature any major surprises, but that’s a good thing. The Lions look stable, focused, and deeper than they’ve been in years. From Jared Goff’s sharpness and Jameson Williams’ surge to the immediate impact of rookies like Terrion Arnold, everything points to a team on a mission.
As Dan Campbell put it, “We’re not hunting anymore. We’re being hunted.”
For the first time in decades, the Lions enter the season not as hopeful underdogs, but as legitimate NFC contenders. If Week 1 of OTAs is any indication, Detroit is ready for that challenge.
