With the Detroit Lions’ three open OTA practices now complete, attention has shifted toward evaluating the defense and identifying some of the early trends emerging ahead of training camp. While Dan Campbell continues to stress that spring practices are more about development than competition, there were still plenty of notable takeaways from the defensive side of the ball.

One of the biggest storylines entering OTAs was the health of several key defenders. Cornerback Terrion Arnold was held out throughout the open practices for precautionary reasons, while star defensive backs Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch did not participate in any drills. Their absences created opportunities for several newcomers and depth players to earn valuable reps with the first-team defense.

Campbell also addressed defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike

“I like where Levi’s at, and I’ll leave it at that,” Campbell said. “He’s working, he feels good. I’m not hyping anybody up, not in May. It’s not worth it.”

That measured approach has been a common theme throughout the offseason. Campbell has consistently avoided making bold declarations about players this early in the year, preferring to let performances during training camp and preseason determine roles.

One player who appeared to make a splash during OTA action was linebacker Jimmy Rolder, who seemed to come away with an interception during team drills. It was unclear whether the play came against the first-team offense.

The Lions have undergone significant roster turnover on defense, bringing in a large group of new faces. Detroit added 16 free agents during the offseason, selected seven players in the NFL Draft, and signed nine undrafted free agents. Campbell praised the organization’s additions and the early impressions they have made.

“Every single guy they brought in was for a reason, and every single guy they brought in, I’ve been super impressed with,” Campbell said.

Veteran defensive tackle Alim McNeill also spoke about his motivation entering the season. McNeill admitted he is still thinking about how last year ended, saying he is “losing sleep” over it. However, he also noted that physically he feels a “night and day” difference compared to where he was a year ago, an encouraging sign for a player expected to anchor the interior of Detroit’s defense.

Along the defensive line, the most common starting group featured Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, Alim McNeill, and DJ Wonnum. While Hutchinson, Williams, and McNeill appear firmly entrenched in major roles, the competition opposite Hutchinson remains worth monitoring.

Wonnum received the majority of first-team reps, but Tyler Lacy, Payton Turner, and rookie Derrick Moore all rotated in with the starters throughout the week. Meanwhile, Levi Onwuzurike and Chris Smith frequently rotated in for McNeill and Williams on the interior.

At linebacker, Detroit’s base defense featured Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, but when the Lions shifted into three-linebacker sets, Malcolm Rodriguez joined the group. Based on the reps observed during OTAs, Rodriguez appears to be in the driver’s seat to replace Alex Anzalone in the starting lineup, though that battle is far from settled.

The secondary also offered an interesting look at how Detroit could structure its defense heading into training camp. With Arnold sidelined and both Joseph and Branch unavailable, DJ Reed and Rock Ya-Sin handled the majority of outside cornerback duties. Ennis Rakestraw also earned several reps with the starting unit.

At safety, free-agent additions Christian Izien and Chuck Clark were the most frequent starters, while Avonte Maddox also mixed in with the first team. Roger McCreary appeared to be the primary nickel cornerback during the open sessions.

During 7-on-7 drills, the second-team defense consisted of Khalil Dorsey and Nick Whiteside at cornerback, Roger McCreary and Keith Abney rotating at nickel, Trevor Nowaske, Jimmy Rolder, and Damone Clark at linebacker, with Thomas Harper and Avonte Maddox at safety.

The third-team defense featured several undrafted free agents, including De’Shawn Rucker, Erick Hunter, and Aamaris Brown, who was working at safety. One particularly notable observation involved Abney, who was utilized as both a backup nickel corner and a third-string outside corner. The versatility suggests Detroit may be grooming him to fill multiple roles within the secondary.

While Campbell is right that no depth charts are finalized in May, Detroit’s defensive OTAs provided several clues about how the roster could take shape. From Rodriguez’s expanded role to the competition along the defensive line and the opportunities created by injuries in the secondary, there will be plenty to monitor as the Lions transition from OTAs to training camp.