The Lions kicked off OTAs Monday and held their first practice open to the media on Tuesday.
Getting back on the practice field has been helpful in the installation of the new offense under coordinator Darrell Bevell.
"It's huge for us," Lions head coach Matt Patricia said before Tuesday's practice. "It's actually just huge for us just to line up across from each other. That's the biggest thing and just be able to see a real look, opposed to coaches that are out there trying to get cans lined up and trying to get the looks from that aspect of it and then run off the field and run back on the field ...
"It's a great time of year for execution. It's a great time of year for communication. It's obviously not the time of year for contact. That'll come in training camp. Right now, there is a great opportunity for us to get ahead in the installation."
One noticeable change on offense was the position of second-year offensive lineman Frank Ragnow. Ragnow, who started all 16 games at left guard last season, lined up at center throughout Tuesday's practice.
"It's good," Ragnow said of the switch. "I played the position in college. I know this is going to sound boring, but you play what you can play. I think it adds value to a person, the more you can do.
"I'm just trying to fit in my role, whatever role they choose."
Patricia said they like to evaluate players at different positions in the spring, and they still have plenty of time to decide on their starting lineups and positions before the season starts.
Catch up on the rest of the action from Week 1 of OTAs:
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS
- Who are the rookies to watch in OTAs? Tim Twentyman covers than and more in his latest 10 Questions column.
- Second-round pick linebacker Jahlani Tavai is focused on learning the defensive playbook.
- Meet the roster: View photos of the 90 players currently on the Lions roster.
