Reminding folks that this is the time of year when optimism overflows is a good idea as the Detroit Lions wrap up OTAs this week while the young players are still in town.
Now, optimism is definitely justified for a team like Detroit, who finished last year as near to the Super Bowl as they have ever been. Given the consistency of the coaching staff and the fact that their roster appears to be stronger than that of the previous season, it is reasonable to assume that Detroit’s young team will only get better over time.
But all it takes is a trip back to 2023 to recognize that some of the players or positions that are being hyped this time of year will never live up to that potential. And we are certainly not immune from that overhype.
Here’s a look back at some of the stories we published around this time that did not age well at all.
June 27, 2023 — Jerry Jacobs predicts ‘dominant’ secondary for Detroit Lions in 2023
As someone who was vying for a starting position at the secondary, I also fell for the offseason buzz. To be honest, injuries were a major factor in this secondary’s derailment early on. While C.J. Gardner-Johnson missed practically the whole regular season, Emmanuel Moseley was never given the opportunity to make an impression. Yet, this serves as a helpful reminder that plans can change quite quickly..
June 26, 2023 — Lions defensive coach: Healthy Charles Harris will make defense ‘much better’
Charles Harris had quite the promising season in 2021 with Detroit but was never able to reproduce that kind of production. While injuries were used as a scapegoat for a down 2022 season, it turns out even a healthy Charles Harris was losing his effectiveness. He ended up losing his starting job quickly in 2023 and was a healthy inactive down the stretch.
May 29, 2023 — TE James Mitchell is the Detroit Lions’ best kept secret
There was reason to think Mitchell may have a breakout season in Year 2 even after the Lions selected Sam LaPorta in the first round. Now that the ACL tear had passed after two years, 2023 was going to be a crucial year for his progress. Steve Heiden, the tight ends coach, would know.
“I’m eager to see him play without an ACL in his second year. That is, in my opinion, a crucial year for development. I believe he still has a lot of room to develop.
Mitchell played just 157 offensive snaps and caught just two receptions to finish as the team’s TE3.
June 28, 2022 — Detroit Lions fans believe Jeff Okudah will have biggest bounceback year of injured players
To be fair, y’all were coerced into this one a bit. The poll asked which player returning from injury will have the best 2022 season. The options: Jeff Okudah (38%), Jameson Williams (35%), Romeo Okwara (18%), Jerry Jacobs (7%), and James Mitchell (2%). In truth, none of those players had a great 2022 season, with Jacobs likely being the best of the group.
May 27, 2021 — Jahlani Tavai down 17 pounds, catching the eye of DC Aaron Glenn
Back in 2021, Tavai’s chances of making an impression on the Lions’ new coaching staff were always slim. He had a very different build than the linebacker Glenn is looking for. Nevertheless, Tavai deserves praise for making every effort to adjust. Sadly, he was left from the team. Nevertheless, he went on to have a pleasant few years with the Patriots.
That being said, not all of the statements made in May and June should be taken at face value. Malcolm Rodriguez could be far better than his draft position, and the linebacker room was better than projected, as we saw in 2022. Both Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta were already leaving a lasting impression at minicamps and OTAs in 2023.
June 28, 2022 — Detroit Lions fans believe Jeff Okudah will have biggest bounceback year of injured players
To be fair, y’all were coerced into this one a bit. The poll asked which player returning from injury will have the best 2022 season. The options: Jeff Okudah (38%), Jameson Williams (35%), Romeo Okw(18%), Jerry Jacobs (7ara %), and James Mitchell (2%). In truth, none of those players had a great 2022 season, with Jacobs likely being the best of the group.
May 27, 2021 — Jahlani Tavai down 17 pounds, catching the eye of DC Aaron Glenn
Back in 2021, Tavai’s chances of making an impression on the Lions’ new coaching staff were always slim. He had a very different build than the linebacker Glenn is looking for. Nevertheless, Tavai deserves praise for making every effort to adjust. Sadly, he was left from the team. Nevertheless, he went on to have a pleasant few years with the Patriots.
That being said, not all of the statements made in May and June should be taken at face value. Malcolm Rodriguez could be far better than his draft position, and the linebacker room was better than projected, as we saw in 2022. Both Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta were already leaving a lasting impression at minicamps and OTAs in 2023.
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