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Lions OTAs: New Faces, Big Expectations
26 May
Summary
- Organized Team Activities began this week for the Detroit Lions.
- Several key players like Rakestraw, Reed, and Arnold are under scrutiny.
- Newcomers Pacheco and Wonnum aim to make immediate impacts on the roster.

The Detroit Lions have officially begun their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week, marking the initial opportunity to evaluate the 2026 season roster. These practices, spanning three weeks, offer valuable insights into player development and early position battles.
Key players like cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. are vital for strengthening the secondary, provided he can stay healthy. D.J. Reed also arrives with expectations to stabilize the pass defense, facing top receivers daily. Terrion Arnold faces a critical year two, needing to become a reliable starter.
On offense, Isiah Pacheco brings an explosive option to complement Jahmyr Gibbs, with fans eager to see how the running back rotation evolves. Versatile lineman Cade Mays could become important depth. Defensively, D.J. Wonnum has a significant opportunity to bolster the pass rush, while rookies Blake Miller and Derrick Moore will aim to make early impressions.
These OTAs are more than just practice; they are the first step for a team with championship aspirations. While it's early, these workouts will provide initial indications of the roster's potential to meet the immense expectations for the upcoming season.