ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions will open 2024 training camp with veterans reporting Tuesday at the Lions Training Facility.
Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: Were the Lions a one-hit wonder, or are they legitimate Super Bowl contenders?
That's the million-dollar question in Detroit. After reaching the NFC Championship Game for the second time in franchise history, expectations are soaring within the organization and folks are wondering how they'll respond.
The Lions have the third-best chance to reach the Super Bowl at 17.6%, per ESPN Analytics. But Detroit has never won 10-plus games in consecutive seasons.
In 2011, the Lions put together a 10-win season before following up with a 4-12 record. In 2014, the Lions won 11 games before responding with a 7-9 mark. So based off history, the Lions still have work to do to fully change the narrative, and coach Dan Campbell is up for the challenge.
Most impactful offseason addition: Keeping both coordinators.
As Detroit is pushing to make its first Super Bowl appearance, the front office was aggressive in trying to improve its defense, with key offseason additions such as former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader, veteran outside linebacker Marcus Davenport, and former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson. However, one of the biggest wins of the offseason in Detroit was retaining offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, both of whom interviewed for head coaching positions after the Lions reached the NFC Championship Game for the second time in franchise history last season.
"I think it's really beneficial for the players because you hear that same voice and consistency has always been best in this league, in my opinion, which you don't see a lot," Glenn said in May.
Most compelling position battle: Cornerback
The secondary was one of the biggest weaknesses for the Lions in 2023. Detroit allowed 34 completions thrown at least 20 yards downfield, which tied with the Houston Texans for the second-most in the league, behind only the Cincinnati Bengals (35). The Lions also allowed 28 touchdown passes, sixth worst in the league.
They attempted to upgrade at corner by drafting Terrion Arnold (first round) and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (second round) and adding Robertson in free agency. They also traded for Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis III and re-signed veteran CB Emmanuel Moseley. That's five guys for two starting spots, which is exactly the kind of competition general manager Brad Holmes wants to see.
Player with the most to prove: DE Levi Onwuzurike
As a second-round pick in 2021, Onwuzurike entered the league with high expectations until injuries derailed his development. In his first three seasons, the Washington product has made zero starts while recording just two sacks in 26 career games.
He enters Year 4 in great mental and physical shape after experiencing a solid spring, according to Lions coach Dan Campbell, where he put on nearly 20 pounds. He is looking to put together a strong season after returning from a back injury. This is also a contract season for Onwuzurike, and he describes it as a "redemption" year.
"I've got to show people what I can do," he said during mandatory minicamp. "I've got to show myself what I can do."