Most interesting Detroit Lions players to watch during OTAs

After over a month of offseason workouts, the Detroit Lions finally begin their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week. The difference between the two is both subtle and important. The previous workouts have been mainly focused on conditioning, rehab, and some individual/positional drills. There haven’t been any offense vs. defense drills, one-on-ones, or anything that you’d normally see during training camp.

OTAs represents the final phase (Phase 3) of the offseason. While shoulder pads and live contact are still prohibited, teams can finally go 7-on-7 or 11-on-11. That means it’s the first time entire units will be working together against a common opponent. It’s the beginning of real football. Here is the Lions’ schedule for OTAs:

• Week 1: May 27-29
• Week 2: June 2-4
• Week 3: June 9-11

Media typically gets to watch one practice per week, so expect coverage for three practices over the next three weeks. Detroit will also hold a two-day mandatory minicamp the week after the final OTA, and reporters should be on hand for both of those sessions (June 17-18).

The Lions enter OTAs with plenty of questions and intrigue on both sides of the ball. So today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Lions player are you most interested in hearing about during OTAs?

My answer: There are a lot of possible answers. For most years, the rookie class wouldn’t be that interesting, because rookie minicamp would precede OTAs. But with no rookie minicamp this year, we’ve yet to see all seven draft picks compete as a Lion. Seeing if Blake Miller will jump right into the starting lineup will be interesting to see, and eyes will be on Derrick Moore to see if he can make an immediate impact.

But the rookie class is too easy of an answer for this question. Let’s dig a little deeper. Maybe you’re more interested in this year’s free agency class, but only Cade Mays, DJ Wonnum, and Isiah Pacheco are likely to step into significant roles right out of the gate.

Or maybe you’re more interested in seeing how Year 2 players have progressed. The play of Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge, and Isaac TeSlaa will be crucial for the team’s success in 2026.

However, my picks are the Lions’ cornerbacks. I am fascinated to see how Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and even Ennis Rakestraw will look this week and beyond. All three have been varying levels of disappointments so far—mainly due to injuries—but they’ve all shown promise at varying times. Nothing they do this week is likely to remove any healthy skepticism, but it would sure be nice to see them compete at a high level against the Lions’ talented receiving corps. Detroit’s coverage needs big improvement in 2026, and their strategy at cornerback appears to be letting their young players compete. If Reed and Arnold can prove they were worth the investments, Detroit’s defense should take a major step in 2026. And if Rakestraw can stay healthy and excel when called upon, suddenly the Lions secondary would have some young, promising depth.

Which players are you most interested to hear about at OTAs this week? Share your answers in the comment section below.