Lions OTAs Begin With Major Storylines Across the Roster

The Detroit Lions officially begin organized team activities, or OTAs, on Tuesday as the team opens its first week of full offseason practices in Allen Park. The first round of OTAs will run from May 27-29 and will provide the first real look at the 2026 Lions roster competing together on the field.

While OTAs are voluntary and non-contact, they still mark an important step toward the regular season. Under NFL offseason rules, teams are heavily restricted in what they can do during practices. Players are limited to a maximum of six hours per day at the facility, with only two of those hours allowed to be spent on the field. Practices are also completely unpadded, meaning players will only wear helmets, jerseys and protective pads for their knees and elbows.

The workouts fans may have seen on social media over the past several weeks mostly consisted of rehabilitation work, conditioning and individual drills. Beginning this week, however, Detroit will finally be able to run offense-versus-defense periods for the first time this offseason.

That alone makes these practices significant.

OTAs will offer the first glimpse at how the Lions plan to structure both sides of the ball entering the 2026 season. In previous years, media members have been allowed to attend one OTA practice, meaning clips and observations from Allen Park are expected to quickly circulate across social media throughout the week.

With Detroit coming off a disappointing end to last season, there will be plenty of storylines to watch.

One of the biggest areas of focus will be the rookie class. In recent years, the Lions’ draft classes have not generated major national attention because Detroit was typically selecting later in the first round. This year felt different. Holding the No. 17 overall pick gave the Lions an opportunity to draft more recognizable talent, including offensive lineman Blake Miller and edge rusher Derrick Moore.

The two rookies could quickly find themselves lining up against each other during practice reps, which is often one of the more competitive aspects of OTAs. Miller’s strength and technique against Moore’s athleticism and pass-rushing ability could become one of the early battles to watch throughout the summer.

Of course, the attention will not only be on the rookies.

Detroit was aggressive in free agency this offseason, signing 14 outside free agents to help reshape the roster. Some of the most notable additions included running back Isiah Pacheco, offensive linemen Cade Mays and Larry Borom, and edge rusher D.J. Wonnum.

Pacheco enters Detroit with immediate expectations after effectively replacing fan favorite David Montgomery in the backfield. While Montgomery became one of Dan Campbell’s most trusted offensive leaders during his time in Detroit, the Lions believe Pacheco can bring explosive speed and physical running ability to the offense.

Meanwhile, Mays could have a major role on the offensive line as Detroit looks to stabilize the center position for the first time since the departure of Frank Ragnow. Borom and Wonnum will also face pressure throughout training camp as they compete for starting reps against younger players, including Moore and Miller.

Beyond the rookies and free-agent additions, several returning players will also be under the spotlight.

One of the most intriguing names is cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit’s 2024 first-round pick. Arnold is coming off shoulder surgery that prematurely ended his season last year, and questions remain about whether he can take the next step in his development. After an inconsistent rookie campaign, Arnold enters 2026 facing increased expectations in Detroit’s secondary.

If he struggles again this season, the pressure surrounding his future with the organization will only increase.

Arnold is not the only cornerback worth monitoring during OTAs. Veteran D.J. Reed, one of Detroit’s major free-agent signings last offseason, still has plenty to prove after an uneven first year with the team. In addition, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Detroit’s 2024 second-round pick will finally have an opportunity to return after missing essentially all of last season because of a shoulder injury.

For the Lions, OTAs may only represent the beginning of offseason practices, but they also mark the start of several important position battles and storylines that could define Detroit’s 2026 season.