The Detroit Lions open training camp on Monday, and fans have plenty of questions about the roster heading into 2026. From cornerback trades to offensive line chemistry to the strength of the safety room, there’s a lot to sort through before the real football starts. Let’s break it down.

Will the Terrion Arnold release cost the Lions a draft pick, or will they get a comp pick?

No. The Lions are not getting a compensatory pick from releasing Arnold, and they’re not in any trouble with the league over it. Compensatory picks work differently. If Arnold had left as a free agent, he would have been classified as a compensatory free agent, and that formula could have applied. Because the Lions released him, it doesn’t work the same way.

There’s also no situation where the Lions face punishment here. They reported everything to the league properly. They didn’t hide anything. This is on Arnold and nobody else. Lions fans shouldn’t worry about any draft pick implications.

What is the second-strongest position group on the roster?

Wide receiver is clearly the strongest unit on the team. After that, I’m going with safety. I know some fans might think that’s crazy, but hear me out.

I think Kerby Joseph plays this year, and I think he’s there on day one of training camp Monday. Brian Branch should be back at some point this season as well. Beyond those two, the depth is legitimate. Chuck Clark is a former multi-year starter for the Baltimore Ravens. Christian Izien can play both safety spots and nickel. He started for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Avonte Maddox started for the Eagles in their Super Bowl win and played well for the Lions last season. Thomas Harper was the 10th highest-graded safety in the league per Pro Football Focus, with Maddox right behind him at 11th.

That’s a deep, reliable group even before you factor in guys like Dan Jackson, who’s more of a wild card. The Lions are in a good spot with their safety room.

Running back deserves a mention too. Jahmyr Gibbs, Isaiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, and Jacob Saylors make up a strong group.

When will the offensive line gel?

Training camp will give us a first look at the chemistry, but the real gelling happens once live football starts. Penei Sewell moving to left tackle isn’t a concern. I’ve compared him to Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig before because he’s just one of those guys who can do anything. He played left tackle at Oregon and during his rookie year in Detroit. He’ll be fine.

The right side feels solid on paper with Blake Miller at right tackle, Tate Ratledge at right guard, and Cade Mays at center. The question is left guard, where the starter remains unclear.

The real work is communication. It’s Mays learning how Ratledge moves, how the left guard talks, how everybody operates together. You can pick up some of that in camp, but once the season starts and you’re throwing live rounds, it takes a few weeks. I’d say by around Week 5, you’ll look at this group and think they’re starting to figure it out. It won’t take until 2027.

Will the Lions trade for a cornerback?

Should they? Yes. Will they? Probably not right now. It’s easy to say “go trade for a corner,” but if a team has a good cornerback, why would they give him up before the season? The trade deadline presents a better opportunity because teams out of the playoff race become more willing to deal.

I think the Lions head into the season with Rock Ya-Sin as the starting No. 2 cornerback, with Ennis Rakestraw pushing for that spot if he stays healthy. That’s a fun battle to watch all summer. Beyond that, Detroit will likely wait until after final roster cuts to claim guys off waivers. They need depth behind the top two, and that’s the smartest way to get it.

Will Larry Borom start over Blake Miller at right tackle?

No. Miller was a first-round pick, and he’s about as ready to go as a rookie tackle can be. He’s already working with the first-team offense at OTAs and mandatory minicamp. When camp opens Monday, I expect him lining up as the starting right tackle.

Borum’s role is swing tackle, and that’s a massive upgrade over Dan Skipper. I know everybody loves Skipper, and what’s not to love? But his play was starting to decline, and that’s probably why he retired. Borum is a starting-caliber tackle playing the swing role. In max protect situations, that’s going to matter.

Miller is written in ink as the Week 1 starter at right tackle. I think everybody else should see it that way too.

Will the Lions trade for a running back?

No. There’s no reason to do it. Gibbs, Pacheco, Vaki, and Sailors give the Lions one of the stronger position groups on the roster. Unless something unfortunate happens with injuries, I don’t see any running back trades coming for Detroit anytime soon.

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