5 things we’re looking to learn at Detroit Lions mandatory minicamp
Detroit Lions minicamp is the final checkpoint of the offseason. Five key things to watch this week could quietly reveal how Detroit is really shaping its 2026 roster before camp arrives
One last stop for the Detroit Lions before the dead zone begins, and we have to wait until late July for things to get cooking again when training camp starts. That’s a two-day mandatory minicamp this week.
So what is mandatory minicamp? This is the first real checkpoint of the offseason where things stop being optional and start feeling like football again. For the Detroit Lions, this is the two-day stretch where every veteran is required to be in the building, no excuses, no schedule juggling, no “I’m working out on my own” loopholes.
It’s still not training camp—there are no pads, and it’s controlled work—but you get a much clearer picture of where the roster actually stands because installs are in, the tempo ramps up, and the coaching staff finally gets a full look at its entire group on the field together. It’s basically the last major football work before everyone breaks for the summer, and around here, it’s where you start separating offseason optimism from what’s actually going to hold up in August and beyond.
So here’s what we’re looking for at this week’s minicamp.
What does the offensive line lineup look like?
It’s still really early, and anything can change once camp starts, but we’re looking to see who the Lions are starting at left guard for the next two days. Christian Mahogany is the expected answer there, but this could be our first look at the possibility that Miles Frazier comes in and steals the role. If they move him in this early, that could be a sign the Lions favor him there. If not, he has to fight for it.
How the Lions offense is working with Drew Petzing
It’s going to be a soft install, but an install nonetheless. This is the first real glimpse of how the Lions’ offense is going to respond to that install and what this offense could look like going forward into the season. We’re going to be looking at how Jared Goff handles the install and maybe try to glean how much input he has on it.
What does the secondary look like?
Particularly in the safety spots and in the slot. We know both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will be in the building, but they won’t be practicing. So who are the two starting safeties? Thomas Harper and Chuck Clark make the most sense. Then who is in the slot? Right now, it’s looking like Roger McCreary’s job to lose.
How are the Lions deploying their edges?
Aidan Hutchinson’s side is figured out, but who do the Lions plan to start on the other side? D.J. Wonnum makes the most sense to start the season, but if Derrick Moore is there already, that would be a very big deal. From there, how much do Payton Turner, Ahmed Hassanein, and Anthony Lucas get out there?
The rookies
The rookies, in general, need to be watched. How much are they going to get out there? The Lions didn’t have a rookie minicamp this year, and that kind of tells you that the Lions want to throw these guys in the deep end, but logic tells you they’d probably rather save that deep end for training camp and really get a look at some of these veterans. We’re looking for the answer this week.
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