Story by
Which Lions Rookies and Second-Year Players Are Rising Fastest at Training Camp
- Story by
- Which Lions Rookies and Second-Year Players Are Rising Fastest at Training Camp
The Detroit Lions are officially a full week into training camp, as the team practiced in pads on Monday and Tuesday and did not practice on Wednesday, instead holding a simple walkthrough. The Lions will be back on the practice field on Thursday as they continue to prepare for the preseason opener on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals .
Through the opening week of camp, we've seen a bunch of rookies and second-year players raise their stock. Most of these young guys aren't going to be impact starters this season , but they should provide value for Detroit as their development continues.
Advertisement
That said, let's look at a handful of rookies and sophomores who are standing out at Lions camp so far.
Wide Receiver Dominic Lovett
Lovett didn't see the field much during his rookie campaign in 2025, but he's making sure that isn't the case this year. According to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, Lovett made one of the biggest plays of camp on Tuesday , hauling in a long touchdown from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and showcasing his elusiveness by making a move on cornerback Roger McCreary to secure the score.
Advertisement
Lovett also seems to be making an impact on special teams, as he can play on multiple units and serve as a returner if needed. The Georgia product is building a strong roster case and should play a more prominent role for the Lions in 2026.
Offensive Lineman Miles Frazier
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) practices during rookie mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Frazier's versatility has been on full display . Pride of Detroit's Erik Schlitt wrote Monday that Frazier has been taking snaps at nearly every position up front , as Detroit is asking a lot out of its 2025 fifth-round pick.
Advertisement
A to Z Sports' Mike Payton also said that Frazier is seeing first-team reps at left guard . Christian Mahogany is still the favorite to reprise his spot there, but Frazier is pushing him.
Even if Frazier can't earn a starting gig on Hank Fraley's offensive line, the LSU product should be a valuable depth piece on the unit and take a step in the right direction this season after an injury-riddled rookie campaign .
Cornerback Keith Abney II (Rookie)
Abney likely won't be in the Lions' starting defensive lineup in 2026, but the fifth-round rookie corner should have a key special teams role. According to Schlitt, Abney had a nice pass breakup on Tuesday and has been stacking solid days as a run defender.
Advertisement
Though Rock Ya-Sin , McCreary, and Ennis Rakestraw are ahead of Abney on the depth chart , the Arizona State product is taking advantage of his opportunities and has a bright future as a potential starter for Detroit.
Defensive End Ahmed Hassanein
Detroit Lions defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (99), left, talks to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard after practice during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
A pectoral injury caused Hassanein to miss most his entire rookie season . The 2025 sixth-round pick was waived with an injury settlement in late August, but re-signed with the Lions' practice squad in November and is back for another training camp on a futures contract.
Advertisement
Colton Pouncy of The Athletic has noticed Hassanein's development heading into Year 2 . The Boise State product has received first-team snaps in camp and looks stronger and more explosive this year.
If Hassanein can emerge as a viable rotational pass rusher for Detroit in 2026, it would provide a major boost to a defensive line that needs to step up with the secondary facing a ton of questions.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
