2019 training camp continued for the Detroit Lions this week, and the competition for roles and roster spots is starting to ramp up.
Along the offensive line, the Lions have been rotating players in and out of the guard spots. Over the course of the week, Graham Glasgow, Kenny Wiggins, Oday Aboushi and Joe Dahl have all seen time at guard with the first-team offense.
"Remember as we evaluate all that we're trying to find a fit that works for our team as we evaluate those guys that when they play together, they may not, necessarily, be all individually, it's kind of the fit of the five," head coach Matt Patricia said of the competition.
"The guys that can come in and step up into those different positions and function at a high level, that's really important. If you get a guy in and you have to force him to play a position – he's okay but he's not really comfortable at, that gives an advantage to the defense, so we are trying to eliminate that as we go."
Glasgow, who started all 16 games at center last year, has been watching game tape of former teammate T.J. Lang as he transitions back to guard.
"I like to go back once in a while and watch a few of his games, see how he played, -- see how he goes about things," Glasgow said. "I'm not trying to be him. You've got to be you as a player."
No matter who lines up where on the offensive line, or who earns the starting jobs, the chemistry built between the players should be a strength for the unit.
"They're people you'd actually love to be your friends if you weren't playing football," tackle Taylor Decker said. "That sort of group. I can't imagine what it would be like if you didn't like anybody.
"That's what allows us to come out here and work so hard."
Catch up on all the action from the second week of training camp:
- Highlights: Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7
- Practice photos: Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7
- Tim & Mike observations: Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7
- Camp Spotlight: Rashaan Melvin | Jahlani Tavai | Jesse James | Jarrad Davis | Danny Amendola
MIKE DANIELS JOINS LIONS
The Lions announced last Saturday that they signed free agent defensive tackle Mike Daniels. Daniels spent the last seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
"For us, hopefully, we're going to add someone I have a lot of respect for that's had really good production," Patricia said of Daniels. "He loves football. He's one of those guys who just comes to work every day. A blue collar guy. He's one of those guys who loves the grind of the game."
Daniels arrived in Detroit Sunday, and spoke to reporters following practice. He explained he got calls from several teams after getting cut by the Packers, but chose to sign with the Lions because of Patricia.
"He's just a genius," Daniels said. "He really is. He understands the game of football. He knows what it takes. So to be able to play for a coach like that it means everything. I'm really trying to be restrained right now because I'm so excited. If I could do a backflip right now I'd do one, but I can't. I'm really excited.
"I thank god that I got cut and I have an opportunity to play for a defensive genius."
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS
- Go behind the scenes of Lions training camp with Episode 1 of Inside the Den.
- Who has surprised so far in camp? Tim Twentyman answers that and more in his latest 10 Questions column.
- Watch Tori Petry talk with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport about Patricia building his culture, Darrell Bevell's offense and the Daniels signing.
