The Lions finished Week 2 of OTAs and are preparing for their three-day minicamp next week.
These practices are an opportunity for players to start fresh from last year and compete for playing time.
"It's a blank slate every year," running back Zach Zenner said after Thursday's open OTA practice. "Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you finish, it doesn't carry over to the next season.
"Personally, it was a decent end to the year, but it's a whole new year for me and it's a whole new year for this team and the league in general."
It's the Lions' second year under head coach Matt Patricia, so everyone has a better understanding of his expectations and coaching style.
"We have to be accountable for our actions," cornerback Teez Tabor said Thursday. "Coach Matty P is trying to bring this higher standard to the Lions. Everyone has to be accountable to that standard that he's talking about."
Catch up on the rest of the action from Week 2 of OTAs:
- Tim & Mike: Week 2 observations
- Highlights: Day 4 | Day 5
- Practice photos: Day 4 | Day 5
ASSISTANT COACHES MEET WITH MEDIA
The Lions assistant coaches met with media Tuesday to talk about their respective units and position groups.
New offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell talked about his hopes for his scheme, as well as his plans for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
"I think I'm going to ask Matthew to do things he hasn't done before," Bevell said. "Try to challenge him in a way that, I think, can push him to get better.
"But then, obviously, I need to tailor things for him to make sure that what he feels like he does well we're able to do as well."
It will be interesting to see how Bevell uses the tight ends in his offense. So far tight ends coach Chris White is pleased with the new additions to his group, including first-round draft pick T.J. Hockenson.
"There's a lot to like about him," White said. "To me, he's a complete tight end. He can play first, second and third down. He can move. He does a nice job in the run game. He creates separation in the passing game. The overall evaluation was, he can do everything we wanted him to do.
"He's a natural ball catcher. He's got really good hand-eye coordination. The thing I've been Impressed with is, he has a knack of kind of separating. He wasn't the fastest tight end at the Combine. He has a way of getting open. He's kind of savvy – that type of football player. Things you can't really teach."
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS
- Find out what makes linebacker Jahlani Tavai a good fit for the Lions' defense, according to LB coach Al Golden.
- The Lions appear to be deep at the safety position, giving them a lot of different options on defense.
