Using the 12 OA on a backup RB? A gadget rb that can't get it done between the tackles and seems to not have an actual position. Is Gibbs ceiling a poor mans Tarik Cohen?
David Montgomery is the lead back as of now, but head coach Dan Campbell will likely go to a committee approach. Montgomery's presence could limit Gibbs' carries, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations
The fact that head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are experimenting with Gibbs splitting out wide could be a sign that they intend to get both Gibbs and Montgomery on the field at times.
An ILB at 18 that is struggling with the speed of the NFL game and acting like a petulant 4 year old in practice.
Third-year Lions coach Dan Campbell has noticed the first-round pick becoming frustrated with himself upon making a mistake.
As is the case with any rookie, the Iowa product is struggling to adapt to the speed of the game. When he comes up short on an assignment, he has a tendency to become aggravated with his performance.
"With any young player, he's smart enough to understand what's going on, but he's not processing it fast enough because he's young," the coach explained.
The 34th pick on a TE possible burried 3rd on the depth chart that can't block and looks to not be able to beat out an former UDFA with 30 career catches and a backup level TE without an ACL.
While LaPorta is the most talented tight end on the roster, I don’t think he’ll fulfill the starting role. The Lions value blocking ability, which is a lesser part of LaPorta’s game. For reference, the Lions tight ends combined for 784 blocking snaps to 625 receiving snaps in 2022. Asking rookie tight ends to block NFL-caliber defenders is a big ask, so I’d expect the Lions to take it slow with LaPorta as a blocker. Instead, LaPorta could see action as a de facto slot receiver thanks to his combination of size, speed, and after the catch skills.
Mitchell has a lot of fans within the community and, more importantly, the coaching staff. Wright looks like the obvious starter given his role in 2022, but it’s worth noting what Mitchell had to deal with. Rookie tight ends typically have quiet a first season, but Mitchell was also coming off a significant college injury. That limited his involvement early on, and when Hockenson was traded away, he likely wasn’t ready for the starting role.
That won’t be the case in 2023, and I think Mitchell has a good shot to push Wright for a starting role.
