Tim Twentyman

The Detroit Lions wrapped up OTAs last week and that will do it for the offseason training program. The team cancelled their mandatory minicamp so they can start training camp early this summer since they are playing in the Hall of Fame preseason game July 31.

It's worth noting here that there were only a couple open practices to the media and they are unpadded practices, so it's hard to evaluate the big guys up front, but with that said, let's take a look at five players who caught my eye:

1. Wide receiverJameson Williams

He's made a couple difficult catches in OTA practices and really seems to be on the same page with quarterbackJared Goff. Coaches and teammates have been raving about his spring, both on the field and in the meeting room, and many think he's poised for a breakout season. He had his first 1,000-yard season last year with seven touchdowns as he became one of the top deep threats in the NFL. He looks to have expanded his game to include the short and intermediate parts of the field, and if he stays healthy there's no reason he can't have a monster 2025.

2. Edge rusherAidan Hutchinson

It's been good to see No. 97 back in the fold after missing most of last season with a broken leg. It's hard to evaluate pass rushers without the pads on, but the movement skills have looked good with Hutchinson. That's an important distinction coming off an injury like the one he suffered last season. He's made his presence felt in the offensive backfield in multiple team periods in OTAs and looks to be back to his old self, which opposing offensive tackles won't be all that excited to hear.

3. Running backJahmyr Gibbs

David Montgomery hasn't taken part in the open OTAs so Gibbs has gotten the bulk of the work. Where he's stood out to me the most is in the passing game. We all know how dangerous he can be with the ball in his hands, and it seems like new offensive coordinator John Morton is really working to isolate him against great matchups in the pass game. Gibbs caught 52 passes for 517 yards and four touchdowns last season. That was on top of rushing for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Lions have a lot of weapons in the pass game, but I wouldn't be surprised if Gibbs nears 75 receptions this season.

4. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold hasn't taken part in open OTA practices, and that's allowed fellow second-year cornerback Rakestraw a chance to get a lot of reps with the first-team defense opposite D.J. Reed on the outside. He'staken advantage of those reps, even earning a shoutout from head coach Dan Campbell about his play this spring. Rakestraw only played in eight games last year because of injury. Now healthy, he wants to prove he can make an impact. The way he's trending this spring, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard might have to find some packages or opportunities to get him on the field.

5. Tight end Sam LaPorta

LaPorta saw his numbers dip a little bit last year from his rookie season, but that's mostly because Detroit's offense has so many weapons and only one football to go around. Wide receiverAmon-Ra St. Brownwas asked Thursday who has stood out to him this spring, and LaPorta was the first name out of his mouth. LaPorta's made a couple great plays in the red zone and down the field in OTAs. Don't be surprised if LaPorta's numbers in 2025 look closer to the record-breaking numbers he put up as a rookie in 2023.