Quarterbacks, rookies and injured players are already in Allen Park gearing up for the official start of training camp. The entire squad will join them on Saturday. With camp right around the corner, let's quickly recap Detroit's offseason.
Lions general manager Bob Quinn got right to work making much needed upgrades along Detroit's offensive line when free agency began in March. He went out and signed two of the best offensive linemen available in guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Rick Wagner. Lang didn't allow a single quarterback hit or sack all of last season. Wagner didn't allow any in Baltimore's last eight contests.
2. Jarrad Davis selected in the first round
Detroit needed more playmakers on defense. Of Detroit's nine draft picks, six were on the defensive side of the ball, led by Davis as the team's first pick and the 21st overall selection. Davis brings youth, athleticism and hopefully more playmaking ability to a linebacking corps that didn't record a single sack, interception or forced fumble in 2016.
3. Taylor Decker injures shoulder
The Lions were dealt a blow when starting left tackle Taylor Decker injured his right shoulder in OTAs, and required surgery. Decker is coming off a terrific rookie season that saw him play every down on offense last season and earn All-Rookie Team recognition from the Pro Football Writers. His recovery status will be updated at the start of camp. It's possible he could miss the start of the regular season, but head coach Jim Caldwell said back in June that he didn't expect the injury to cost Decker the entire 2017 season.
4. Ameer Abdullah ready to roll
A foot injury and subsequent surgery cost Abdullah nearly all of the 2016 season. He's back to 100 percent this offseason, and is expected to play a significant role in giving the Lions some consistency in their run game. The Lions haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013. Abdullah heads to camp as the Lions No. 1 running back.
The Lions tweaked their logo this offseason and added four new uniforms (home, away, throwback and color rush). Owner Martha Firestone Ford also invested $100 million in upgrades and enhancements to Ford Field that will improve the fan experience.
