Podcast appearances and mentions of jeff risdon

The Detroit Lions have a deep, flexible safety room that still needs defined roles. Injury concerns to both regular starters complicate the safety spot, and that will make for a very intriguing training camp in Allen Park. Is Kerby Joseph the turnover engine this defense needs? Yes, when Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is on the field, the defense gains its best ballhawk. As Jeff Risdon noted, Joseph is "exceptionally good at creating opportunities for the defense to turn defense into offense." Risdon explicitly wants him healthy for 17 games because nobody else has provided that level of takeaways. Joseph had ups and downs last season, but his ability to flip possessions remains the singular swing factor in the secondary's ceiling and the overall NFL playoff push. Is Chuck Clark the answer while roles settle? Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark looked like a starter and a tone-setter in minicamp. He played primarily in Joseph's role, handled every assignment, and, as Jeff Risdon put it, "impressed the hell out of me" as a leader and communicator. Clark can play over the top or in the box, and at 32 years old he still moved and directed traffic like an alpha. The only open question, per Risdon, is whether his best days are behind him, but his spring performance says he can anchor the room as jobs crystallize in camp. Where do Thomas Harper, Christian Izien, Avante Maddox and Dan Jackson fit? They are the versatile chess pieces who fill the gaps while starters settle. Detroit Lions defensive back Thomas Harper plays everywhere, with prior work in the slot, at free safety and at strong safety, and he aligned closer to the line of scrimmage in camp. Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien, an undrafted Rutgers product who became Tampa Bay's "positionless wonder," has started in the slot, over the top, in the box and even outside, and he profiles more as a slot safety. He missed the early part of last season, then resumed his value as a super sub. Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox is a veteran presence who can contribute in a sub role. Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson, a Georgia draft pick who missed his entire rookie year, is a strong safety and core special teams type, but he remains an unknown until he stacks camp reps. How will the scheme changes unlock this group? Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil and the staff want to be less predictable on the back end, and the room's versatility enables that. Chuck Clark can blitz, and Dan Jackson showed last summer he can blitz from the slot and from depth. This camp is about someone, whether it be Clark, Izien or Harper, seizing a defined role so the coaches, including Kelvin Sheppard, can deploy fewer moving parts and more consistent combinations. If health cooperates and one or two players lock down jobs, the Lions field a very good safety unit, with depth that is far better than a year ago. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #kerbyjoseph #chuckclark #thomasharper #christianizien #avontemaddox #danjackson #detroitlionssafeties #jimo'neil #kelvinsheppard #nfltrainingcamp #slotsafety #boxsafety #nfldefense #takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions have the top-end talent to win a championship. PFSN's Top 100 lists seven Lions, with offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. Health, execution, and timely plays must now match that talent. How many Lions made PFSN's Top 100, and who headlines it? Seven Detroit Lions made the list, led by offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4 as OT1, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. That is four Lions in the top 20. Quarterback Jared Goff is No. 53 and QB10, tight end Sam LaPorta is No. 87, and linebacker Jack Campbell is No. 95 as LB4. As Jeff Risdon noted, PFN's linebacker impact score had Jack Campbell No. 1 among linebackers in 2025. PFSN also notes Sam LaPorta missed eight games in 2025, yet his 54.3 receiving yards per game was his best per-game mark since his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2023. Why is left vs right tackle value overblown? Jeff Risdon emphasized that while Penei Sewell is moving to left tackle, elite edges attack both sides. Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T. J. Watt rarely rushes against left tackles, Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson often works over right tackles, and Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett moves around. Does star power alone win the Super Bowl? No. Team health, execution, and key plays matter more than raw star counts. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks and the Super Bowl runner-up New England Patriots were not among the most represented teams on the Top 100 list. Seattle's core callouts on PFSN included wide receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, and quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 71 as QB12. They won with health and timely defense. Detroit's takeaway is clear, as Risdon said, talent is there, but game-deciding plays must follow. What do the rankings say about quarterback Jared Goff and Detroit's offense? Quarterback Jared Goff at No. 53 and QB10 confirms he is not holding the Detroit Lions back. As Jeff Risdon stated, Goff is very good at what he is asked to do. Detroit does not ask him to run RPOs or fire frequent tight-window throws, and within that structure he wins. Risdon added that if the Seattle Seahawks can win with quarterback Sam Darnold and that supporting cast, the Lions can finish the job with Jared Goff. The ranking validates Detroit's approach, provided the offense sustains health and situational precision. How do the Lions stack up against the NFC North? Detroit leads the division with seven Top 100 players. Green Bay has four, Chicago has three, and Minnesota has two, reinforcing that the Lions possess the division's deepest top-end core. Green Bay's notables include quarterback Jordan Love at No. 34 as QB8, offensive tackle Zach Tom at No. 57 as OT7, and safety Xavier McKinney at No. 67 as S4. Chicago's trio features offensive tackle Darnell Wright as the top Bear, guard Joe Thuney at No. 65 as OG3, and quarterback Caleb Williams at QB15. Minnesota's two are wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 16 as WR4 and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel at No. 99 as Edge12. As Risdon concluded, Detroit's talent is real, now the execution must be too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #peneisewell #aidanhutchinson #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #jaredgoff #samlaporta #jackcampbell #samdarnold #leonardwilliams #jacksonsmith-njigba #jordanlove #zachtom #xaviermckinney #darnellwright #justinjefferson #pfsntop100 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Prepping For Camp The quietest part of the NFL calendar rarely stays quiet for long. With training camp roughly 10 days away, the Detroit Lions have entered the final stretch before the real evaluations begin. The roster is largely set, the offseason program is complete, and every conversation now shifts toward one question: what are we about to learn once the pads come on? On this week's Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon look ahead to one of the most important training camps of the Dan Campbell era. From position battles to injury updates, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating the running back room, there is no shortage of storylines despite the lack of football on the field. The Camp Battles That Will Shape the 2026 Season Training camp is where optimism meets reality, and the Lions have several competitions that will define the opening 53-man roster. The first battle begins at right tackle. Rookie first-round pick Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom split first-team reps throughout OTAs and minicamp, making this one of the premier competitions to watch when camp opens. The secondary remains another major storyline following the departure of Terrion Arnold. Detroit must identify who will emerge opposite D.J. Reed, with Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. expected to receive every opportunity to claim the job. Replacing Arnold is not simply about finding another starter. It is about rebuilding depth in a room that suddenly looks much different than it did just a few months ago. Running back is another fascinating discussion. Jahmyr Gibbs is unquestionably the featured back, but is Isiah Pacheco enough as RB2? His experience, physical running style, and pass protection bring value, but Sione Vaki continues to develop, making this a storyline worth following throughout camp. Is Kerby Joseph Ready and How Confident Should We Be? Perhaps no player carries more intrigue entering camp than Kerby Joseph. The All-Pro safety remains one of Detroit's most important defensive players, but his recovery from a knee injury leaves legitimate questions. Training camp should finally provide answers about both his availability and effectiveness. His availability could shape the entire defense. Fortunately, Brad Holmes added veteran depth at safety, giving Detroit more flexibility than it had a year ago, but everyone understands this defense is better when Joseph is healthy. That naturally leads to the biggest discussion of the episode. How confident should Lions fans be? The roster still has one of the NFL's strongest offensive cores. Jared Goff is surrounded by elite skill talent, the offensive line remains among the league's best, and the coaching staff has built a culture capable of competing with anyone. The questions largely reside on defense, where health, youth, and replacing Terrion Arnold all become part of the equation. Training camp is where those answers begin to emerge. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they prepare you for everything to watch over the coming weeks. From the biggest roster battles to Kerby Joseph's health, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating Isiah Pacheco's role, this is your complete guide to the storylines that will define Detroit's 2026 training camp. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #TrainingCamp, #KerbyJoseph, #TerrionArnold, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #JaredGoff, #NFLTrainingCamp, #LionsRoster, #DetroitVsEverybody, #IsiahPacheco, #NFLNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionstrainingcamp #detroitlionsnews #bradholmes #dancampbell #jaredgoff #kerbyjoseph #terrionarnoldupdate #terrionarnoldwaived #isiahpacheco #detroitlionsroster #detroitlionssecondary #lionsrosterconcerns #nfltrainingcamp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions defense in 2025 was not bad, it was untimely. They ranked 22nd in scoring defense but finished 17th in yards allowed per game and ninth on third downs, and Pro Football Focus graded them as a top-five defense overall. The real issue was explosive plays and situational lapses at key moments. Was the Detroit Lions defense actually bad in 2025? No. The unit performed better than its reputation. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were 22nd in points allowed, 17th in yards per game at 332.8, and middle of the pack at 5.4 yards per play. Crucially, they allowed a 36.9 percent third-down conversion rate, which ranked ninth, while the offense converted 38.8 percent, 19th. That disconnect fuels the perception. The defense was on the field in tough spots and failed at the worst times, which is different from being bad snap-to-snap. Which numbers explain the gap between strong grades and points allowed? Excellent. PFF's cumulative defensive grade for Detroit was 81.8, fifth overall, with a 78.5 run defense grade that ranked fourth. Tackling graded at 74.9, second behind the Green Bay Packers. The pass rush ranked fifth, and pressure rate ranked fourth, with help from Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Coverage graded 74.1, tenth. Raw team data backs several strengths: Detroit allowed the sixth-lowest completion rate at 61.6 percent, averaged 7.3 yards per pass allowed which ranked 23rd, and posted an 8.11 percent sack rate, eighth. Special teams graded sixth. The defense simply surrendered too many explosive plays and got burned by short fields when the offense failed on third and fourth downs. Those two factors drove points more than down-to-down quality. What must change in 2026 to turn solid metrics into stops? Cut the explosives and win the pivotal snaps. That means finishing drives with takeaways or stops on third and manageable, and protecting field position instead of gifting short fields. As Jeff Risdon theorized, using more zone coverage and replacing some base 4-3 snaps with extra defensive backs or an additional lineman instead of a linebacker can specifically help in coverage. He also noted using the punter a little more in marginal situations to avoid feeding opponents favorable field position. Turnovers and situational management Risdon's Houston analogy underscores it: clean up turnover differential and third-down execution and a defense that already grades well turns those metrics into points prevented. Do the Lions have the personnel to fix it? Yes. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson closed strong after a slump and remains the headliner up front. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell delivered impact against the run, and the interior pairing of Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams should be a strong one-two punch. Depth has improved in the secondary, though, as Jeff Risdon cautioned, safety Brian Branch and safety Kerby Joseph entering the start of the year is not optimal. Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone's role can flex within sub-packages to prioritize coverage matchups. Bottom line, as Risdon put it, the defense was unfortunate and untimely in 2025, and those are correctable issues. He's over the 10.5 win total. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsdefense #nflstatistics #pff #pffranking #pffgrades #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #alimmcneill #tyleikwilliams #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #alexanzalone #profootballfocus #losangelesrams #seattleseahawks #greenbaypackers #passrush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP welcomes Bish and Brown co-host Russ Brown to the latest episode. The show focuses on some of the recent Lions developments, including the team's dismissal of cornerback Terrion Arnold. Brown argued that Detroit can evaluate and win with the corners on hand while focusing entirely on football. Are the Detroit Lions better without Terrion Arnold? Yes. The roster and locker room benefit from removing a high-profile distraction and empowering the rest of the room. Detroit Lions cornerback DJ Reed, Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney give the staff multiple perimeter options. Brown framed it plainly, the team has enough depth to stay afloat and can use the season to see exactly what it has in Rakestraw and Abney while Reed takes the CB1 role. He also noted the waiver reality and that the issue is no longer inside the building. Jeff Risdon added he expects a massive suspension and reminded listeners no team claimed Arnold. Training camp opens July 25, so the team's clean slate at corner arrives at the right time. Who wins the Lions offensive line battles at right tackle and left guard? Right tackle is settled, left guard is a true competition. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller starts immediately. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Krish Mahogany and Detroit Lions guard Miller Frasier headline the race with Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch in the mix. Brown called Miller plug and play and said he has no doubt Miller will be the starting right tackle. He labeled left guard the bigger question, with the cream rising between Mahogany and Frasier. The hosts praised the front office for taking two interior swings and set the expectation that this group is better than a year ago. How explosive is Detroit's passing attack in 2026? It is elite, and it will be featured. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is a set-and-forget chain-mover, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams adds vertical thunder. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta's health is trending up, and Detroit Lions running back Jameer Gibbs remains a centerpiece. Brown told friends to draft St. Brown without hesitation because he wins every down and distance. He described Williams as a modern home-run threat who can get to roughly 60 catches and 1,000 yards with schemed touches. With Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka providing fresh eyes, as Jeff Risdon put it, the offense should clean the meat off the bone that was left last year. Did Detroit do enough in the middle of the defense, and what about specialists? Yes on the trenches, and no issue on specialists. Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ali McNeil pairs with Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ty II Williams to anchor inside, while Detroit Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gil Howard brings first-step juice as a late-round addition. Brown outlined how Reader's exit was expected short term and emphasized Williams' faster play and McNeil's reset year. Risdon, after seeing Gil Howard up close, said his physical presence impressed and that pads will tell the rest. What about the specialists? There is no mistake in having no camp challengers. Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates are established, and Detroit Lions long snapper Hatton is working under former long snapper and current staffer Don Muhlbach. Brown said the Lions would add competition if needed. Risdon called Fox unreal at minicamp, a reminder that this NFL unit is set. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #djreed #ennisrakestraw #keithabney #terrionarnold #legaldistraction #cb1role #righttackleblakemiller #leftguardcompetition #krishmahogany #millerfrasier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colby Sorsdal makes the Detroit Lions 53-man roster as a reserve guard in Jeff Risdon's current projection. His roster case centers on a cleaner guard fit, size and strength, and a depth chart that now places other tackles ahead of him. Spring reps and versatility keep him in the fight. Is Colby Sorsdal on track to make the 53-man roster? Yes, Jeff Risdon currently has Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal on the final 53, in pencil, as a reserve interior option. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sorsdal drew meaningful spring reps and remains in the core group competing for backup jobs. Risdon emphasized that Sorsdal missed last season after a preseason injury against Atlanta led to an injured reserve stint. The perception that he was gone lingered because of the waiver process, but he reverted and remained with Detroit. With renewed health and visible work in the spring, he reenters a crowded battle for reserve offensive line roles. What role best fits Colby Sorsdal in Detroit? Guard, not tackle. Sorsdal's body type, power and grip strength translate inside, and the tackle depth ahead of him reduces the need to keep him outside. As a rookie in 2023, Sorsdal played 94 snaps at left guard out of 253 total regular season snaps, the only regular season action of his career to date. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell's staff has seen him at both guard spots, and his pass-protection challenges on the edge, specifically against quick inside counters that tested his foot reset and weight transfer, point to a cleaner projection at guard. The ask now is to channel his upper-body strength, anchor and hand usage in tighter spaces while sharpening the footwork that stalled him at right tackle. How crowded is the Lions' reserve offensive line competition? Very crowded, and it shapes Sorsdal's lane. Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom upgrades the OT3 spot, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller was drafted to play early, and Detroit Lions tackle Devin Cochran brings length. That stack narrows Sorsdal's tackle path and pushes him to guard. Inside, Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is part of the mix, Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is being sorted among positions, and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin is competing for depth. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is the presumptive winner per Risdon, with Juice Scruggs his top challenger. Within that framework, Sorsdal's clearest route is becoming the best reserve right guard who can also cover emergency snaps elsewhere. What did Dan Campbell say about Sorsdal's opportunity? Dan Campbell underscored open competition and Sorsdal's chance to earn it. Campbell said the staff's eyes are open every year, Sorsdal is coming back from injury and doing a good job, and pads will tell more. He added that players get overlooked, then gain confidence, make plays and earn roles, and that Sorsdal has an opportunity. That aligns with Risdon's view: if the Detroit Lions keep him focused at one spot and he stacks solid padded practices and preseason tape, Sorsdal validates a reserve guard role on the 53. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #colbysorsdal #larryborom #juicescruggs #blakemiller #milesfrazier #devincochran #sethmclaughlin #christianmahogany #dancampbell #jeffrisdon #detroitlionsoffensiveline #rightguardcompetition #trainingcamp #preseasongamevsatlanta #53-manroster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, we're talking about the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Michigan and Michigan State Athletics, and more as we were joined by some of our great guests. We kicked off the show talking about the Pistons and the rest of the NBA as we were joined by Scoop Jackson from ESPN Chicago. He and Huge discussed everything the Pistons have done in the off-season, gave their thoughts on what this team still needs to put them over the top, gave their opinions on what Duren deserves to be paid moving forward, and much more. We were then joined by former Michigan Basketball player Tim McCormick. He and Huge talked about the Pistons in the off-season, talked about Michigan and Michigan State Hoops, and more. In our second hour, we were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the Lions in the off-season, talked about how good the offense should be this season, talked about how good the secondary will be without Terrion Arnold, talked a little about Lebron James and the possibility of him returning back to the Cavs, and much more. Chris Balas from theWolverine.com then joined us. He and Huge talked about Michigan Football and their expectations for the season, and more. We wrapped up the hour talking with John Maakaron from the Detroit Sports Podcast. He and Huge talked about this being Justin Verlander's final season playing Baseball, gave their thoughts on what happens with Skubal and some others by the trade deadline, and more. In our final hour, we played Bill's earlier conversation with Scoop Jackson in regards to the Detroit Pistons and the off-season. Clayton Sayfie from theWolverine.com then joined us. He gave us an update on how Michigan Football is doing in the off-season, talked about what impact Coach Whittingham has had on the team so far, gave their thoughts on how Bryce Underwood will do this season, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our second hour, we were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the Lions in the off-season, talked about how good the offense should be this season, talked about how good the secondary will be without Terrion Arnold, talked a little about Lebron James and the possibility of him returning back to the Cavs, and much more. Chris Balas from theWolverine.com then joined us. He and Huge talked about Michigan Football and their expectations for the season, and more. We wrapped up the hour talking with John Maakaron from the Detroit Sports Podcast. He and Huge talked about this being Justin Verlander's final season playing Baseball, gave their thoughts on what happens with Skubal and some others by the trade deadline, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the Lions in the off-season, talked about how good the offense should be this season, talked about how good the secondary will be without Terrion Arnold, talked a little about Lebron James and the possibility of him returning back to the Cavs, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Honolulu Blues: How a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man The Detroit Lions Podcast hit pause on the recent noise and leaned into what makes Detroit different. Jeff Risdon sat down with author and lifelong Lions fan Joel Walkowski to unpack Joel's upcoming book, Honolulu Blues: How a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man. The book is a Lions history that doubles as a memoir about fathers, fandom, and getting sober. The book lands on July 14 and mixes hard truth with humor. It is rooted in Sundays, shared rooms, and the way a football team can hold a family together. Walkowski grew up with the Lions as common ground with his father, who had special needs. Barry Sanders became a compass. Games turned into lessons on humility and resilience. He remembers the Utley game. He remembers Reggie Brown. He remembers a Pro Bowl guard killed by a truck while doing yard work. Even in those darkest moments, Barry made the game joyful. Later, during his own fight for sobriety, Matthew Stafford's toughness lit a path forward. The book tour runs through Detroit Book Fest, bookstore stops on the 24th, 25th, and 29th, a statewide library swing from September 17 to October 4, and a Detroit sports roast on October 4. Glory, Pain, and Change in Detroit Wachowski traces how 1950s Detroit helped shape the modern NFL. The Lions ran early two-minute drills. They played under the lights. The city and the franchise moved in sync. Then came decades where everything that could go wrong did. After Barry's rookie year came Andre Ware. A splash move for Pat Swilling cost draft picks that became stars elsewhere. The tragedies around the offensive line were real and human. Ownership loomed over it all. William Clay Ford's long tenure fostered inertia. Russ Thomas became a symbol of staying too long. The uniform patch sparked fan fatigue. Modernization finally arrived under Sheila Ford Hamp. Process, infrastructure, and standards caught up. Simple things like player support, food, and recovery resources improved. The Lions began acting like a billion-dollar enterprise. That cultural pivot echoes the book's core theme: look in the mirror, change, and build better habits. Why 2026 Inspires 13-4 Talk This roster can beat anyone. The offensive line is a strength. Amon-Ra fits as the possession target. Jamo brings a home run threat. The backfield evokes Barry-level excitement. Put it together and 13-4 does not sound outlandish. Twelve and five is in range too. The NFC North picture helps. Stability in Allen Park looks stronger than rivals. Chicago faces the pain of replacing a Pro Bowl center. The lesson of going from hunter to hunted still matters. Even last year, with injuries and breaks going the wrong way against Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, Detroit stayed on the cusp. Wachowski attended the NFC Championship at his father's urging. He left with perspective, not despair. Community. Memories. A team that changed how people carry setbacks. This Detroit Lions Podcast episode delivered catharsis and clarity. The Lions' story is not only about trophies. It is about how a city learns to get up, again and again, together. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #honolulublues #barrysanders #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #jamesonwilliams #mikeutley #reggiebrown #waynefonts #williamclayford #sheilafordhamp #russthomas #patswilling #andreware #two-minutedrill #nfcchampionship #pittsburghsteelers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions and the Terrion Arnold Fallout The NFL calendar is supposed to be quiet in early July. OTAs are over, mandatory minicamp is in the rearview mirror, and training camp remains weeks away. Instead, the Detroit Lions find themselves at the center of one of the biggest stories of the offseason. The decision to move on from Terrion Arnold has created shockwaves throughout the organization and across the league, turning what should have been a slow news cycle into one of the most talked about moments of the summer. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon take an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding the move, what it means for Arnold's future, and how it changes the outlook for Detroit's roster heading into training camp. The story goes well beyond a single player. It is about roster construction, expectations, and how quickly the outlook for an NFL team can change. What the Terrion Arnold Update Means for Detroit The Terrion Arnold update forces the Lions to confront questions that few expected to be asking before training camp. Detroit invested heavily in rebuilding its secondary over the past several seasons, and Arnold was viewed as an important part of that long-term vision. His departure leaves both an immediate opening on the depth chart and broader questions about how the organization evaluates and develops young talent. The coaching staff now faces the challenge of redistributing snaps while determining whether younger defensive backs are ready for expanded roles. Veterans become even more important, while competition throughout the secondary immediately intensifies. This also places additional pressure on the Lions' pass rush. A strong defensive front can make life easier on defensive backs, but depth in the secondary becomes increasingly important over the course of a long NFL season. Detroit's roster has enough talent to compete, but this development changes the conversation heading into training camp. The Lions have consistently preached competition, accountability, and earning every roster spot. This move reinforces that philosophy, even if it comes at the expense of a player many expected to contribute for years to come. The Biggest Lions Roster Concerns Moving Forward The immediate question is simple. How do the Lions replace the depth, athleticism, and developmental upside that Arnold represented? Chris and Jeff will examine every angle, including internal candidates who could benefit from increased opportunities, possible veteran additions before camp, and whether Brad Holmes could still look outside the organization for help before the regular season begins. The discussion also extends beyond one position group. Every roster move creates ripple effects throughout the defense. Special teams responsibilities shift. Rotational packages evolve. Young players suddenly find themselves competing for meaningful snaps that did not appear available just days ago. This is exactly the type of development that reshapes a training camp before it even begins. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they break down the Terrion Arnold fallout, discuss what the decision means for Detroit's defense, evaluate the Lions' biggest remaining roster concerns, and look ahead to one of the most important training camps of the Dan Campbell era. #DetroitLions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #DetroitLionsNews, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #DetroitLionsRoster, #DetroitLionsDefense, #DetroitLionsSecondary, #NFLNews, #NFLOffseason, #TrainingCamp, #TerrionArnold, #TerrionArnoldUpdate, #TerrionArnoldWaived, #LionsRosterConcerns #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #kidnappingcharge #armedrobberycharge #floridalaw #detroitlionssecondary #cornerbackdepth #rockya-sin #brianbranchinjury #kirbyjoseph #drewpetzingoffense #passrush #turnovermargin #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #commissioner'sexemptlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring why the Lions released Terrion Arnold The Detroit Lions moved fast. After a pretrial hearing in Hillsborough County where no charges were dismissed and a $1,000,000 bond was set, the team released CB Terrion Arnold on Monday. The brash move has led to many questions about why the Lions would act so decisively. Tuesday's Daily DLP answers a couple of questions and ideas surrounding the Lions' swift action. The first was posed by Lions legend Lomas Brown to Daily DLP host Jeff Risdon during an appearance Monday night on WJR Radio. Would the Lions have done the same if Arnold were a more successful player and not a relative disappointment on the field through his first two seasons? Risdon believes they would; the team's stated "no turds" policy doesn't have exceptions. But others in the DLP Slack channel and various social media apps disagree. One of the plain truths for the Lions is that the organization didn't want to keep seeing Terrion Arnold associated as a member of the Lions during his upcoming trial. Releasing him now at least deflects any controversy about why the team would continue to employ a person facing multiple felony counts. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #lionstransactions #lomasbrown #arnoldarrest #lionssecondary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're broadcasting from the Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids as they're hosting the "Drive Out Parkinson's-Grady's Parkinson Promise Golf Event." Throughout the show, we were joined by some of the great people connected to the event so we could hear about how they're helping to fight against Parkinson's. We kicked off the show with an interview between Matt Shepard and Paul Grady about Paul's Parkinson's diagnosis, how he gets up and fights every day, and more. We were then joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast so he could give us an update on the Terrion Arnold situation. We were then joined by Dan Hasty who is the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps. He and Huge talked about how the Tigers have found themselves in a slump again, talked about Skubal, and more. Clayton Sayfie from theWolverine.com then joined us to update us on Michigan Athletics. In our second hour, we were joined by Dr. Ashok K Sriram who works with Parkinson's patients. He talked about Parkinson's and the effect it has on people, talked about the importance of the right facilities and care, and much more. We were then joined by Ben Bosscher from our affiliate 100.9 the Mitt in the Great Lakes Bay Region. He and Huge talked about the news that just broke in regards to the Detroit Lions releasing Terrion Arnold. We then got a brief update on the World Cup as we were joined by John Conlon. We wrapped up the hour talking with former Michigan QB B.J. Dickey. He talked about his connection to Paul Grady and today's Golf event, and more. In our final hour, Mitch Lyons sat in with Huge so they could talk about some of the big stories from today. We were also joined by the one and only Lomas Brown so he could give us his thought's on Terrion Arnold getting released by the Lions, gave his opinion on what the Lions do moving forward, and more. We were then joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He updated us on everything that's happened in regards to Terrion Arnold in the last hour, talked about what the Lions do now, and more. Huge and Mitch were then joined by Paul Grady so they could talk about how today's event went, so Paul could tell us about his battle with Parkinson's and more. We wrapped up the show talking with Paul Grady's sons Michael, Brandon and Patrick. They talked with us about what it was like to find out about their Dad's diagnosis, told us how he's inspired them, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our final hour, Mitch Lyons sat in with Huge so they could talk about some of the big stories from today. We were also joined by the one and only Lomas Brown so he could give us his thought's on Terrion Arnold getting released by the Lions, gave his opinion on what the Lions do moving forward, and more. We were then joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He updated us on everything that's happened in regards to Terrion Arnold in the last hour, talked about what the Lions do now, and more. Huge and Mitch were then joined by Paul Grady so they could talk about how today's event went, so Paul could tell us about his battle with Parkinson's and more. We wrapped up the show talking with Paul Grady's sons Michael, Brandon and Patrick. They talked with us about what it was like to find out about their Dad's diagnosis, told us how he's inspired them, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast so he could give us an update on the Terrion Arnold situation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we're broadcasting from the Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids as they're hosting the "Drive Out Parkinson's-Grady's Parkinson Promise Golf Event." Throughout the show, we were joined by some of the great people connected to the event so we could hear about how they're helping to fight against Parkinson's. We kicked off the show with an interview between Matt Shepard and Paul Grady about Paul's Parkinson's diagnosis, how he gets up and fights every day, and more. We were then joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast so he could give us an update on the Terrion Arnold situation. We were then joined by Dan Hasty who is the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps. He and Huge talked about how the Tigers have found themselves in a slump again, talked about Skubal, and more. Clayton Sayfie from theWolverine.com then joined us to update us on Michigan Athletics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He updated us on everything that's happened in regards to Terrion Arnold in the last hour, talked about what the Lions do now, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SportsWrap | Full Show | June 29, 2026 | Anthony and Lomas Read Headlines, Talk with Guest Jeff Risdon and Discuss Terrion Arnold Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we're broadcasting from the beautiful Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville Michigan as they prepare for the Michigan Women's Open coming next week. Throughout the show, we were joined by some of the great folks from Crystal Mountain so they could fill un in on all of the fun and exciting things they have to offer you. We were also joined by some of our great insiders to talk about the Detroit Lions, Michigan Basketball, the World Cup, Detroit Pistons, and more. We kicked off the show talking with Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the story that broke last night regarding Terrion Arnold getting arrested. Jeff filled us in on everything he's heard about the story, talked about what effect this has on the Lions, and more. We were then joined by Tim McCormick who is one of our hoops insiders. He and Huge talked about the end of the Dusty May era, gave their thoughts on the Pistons trading Isaiah Stewart, and more. We wrapped up the hour talking with John Melcher who is the CEO at Crystal Mountain. He and Huge talked about some of the fun events Crystal Mountain has going on this summer, including the Michigan Women's Open, and more. In our second hour, we were joined by our Soccer Insider John Conlon so he and Huge could talk about how great the World Cup has been to watch. They also previewed tonight's USA/Turkey match-up, and more. Anthony Broome from theWolverine.com then joined us. He and Huge talked about Dusty May's departure, talked about the Michigan guys that were drafted, and more. Chris Balas from theWolverine.com then joined us. He and Huge talked about a great 2 years for Dusty May, talked about what impact the Michigan guys drafted will make in the NBA, and more. We wrapped up the hour talking with Mark Fenech, who is the Director of Golf at Crystal Mountain. He filled us in on all of they great Golf Crystal Mountain has to offer you, talked about some of their upcoming Tournaments, and more. In our final hour, we played Bill's earlier conversation with Jeff Risdon in regards to Terrion Arnold turning himself in last night. We were then joined by Eric Vincent from Clutch Points and Top Title Detroit on Youtube. He and Huge talked about how the Pistons did in the NBA Draft, talked about the guys drafted and what impact they'll have on the team, and much more. We wrapped up the show talking with Brittany Primeau who is the Director of Marketing at Crystal Mountain. She told us about all of the great events they have going on this Summer, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our final hour, we played Bill's earlier conversation with Jeff Risdon in regards to Terrion Arnold turning himself in last night. We were then joined by Eric Vincent from Clutch Points and Top Title Detroit on Youtube. He and Huge talked about how the Pistons did in the NBA Draft, talked about the guys drafted and what impact they'll have on the team, and much more. We wrapped up the show talking with Brittany Primeau who is the Director of Marketing at Crystal Mountain. She told us about all of the great events they have going on this Summer, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We talked with Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the story that broke last night regarding Terrion Arnold getting arrested. Jeff filled us in on everything he's heard about the story, talked about what effect this has on the Lions, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we're broadcasting from the beautiful Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville Michigan as they prepare for the Michigan Women's Open coming next week. Throughout the show, we were joined by some of the great folks from Crystal Mountain so they could fill un in on all of the fun and exciting things they have to offer you. We were also joined by some of our great insiders to talk about the Detroit Lions, Michigan Basketball, the World Cup, Detroit Pistons, and more. We kicked off the show talking with Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the story that broke last night regarding Terrion Arnold getting arrested. Jeff filled us in on everything he's heard about the story, talked about what effect this has on the Lions, and more. We were then joined by Tim McCormick who is one of our hoops insiders. He and Huge talked about the end of the Dusty May era, gave their thoughts on the Pistons trading Isaiah Stewart, and more. We wrapped up the hour talking with John Melcher who is the CEO at Crystal Mountain. He and Huge talked about some of the fun events Crystal Mountain has going on this summer, including the Michigan Women's Open, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Father's Day on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP Happy Father's Day from the Daily DLP! This episode celebrates sports fatherhood in all its forms. It's also the first Father's Day where our host, Jeff Risdon, will spend it without his dad. That leads to reflections on sports-related memories with his father. One of the highlights of Lions training camp every year is seeing the players being Dads after practices, with their kids all running around and having fun with one another. Players who have lost their fathers also get a knowing nod. It's a day to celebrate being a father, loving your own father, and appreciating the dads in our lives. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #frankragnow #lionscamp #father'sday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking new Lions additions from the UFL The Detroit Lions signed three wide receivers out of the UFL after practice this week. Jeff Risdon welcomed Emory Hunt to stack traits, roles, and the roster math. The names are familiar. Tarik Black. Lucky Jackson. Tay Martin. Black brings a big body outside. He wins above the rim. He can work the boundary and fight through contact. Martin thrives in traffic. He finds soft spots in zone and adds yards after the catch. Jackson is the veteran presence from the 2020 class. Productive in the spring and steady in timing routes. The path to sticking is special teams. None projects as a returner. Coverage work will decide who survives August. The UFL season is 10 games. Add an NFL slate plus preseason and you are flirting with 30 games on one body in a year. Recovery matters. Coaches will weigh that load as they set the bottom of the receiver room and practice squad. Four-point talk and a 64-yard exclamation Kickers came up because the UFL changed the math. Louisville's kicker hit two four-point field goals from beyond 60 yards. The concept turns leg talent into an offensive weapon. Jake Bates put a cap on Detroit's work by drilling a 64-yarder that had room from 68 or 69. There is no buzz yet about the NFL adopting four-point kicks, but the league has borrowed spring ideas before. If that door opens, big-leg specialists become roster levers. Pass rushers who popped and the numbers game Spring pass rush stood out more than pass protection. That can muddy evaluations, but a few names still flashed legit movement and plans. Cam Gill, Louisville's defensive MVP, won with twitch and speed and kept producing. Derrick Roberson stacked impact weeks. Corner help from DC also drew praise. Cam Dantzler and DeAndre Baker are in their late 20s and played well enough to merit NFL depth looks. The hard part is the opportunity. Mathieu Betts is a recent Lions example. He barely got a shot while nicked up, went back to Canada, and dominated. Production can live in non-prototype bodies. Coaches know it. They still need roster spots to prove it. Building a better pipeline The show dug into development fixes. Expand active rosters to 66 and grow practice squads. Give spring standouts real chances. A minor-league model came up, too. Pair NFL clubs on shared affiliates in cities like Toledo or Fort Wayne, or go one-to-one so schemes match and call-ups hit the ground ready. One more thread tied back to Allen Park. Veterans must offer more than young players over the long haul. By Thanksgiving and into 2027. That is the standard. The new receivers, and any spring pass rushers who arrive next, will be graded on it. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #ufl #louisvillekings #columbusaviators #tarikblack #luckyjackson #taymartin #specialteamscoverage #four-pointfieldgoal #jakebates64-yardfieldgoal #camgill #derrickroberson #camdantzler #deandrebaker #passrushers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions Podcast offers up a live recording from Jeff Risdon, reviewing two days of Detroit Lions minicamp this week. After two days of practices and meetings with players and coaches, there are a few key takeaways from the unpadded action in Allen Park. The pass defense and coverage took center stage. Newcomers Chuck Clark and Roger McCreary made immediate positive impacts, as did rookie CB Keith Abney. There are some schematic tweaks and less predictability from coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's unit. Several good questions and points emerged from the live chat. From competition at various positions to the mindset of the coaching staff and players, the extended edition of the Daily DLP offered a reactive, fun look at the minicamp. Now the Lions are off until training camp in late July. Relive the last live football from the spring with the Detroit Lions Podcast minicamp review. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #chuckclark #kelvinsheppard #coveragedisguises #11personnel #13personnelmyth #christianisian #thomasharper #avontemaddoxillness #djreedcb1 #tylerlacyheavyend #peytonturneredge #larryboromrighttackle #blakemillerrookie #jakebates64-yardfieldgoal #jackfoxpunting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final hour, we were joined by former Michigan Basketball Head Coach John Beilein for another edition of our "Talking Hoops" segment presented by Doeren Mayhew. Huge and John talked about the New York Knicks winning the NBA Finals, talked about the Pistons in the off-season, talked a little Michigan Basketball, and more. We were then joined by John Conlon who is one of our Soccer Insiders. He and Huge talked about how the World Cup is going, talked about the USA beating Paraguay, looked ahead to their match against Australia, and more. We were then joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He filled us in on what he's seen from Lions mini-camp this week, talked about positives and negatives he's seen, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we're broadcasting live from the Blythefield Country Club in Plainfield Township as we get set for the 12th year of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give. Throughout the show we were joined by some of the great folks connected to the Meijer LPGA to hear about what's new this year, what the meaning is behind the event, and more. We were also joined by some of our great guests to talk about the Tigers, PGA, LPGA, Michigan and Michigan State Athletics, Detroit Lions, and more. In our first hour, we were joined by former Major Leaguer John Vander Wal. He and Huge talked about the current strengths and weaknesses of this Tigers team, gave their thoughts on the future of Skubal with the team, and much more. We were then joined by another Baseball Insider, Greg Heeres so he and Huge could talk about the Tigers pitching. Greg also filled us in on how he can help you with succession planning. We were then joined by Cathy Cooper who is the Tournament Director for the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give. She filled us in on the fun and exciting things you'll find at the Tournament, told us what's new this year, and more. In our second hour, we were joined by Tim Staudt from Staudt on Sports in Lansing. He and Huge talked about MSU losing their President and AD, gave their thoughts on what led to that, talked about the short and long term impact, gave their thoughts on how MSU can dig themselves out of this, and more. Chris Balas from theWolverine.com then joined us. He joined us to update us on Michigan Football and Coach Whittingham in the off-season, talked about Warde Manuel, and much more. We were then joined by Cara Lutz who is the Communications Manager for Meijer. She told us about what's bigger and better this year, talked about all of the great prices you'll find at the Tournament, and more. In our final hour, we were joined by former Michigan Basketball Head Coach John Beilein for another edition of our "Talking Hoops" segment presented by Doeren Mayhew. Huge and John talked about the New York Knicks winning the NBA Finals, talked about the Pistons in the off-season, talked a little Michigan Basketball, and more. We were then joined by John Conlon who is one of our Soccer Insiders. He and Huge talked about how the World Cup is going, talked about the USA beating Paraguay, looked ahead to their match against Australia, and more. We were then joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He filled us in on what he's seen from Lions mini-camp this week, talked about positives and negatives he's seen, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He filled us in on what he's seen from Lions mini-camp this week, talked about positives and negatives he's seen, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Detroit Lions Podcast hits minicamp week with Jeff Risdon on site Tuesday and Wednesday. Expect post-practice recaps later each day and a possible live show Wednesday if time and bandwidth cooperate. The focus is clear: identify real roles before the summer break, then reset for training camp in late July. O-line puzzle and the return game Juice Scruggs headlines the interior line watch. Left guard sits as the only unsettled starting spot, and Christian Mahogany is the early favorite. Scruggs will still be in the mix. He has NFL snaps, power in short spaces, and the mobility to reach. Hand placement has been inconsistent. The question this week is how he looks under Hank Fraley and where he ranks in the rotation. Ben Bartch remains a name to track as he works back from a Lisfranc injury. Greg Dortch steps into the wide receiver and special teams conversation. He profiles as WR4 and the first man up to handle punt and kick returns. He creates yards after the catch. He turns a quick swing into a chain-mover. Jeff wants to see his vision and acceleration up close, plus how he plays through contact and extends to win throws outside his frame. Dortch might be bigger in person than the listing suggests, another note to verify this week. Bubble battles: Meeks, Hassanein, and Turner Number 13 is no longer Craig Reynolds. It is Jackson Meeks, an undrafted wideout possibly sliding toward tight end duties. The staff will test whether he is a supersized receiver or a true hybrid. There is a depth need for that body type behind Isaac TeSlaa, and Kendrick Law is out for the year. Meeks draws fan buzz, but he still must prove it after practice-squad time last season. Ahmed Hassanin shares that spotlight. Both Meeks and Hassanein have supporters, yet their NFL evidence is limited to flashes. Meeks might have the cleaner path today. Hassanin's chances could hinge on Peyton Turner. If Turner is healthy and close to his first-round traits, he grabs a job. Marcus Davenport, despite his own injuries last season, mentored young players. Turner could fill that presence too, even if health becomes an issue. Mekhi Wingo's best position Mekhi Wingo needs a defined role. He is compact for the interior. The staff will test him as a heavy end or as an undersized three-tech. The goal is to find a lane that maximizes leverage and burst. With a crowded room, any clarity on his spot and place in the pecking order matters. LSU ties run deep on this staff, and the desire to unlock Wingo is real. Programming notes and NFL headlines Daily recap shows land later in the day during minicamp. A live Detroit Lions Podcast on Wednesday remains possible. Jeff also addressed two NFL items. Aldon Smith's passing at 36 is a sobering reminder that players carry real lives and real struggles. On the salary-cap front, void years are surging. Myles Garrett's deal includes eight void years. The Lions use void years often. Patrick Mahomes added four. It front-loads flexibility and pushes charges forward. Helpful now, potentially costly later. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionsminicamp #juicescruggs #christianmahogany #gregdortch #puntreturner #yardsaftercatch #jacksonmeeks #ahmedhassanein #peytonturner #marcusdavenport #mekhiwingo #voidyears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions OTA Update: What We're Learning in June The offseason calendar may still say June, but the Detroit Lions are already building the foundation for what they hope will be a bounce-back season in 2026. OTA practices are underway, the rookie class is settling in, and the coaching staff is beginning the long process of turning offseason plans into on-field results. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon take a deep dive into the latest OTA updates, examine some lingering roster questions, and tackle one of the most interesting long-term storylines surrounding the organization. They also find time to enjoy one of the more amusing developments elsewhere in the NFC North. The football may not count yet, but the conversations absolutely do. OTA Observations and Early Position Battles The biggest takeaway from the opening phase of OTAs is that this roster remains remarkably competitive. The Lions continue to benefit from a strong core built by Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, but there are plenty of jobs still available for younger players looking to establish themselves. The 2026 draft class has already generated attention, with first-round selection Blake Miller beginning the process of integrating into one of the NFL's most respected offensive line rooms. While OTA practices rarely provide definitive answers, they do offer clues about how coaches envision player roles heading into training camp. The coaching staff is also evaluating depth throughout the secondary, linebacker room, and defensive front. Detroit learned difficult lessons about depth during recent seasons, and the organization appears determined to create competition throughout the roster. There are also the inevitable Lions injury concerns that accompany every spring. OTAs are designed to build toward September, not win headlines in June. Managing workloads, monitoring recovery timelines, and ensuring key veterans arrive healthy for training camp remains one of the most important objectives of the offseason. The Kerby Joseph Question Few players have generated more discussion this offseason than Kerby Joseph. The talented safety has become one of the more impactful playmakers in Detroit's defense, but his future remains a topic of conversation among Lions fans. Is he a foundational piece of the franchise's long-term plans? What would a potential extension look like? How does Detroit balance roster building with future salary cap commitments? These are the kinds of questions that become increasingly important as successful teams transition from building a roster to maintaining one. Chris and Jeff will examine where Joseph fits into the broader picture and what his future could mean for the Lions moving forward. Meanwhile, in Chicago... No NFC North discussion would be complete without checking in on the division rivals. The latest developments surrounding the Chicago Bears and their ongoing stadium saga have created plenty of conversation across the Midwest. The possibility of the Bears ultimately leaving Illinois for a new stadium development in Indiana has sparked strong reactions from fans, politicians, and just about everyone else with an opinion on the matter. For Lions fans, it serves as a reminder that not every offseason storyline revolves around football. Sometimes the most entertaining developments happen far away from the field. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast for a complete 2026 OTA Update, including roster observations, injury concerns, Kerby Joseph's future, NFC North developments, and everything else happening around the Detroit Lions as preparations for the 2026 NFL season continue. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitVsEverybody, #KerbyJoseph, #NFLOTA, #LionsNation, #NFLOffseason, #BradHolmes #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionsota #kirbyjosephknee #kendricklawinjury #leftguardbattle #christianmahogany #milesfrazier #juicescruggs #benbartch #blakemillerrighttackle #peneisewelllefttackle #chuckclarksafety #avontemaddox #thomasharper #tyleikwilliams #hammondbears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, we're talking about the NFL, Detroit Lions and the off-season, the other Detroit Sports teams, and more as we were joined by some of our great guests. We kicked off the show talking with Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the Myles Garrett trade yesterday and what that means for the Lions, gave their thoughts on if the Lions are doing everything they can in the off-season to be a Super Bowl team, talked about the rest of the NFC, and more. We were then joined by John Maakaron from the Detroit Sports Podcast. He gave us his thoughts on if the Lions are all in this season, talked about if the other Detroit Sports teams seem to be all in, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We talked with Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the Myles Garrett trade yesterday and what that means for the Lions, gave their thoughts on if the Lions are doing everything they can in the off-season to be a Super Bowl team, talked about the rest of the NFC, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the show, we're talking about the NFL, Detroit Lions and the off-season, the other Detroit Sports teams, and more as we were joined by some of our great guests. We kicked off the show talking with Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He and Huge talked about the Myles Garrett trade yesterday and what that means for the Lions, gave their thoughts on if the Lions are doing everything they can in the off-season to be a Super Bowl team, talked about the rest of the NFC, and more. We were then joined by John Maakaron from the Detroit Sports Podcast. He gave us his thoughts on if the Lions are all in this season, talked about if the other Detroit Sports teams seem to be all in, and more. In our second hour, we were joined by Scott Bischoff from the Detroit Lions Podcast. He gave us his opinion on the Myles Garrett trade and what that means for the Lions and the NFC, gave his thoughts on how the Lions have done in the off-season, talked about which team will be most problematic for the Rams, and more. We were then joined by Bill Michaels from the Bill Michaels show in Wisconsin. He gave us his thoughts on the Myles Garrett trade from a Green Bay perspective, talked about the rest of the NFC, and much more. We wrapped up the hour talking with Dan Hasty, who is the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps. He and Dan talked about the Tigers win last night, talked about how bad the team has been this season, talked about what needs to happen to turn it around, and more. In our final hour, we were joined by former Michigan Basketball Head Coach John Beilein and Josh Garvey from Doeren Mayhew for another edition of our "Talking Hoops" segment. Huge, John, and Josh talked about New York and San Antonio in the NBA Playoffs, talked about what the Pistons need to do in the off-season, and much more. Clayton Sayfie from theWolverine.com then joined us to update us on Michigan Basketball. We wrapped up the show talking with Tim McCullough from Soaring Eagle about all of the great shows and promotions they have to offer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Campbell flips the switch at OTAs Dan Campbell sounded different on Friday. The Detroit Lions head coach came across caffeinated, focused, and all business. He pushed a reset. He stressed football first, everything else second. "It takes everybody to win, and it takes everybody to probably lose," he said, framing the summer with clarity. Campbell acknowledged the noise that follows success. "It's a lot easier when nobody knows who you are," he noted, pointing to hype, players getting paid, and coaches moving on as distractions from the core. His directive was simple. Get back to work. Make it about football. Make it about the guy next to you. That message read like a mission statement for 2026. It fit the Detroit Lions trajectory and the standards he set in previous climbs. Back to basics after a noisy offseason The discussion touched on process tweaks. Questions about a rookie camp and fewer pre draft visits came up around his offseason deep dive. Campbell would not pin last year's disappointments on any one thing. He leaned into no nonsense. The NFL rewards teams that handle details and ignore the echo. Jeff Risdon framed the moment against a shifting landscape. He pointed to staff movement, citing the Ben Johnson departure and a Martin Glenn departure. He also noted how a roster with paid stars changes daily life. Internal hype can creep in. Campbell's message cuts through that. The Detroit Lions Podcast circled it as the right antidote. Football first. Teammate first. Everything aligned with the head coach's voice. OTAs snapshot and what comes next Friday's open OTA session gave a look, but not a full reveal. Jeff was not in attendance and did not feel he missed much. Interviews from the field with Scott Bischoff and Scott DiBenedetto helped fill in context. It is June. Installation, tone setting, and baseline habits matter more than headlines. The show also teased summer content. Emery Hunt is slated to join to talk UFL prospects. Louisville has UFL buzz, with the Louisville Kings drawing interest even after the Michigan Panthers' exit from the market. The viability of a second league will be a topic on a future live stream. The NFL calendar slows now, but the evaluation drum keeps beating. Campbell's words are the thread through it all. Peel away the hype. Ignore the side shows. The Detroit Lions can fly under the radar again only by choice. They can choose the hard, boring work that wins. Friday sounded like that choice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #otas #lionsoffseason #pressconference #bradholmes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're broadcasting live from the wonderful American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven. Throughout the show we were joined by some of the great people connected to American Dunes and Folds of Honor as they're celebrating Patriot Golf Days this Memorial Day Weekend. By simply golfing at a participating course, you can help our heroes - just go to PatriotGolfDays.com to find out more. We also talked all about the Detroit Lions as Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast joined us for all three hours of the show. During that time, he and Huge talked about what the current offense and defense look like for the Lions, talked about strengths and weaknesses of the team, talked about the Jack Campbell news, talked about the strength of schedule, discussed the rest of the NFC North, talked about storylines surrounding the NFL, and so much more. In our second hour, we were joined by Mitch Lyons from Mitch Lyons Wealth. He and Huge gave their thoughts on the Tigers, Detroit Lions, and more. We were then joined by Sara Bush who is with Folds of Honor and American Dunes. She talked about Patriot Golf Days and what it means for Folds of Honor, talked about Folds of Honor Fridays, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we're broadcasting live from the wonderful American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven. Throughout the show we were joined by some of the great people connected to American Dunes and Folds of Honor as they're celebrating Patriot Golf Days this Memorial Day Weekend. By simply golfing at a participating course, you can help our heroes - just go to PatriotGolfDays.com to find out more. We also talked all about the Detroit Lions as Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast joined us for all three hours of the show. During that time, he and Huge talked about what the current offense and defense look like for the Lions, talked about strengths and weaknesses of the team, talked about the Jack Campbell news, talked about the strength of schedule, discussed the rest of the NFC North, talked about storylines surrounding the NFL, and so much more. At the end of the first hour, we were joined by Ian Ziska who is the Head PGA Pro at American Dunes. He and Huge talked about Patriot Golf Days, told us about some of the specials they have to offer this weekend, talked about what's happening this Summer, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Wednesday, May 13, Jeff Risdon sharpened three headlines. Jared Goff's window. A Munich matchup vs the Patriots on Nov. 15. Every Detroit Lions rookie signed. Goff's Window, Built by the Line Jared Goff will be the Detroit Lions quarterback for at least the next two seasons. That was clear and direct. The question is not if the Lions can win with Goff. The question is what kind of cast he gets. With this roster, the arrow points up. The offensive line drives that optimism. A new center who can actually run block changes the interior. Tate Ratledge is growing into his second season at guard. Christian Mahogany being healthy matters if he grabs the left guard job, and that competition is real. A better line makes Goff better, and he was already good enough last year despite an OC who worked against the flow. Goff's mobility will never be a feature, and his big-game record has mixed chapters. He also played very well in a Super Bowl loss. In the current NFL, the Detroit Lions can win with him when the front five sets the tone. He is low on the list of things keeping this team from a Lombardi. Schedule Drop and a Munich Showdown The NFL schedule release lands tonight. Travel planners care. So do fans circling one date in bold. On November 15 in Munich, the Lions will host the New England Patriots, the reigning AFC champs, per the league's decree. That is a marquee lift for an international stage where the Patriots brand still looms from the Brady and Belichick era. There is noise around New England. Mike Vrabel and Diana Russini headlines. Wide receiver questions. AJ Brown trade talk. An offensive line that looked bad and did not get the help some expected. The Patriots move from a last play schedule to a first play schedule. The Lions draw a fourth play schedule. Advantage Detroit. Matchup-wise, Detroit must run the ball. That fits the Lions' identity and their improved front. Pencil it in as a likely win when we play the schedule game. And ignore the leak season chatter. Even a Thanksgiving rumor linking the Patriots to Detroit fizzled by nightfall. Contracts: Entire Rookie Class Locked In Right after yesterday's show, the Lions made it official. Every rookie is signed. Blake Miller, Derek Moore, Keith Abney, Jimmy Rolder, the whole draft class. The undrafted free agents are now official as well. The paperwork is done. Camp battles can start where they matter most, in the trenches and on special teams. This Detroit Lions Podcast kept it simple. Goff has a runway. The line is stronger. Munich awaits. The roster is signed and ready. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #udfaclass #jerryjacobs #lukealtmyer #newenglandpatriots #lionsschedule #mileskitsleman #jaredgoff #lionswindow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final hour, we were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. Since Jeff is a big Cavaliers fan, we got his thoughts on the series between the Pistons and the Cavs, he and Huge also talked about our Detroit Lions and some of the schedule leaks, and more. We then played Bill's earlier conversation with Keith Langlois in regards to the Detroit Pistons. We wrapped up the show talking with Dan Watson who is the Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins. He and Huge talked about the Griffins advancing in the Playoffs, talked about the resilience of the team, talked about how the Griffins match up with the Chicago Wolves, and much more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the show, we're talking about the Detroit Pistons and the NBA Playoffs, Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and more as we were joined by some of our great guests. We kicked off the show talking with Keith Langlois from DetroitPistons.com about tonight's Pistons/Cavs game. He and Huge talked about the loss to the Cavs the other night, talked about what they'd like to see from Cunningham and Duren tonight, and more. We were then joined by Ant Wright to get his thoughts on tonight's game. He and Huge talked about the weaknesses they've seen with the Pistons lately, talked about what they'd like to see tonight, and more. We talked more about the Pistons in our second hour as we were joined by Logan Quinn who is an Assistant Coach for the Grand Rapids Gold. He gave us his thoughts on how the Pistons looked in the loss to the Cavs on Monday night, talked about what he'd like to see from the Pistons tonight, talked about what he would like to see from Duren, and more. We were then joined by Eric Vincent from Clutch Points to get his thoughts on the Pistons. He and Huge talked about what the Pistons need to do moving forward, previewed tonight's game, and more. Anthony Broome from theWolverine.com then joined us. He gave us an update on Michigan Basketball and Football. In our final hour, we were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. Since Jeff is a big Cavaliers fan, we got his thoughts on the series between the Pistons and the Cavs, he and Huge also talked about our Detroit Lions and some of the schedule leaks, and more. We then played Bill's earlier conversation with Keith Langlois in regards to the Detroit Pistons. We wrapped up the show talking with Dan Watson who is the Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins. He and Huge talked about the Griffins advancing in the Playoffs, talked about the resilience of the team, talked about how the Griffins match up with the Chicago Wolves, and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We were joined by Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast. Since Jeff is a big Cavaliers fan, we got his thoughts on the series between the Pistons and the Cavs, he and Huge also talked about our Detroit Lions and some of the schedule leaks, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reactions to the Draft: What the Lions Accomplished and What Still Matters The dust has finally settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, rookie minicamps are around the corner, and the Detroit Lions are back on the field for offseason workouts. That makes this the perfect moment for a reset. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon break down their full 2026 NFL Draft reactions, what the Lions accomplished over draft weekend, and where the roster still leaves room for concern heading into the summer. The Lions entered the draft needing to reinforce depth, toughness, and long-term stability in several key spots. Brad Holmes once again leaned into his philosophy of building through the trenches and targeting players with versatility and football character. Detroit's draft class may not have produced the flashiest national headlines, but there is a growing sense around Allen Park that this front office remains committed to constructing a roster that can sustain success rather than chase offseason buzz. That does not mean there are no debates. Quite the opposite. One of the biggest talking points from this year's class is draft quality versus public perception. Some national analysts questioned whether Detroit reached on certain prospects or failed to address enough immediate-impact positions early. Locally, however, there is a very different tone surrounding the class. Lions observers who spend every day around this team tend to evaluate these picks through the lens of culture fit, positional development, and long-term roster planning instead of instant social media reaction. Remaining Concerns for the Detroit Lions Heading Into Summer Even after the draft, there are still legitimate questions surrounding this roster, and Chris and Jeff will spend time digging into the biggest ones on the show. Edge depth remains a topic despite Aidan Hutchinson anchoring the front. The secondary still feels like a group that could use another proven veteran presence before training camp opens. There are also questions about how quickly some younger players can step into rotational roles on defense. On offense, much of the conversation continues to orbit around Jared Goff and how the Lions balance maximizing the current competitive window while still preparing for the future. Detroit believes it can compete in the NFC, but expectations have changed. This is no longer a rebuilding football team. The standard inside the building is winning playoff games, and every offseason move is now viewed through that lens. That shift has also changed the way the Lions are covered nationally. For years, Detroit existed mostly as a punchline or an afterthought in broader NFL conversations. Now the scrutiny is different. Every draft pick, every coordinator decision, every contract move gets debated at a national level. Chris and Jeff will examine whether the national coverage truly understands what Detroit is building or whether local coverage still provides the clearest picture of where this franchise stands. The Conversation Continues on the Detroit Lions Podcast This episode is more than just a recap of the draft. It is a snapshot of where the Lions sit as the offseason enters its next phase. The roster looks stronger in some places, thinner in others, and the expectations around this team remain as high as they have been in decades. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they break down the full Detroit Lions offseason picture, react to the 2026 NFL Draft, discuss remaining concerns, and look ahead to what comes next for a franchise trying to turn promise into sustained success in the NFL. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #adultdraft #bestplayeravailable #blakemiller #derekmoore #keithabney #internalpushback #meettheplayer #confirmtheboard #long-termplan #otasinallenpark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A first-round fit the room expected The Detroit Lions leaned into identity. On the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon welcomed draft analyst Chris Trepaso to dissect a class he graded very high. The focus opened on Blake Miller, the first-round pick who looks like a clean right tackle for Detroit's scheme. The discussion framed it simply. Power. Size. Length. Run-game movement. Anchor against bullrush. Miller checked every box for a line that already mauls people. Trepaso said he would have mock-drafted Miller to Detroit over and over. He called the fit one of the best in the first round. If Penei Sewell shifts to the left side, Miller slides in at right tackle with no friction. The NFL comparison offered was Braden Smith. Reliable. Durable. Darn good. That kind of profile settles an offensive line and keeps the run game on schedule. The measurables backed the film. Over 34-inch arms. Around 6-foot-5 and near 320 pounds. A 32-inch vertical. A 40-yard dash around five seconds. Those traits do not guarantee success, but paired with sturdy tape they signal a safe, smart NFL selection. The hosts and guest aligned on this. The Detroit Lions prioritized continuity and immediate utility up front. Miller fits. Derek Moore targets the opposite edge Day two brought Derek Moore from Michigan. Familiar player. Logical need. The Lions have searched for a stable answer across from Hutchinson. They added DJ Wonnum, but the long-term solution remains open. Moore offers speed to power with shock in his hands. He sets edges with pop. He can convert upfield urgency into displacement at the point of attack. Trepaso acknowledged the testing dip. At the Michigan pro day, Moore's vertical and broad jump were below average. That is a data point. The film still showed heavy hands, sturdy edges, and a bull rush that jars. The role in Detroit is straightforward. Win early downs with strength. Collapse the pocket when offenses slide help toward Hutchinson. Grow into the every-down threat they have chased for several seasons. Draft logic that matches Detroit's plan The thread through both picks was fit. The Detroit Lions want to stay among the NFL's best offensive lines. Miller sustains that standard and protects the run-first attitude that powers this group. The comp to Braden Smith underscored a vision for reliable right tackle play in a power running scheme. On defense, Moore's profile addresses a glaring pinch point. He aligns with what the staff values on the edge. Heavy hands. Speed to power. Assignment soundness. The Detroit Lions Podcast conversation kept circling back to this. Detroit selected players who play like Lions. The grades reflect it. The roster construction does too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #blakemiller #derrickmoore #jimmyrolder #lionsdraft #2026nfldraft #christrapasso #playercomps #kendricklaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vikings zig past the mock‑draft favorite On Daily DLP, the Detroit Lions Podcast turned to the NFC North. Jeff Risdon welcomed Tyler Fornes to unpack Minnesota's draft and a loud pivot at No. 18. Oregon safety Dylan Tieneman sat there. The Vikings did not take him. Tyler was not surprised. He carried a high third round grade on Tieneman and ranked him 47th on his board. He saw a roof safety who fits the run and tackles from depth. He did not see a maneuverable chess piece. In the box, running backs bowled him over. Coverage traits did not pop on film. The industry went the other way. The mock‑draft data told the story. Tyler tracked nearly 600 mocks. Tieneman appeared in 40.5 percent of them for Minnesota. In the final four days, 69 of 107 mocks slotted him there. A February 24 projection from Daniel Jeremiah helped set the lane. A strong combine kept the lane clear. Minnesota still passed. Brian Flores' blueprint at safety The coordinator's values mattered more than the mock tide. Brian Flores does not prioritize safety early. He prioritizes intelligence. He prioritizes experience. That steered the room away from a premium investment at the position. Minnesota targeted traits that fit that approach and added Jacoby Thomas to embody it. Will he hit? That is unknown. The process aligned with Flores' philosophy, not the consensus board. Caleb Banks' profile: power, burst, and a foot break At the top of Minnesota's board, two unicorns stood out for Tyler: Kenyan Saddiq and Caleb Banks. Saddiq offered hyper athletic upside. A developmental tight end who could function as a wide receiver three. In the right offense, heavy personnel creates answers. Kyler Murray thrives in those looks. The idea was to swing for difference‑making traits in a class light on sure things. Banks brought rare tools with real risk. He broke his foot in a non‑contact combine drill. When healthy at Florida and locked in, his size and movement defied norms. Planet theory stuff. Jeff noted the blend of instant speed and brute power that Detroit fans once saw with Ndamukong Suh. The comparison was about traits, not the player. The upside case is obvious. So is the medical flag. Detroit context from inside the division The conversation framed a broader NFC North trend. This draft felt flat at the top. The best players came at safety, off‑ball linebacker, offensive tackle, and running back. Not sizzle positions. Both hosts noted how teams, including Detroit and Minnesota, leaned into the trenches early. The Detroit Lions angle is clear enough. Know what your rival values. Understand how Flores builds his defense. Then plan accordingly. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #2026nfldraft #minnesotavikings #nfcnorth #calebbanks #keithabney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Youth and Health Shape the Lions' Plan The Detroit Lions zigged in this NFL draft. Jeff Risdon sat down with Dr. Jimmy Liao on the Detroit Lions Podcast to grade the class through a medical lens. The theme was clear. Youth and health. Every pick landed at age 23 or younger. None of the 24-year-old prospects were taken. The shift tracks with recent lessons. Lower medical risk. Fewer known durability flags. Play the odds. Dr. Liao grades injury risk on a 1-to-10 scale. Younger players start lower. Age 23 and up nudges concern a bit. This class stayed on the low end across the board. It marks a turn from prior years when the Detroit Lions accepted more medical risk. In the NFL, availability matters. Detroit moved to stack it. Blake Miller's Ironman Profile at Clemson The top note was right tackle Blake Miller. Legendary durability at Clemson. He started 54 straight games. He logged 3,778 snaps, a school record. Dr. Liao set his medical concern at 1 out of 10. The only ding was a wrist surgery in 2024, with proof of recovery afterward. The worry there is longer-term stiffness, but his track record is strong. He is 22. That age keeps his grade low. Miller fits what the Detroit Lions want up front. Young. Battle tested. Clean enough medically to project early availability. He even graded as a top-three tackle target on the medical board. For an NFL team intent on protecting its quarterback and stabilizing the run game, this is a trend-breaking selection. Less risk. More snaps. Derek Moore's Hamstring and Second-Round Signal Next came Michigan edge Derek Moore. Before the combine he sat at 1 out of 10. A pre-combine hamstring strain bumped him to 2 out of 10. Hamstrings recur, and they spook timelines. Still, fast-twitch athletes almost all meet one sooner or later. The context matters. Detroit used a second-round pick on Moore. That signals the medical staff saw a minor issue. Dr. Liao moved him effectively back down to a 1 out of 10 after the pick. The Detroit Lions added a high-motor defender with minimal long-term concern. Recent examples of lingering hamstrings exist around the league, but the takeaway here was balance. Note the strain. Price the risk. Trust the file. The NFL demands it. On Deck: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder The conversation turned to Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder. He drew a 3 out of 10 on the injury risk scale. He did not play a ton in college. That makes projection tougher, but it fits the draft's core theme. Younger players with manageable medical profiles. The Detroit Lions Podcast made it clear: Detroit targeted availability without sacrificing upside. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #2026nfldraft #lionsdraftclass #injuryupdates #detroitinjuryrisk #blakemiller #jimmyrolder #brianbranch #kerbyjoseph #jermodmccoy #levionwuzurike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 NFL Draft closed on Saturday, and the Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on how Detroit finished. Day Three lacked its usual spark. Too many late picks around the NFL look unlikely to stick. That reality shaped a sharp read on what the Detroit Lions did and why. Jimmy Roeder at 118: Box thumper with work to do Detroit opened Day Three with Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Roeder at No. 118. Jeff Risdon had him at No. 177 on his board but backed the fit. He watched Roeder live three times, including mop-up duty in the 2024 Fresno State game. The traits showed up. Roeder thrives in the box. He stacks, strafes, and drives downhill at the run. He does not shed consistently, but he sorts traffic and finds the ball. He is a fantastic form tackler. He can close on screens, blow up a bubble screen, and reach the sideline if the edge is not sealed. The flags are clear. Coverage is the biggest one. He does not always trust his eyes. He started only one year at Michigan and played a lot of vanilla zone. There is upside, but he must get off blocks better. When the defensive line wins up front, Roeder pops. When it does not, he can fade. That mirrors how Jack Campbell looks better when DJ Reader, Ty Lake Williams, and Alene McNeil are rolling. Roeder walks in as direct competition and insurance for Malcolm Rodriguez, who returned on a one-year deal. He brings special teams experience. The value was a touch early, but the role makes sense in Detroit. Derek Moore at 44: Why Detroit moved Detroit traded up to 44 for Derek Moore on Friday night. The front office believed Baltimore would take him at 45. The Jesse Minter connection made that a plausible fear. That was their guy. They went and got him. The message was simple. Be aggressive. Do not sweat trade value charts. If you land the player, the move is worth it. Moore projects as a win. Keith Abney at 157: Undersized corner, heavyweight hits Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney at No. 157 was the favorite pick of the day. He reminds you of Amik Robertson. He is an undersized outside corner who hits like a safety and tackles like a safety. The question now is where the Detroit Lions envision him. Outside, inside, or a hybrid path will define his rookie impact. The tools and temperament are there. Day Three did not deliver the usual thrill. The class across the league looks thin. Still, Detroit found specific roles and leaned into identity. That is how you survive the NFL marathon. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #202nfldraft #lionspicks #jimmyrolder #keithabney #skylergill-howard #tyrewest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Draft-Eve Plans and Live Coverage Draft eve in Detroit. The Detroit Lions Podcast went live with Russell Brown, Scott Bischoff, Chris, and Jeff Risdon. The crew laid out a busy week and took questions. Brown will be on WJR with Anthony Collins and Lomas Brown from 6 to 7 PM on Thursday. It could run longer. If timing allows, he may jump back with Chris, Jeff, and Dion to react in real time. Friday brings WJR again, then a reset of the board. After that, Brown will join Fantasy Pros from picks 35 to 48. He plans to step off to watch the Detroit Lions make their move, then return to the Detroit Lions Podcast to break it down. Day three is lighter. A 7 AM coaches meeting and a baseball game sit on the calendar. He usually misses one game a year. It is almost always day three of the NFL Draft. No. 2 Overall: David Bailey vs Arvel Reed The conversation centered on the Jets at pick two. Two names led the talk: David Bailey and Arvel Reed. The hosts are not enamored with Bailey's full profile. They acknowledged his explosive, linear pass rush. That first step stresses college tackles. It can stress NFL tackles too. But they see a lacking run defender. That is a concern at the top of the board. Reed's profile is different. He comes from Ohio State and is not a finished product. He tested like a premium athlete. Around 240 to 241 pounds. Speed in the mid 4.4s. He flashes when he rushes, but the room sees him starting as a stacked linebacker. The Micah Parsons talk does not land for them. If he must begin off the ball, they questioned if that is a player you take second overall. Smoke remains thick. Maybe it is Bailey. Maybe the Jets have played months of misdirection. Other names were mentioned as possible wild cards, from Mansoor Ford Delaney to downs. If the card read Caleb Brown, it would make sense to them. One more wrinkle: Bailey's media hits, including SNY, did not sound like deep pre-draft engagement beyond a dinner. Even so, a final mock tonight would still slide Bailey to the Jets. What It Means for the Detroit Lions Detroit's plan starts with what happens at two. If the Jets choose Bailey, the board tilts one way. If they choose Reed, it tilts another. A stacked linebacker at two reshapes the early run at edge rusher. A true linear edge at two affects the second wave of offensive and defensive options. The hosts plan to reset the board Friday and react fast. Coverage spans radio, national hits, and live podcast windows tied to picks 35 to 48. The aim is simple. Track the Jets' decision, map the fallout, and target the best path for the Detroit Lions. The NFL turns quickly. The Detroit Lions Podcast will be there as the board breaks. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #nfldraft #davidbailey #arvelreed #jetspicktwo #stackedlinebacker #edgerusher #linearpassrush #rundefender #resettheboard #picks35to48 #fantasypros #wjr #sny Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Draft day is here. The board is set. Jeff Risdon opened the Detroit Lions Podcast by staking out pick 17 and sorting the flood of NFL mock drafts pointing toward Detroit. Draft-Day Plan: Risdon's No-Trade Mock Risdon's final no-trade mock locks in Blake Miller, the Clemson offensive tackle, at 17 for the Detroit Lions. It is a clean projection and a pragmatic one. He also ran a first three-round exercise with no trades. The approach is consistent: prioritize the offensive line if the board cooperates. There is a clear dream scenario. If Monroe Freeling slips to 17, that is the pick. Full stop. Risdon does not expect Freeling to last that long, which prompted the pivot to Miller in his final version. The premise is simple. Stay at 17. Take the tackle that matches the value. National Mocks: Offensive Line Leads the Way The national pulse is strong and aligned. Many prominent mocks land on Caden Proctor for Detroit. Peter Schrager has Proctor. Matt Miller does, too. Albert Brown also points the Lions to Proctor, and Joe Marino is on that track as well. Others ride with Blake Miller, reinforcing the same position focus. Monroe Freeling drew serious national support as well. Daniel Jeremiah is on Freeling. Mel Skipper is there, and Mike Renner and Jordan Reid show similar leanings. Only one national voice broke the pattern in structure rather than position: Ben Solak has Detroit trading back two spots and taking a player after the move. Among the names checked, Chad Reuter stands out as the lone national who delivered Spencer Fano to the Lions in round one. The signal from all of it is unmistakable. Offensive line at 17 remains the chalk. Local Pulse: Proctor, Miller, and a Fano Flier Locally, the room is split but still sits on the same side of the ball. Dave Burkett has Caden Proctor. Brett Whitefield is also on Proctor. Risdon himself is on Blake Miller in his final no-trade scenario, and Eric Schlitt has been a Miller fan. The Athletic's Colton Pouncy landed Spencer Fano at 17 in a run where the board broke oddly, a reminder that draft night can tilt in unexpected ways. What It Means at 17 The Detroit Lions enter tonight with a tight, credible cluster at a premium spot. Monroe Freeling is the swing if he falls. Blake Miller is the steady answer if he does not. Caden Proctor and Spencer Fano remain live depending on how the first 16 picks unfold. One notable outlier includes a modest trade back, but the bulk of mocks keep Detroit planted at 17. It is a clean plan for a roster with standards. The NFL clock starts now. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #blakemiller #kadynproctor #spencerfano #monroefreeling #detroitlionsdraft #pick17 #bradholmes #nationalmockdrafts #localmockdrafts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Countdown to Pittsburgh and a live mock tonight Two days before the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on pick 17 and the moving board around it. The top of the draft is unsettled. Nobody can lock in picks two through five. That uncertainty bleeds straight into Detroit's lane. The crew set a live mock draft for tonight at 8:00 with Jeff Risdon, Chris, and Scott Bischoff running the room. It is a final stress test for scenarios the Lions could face when the NFL clock hits 17. Two SEC tackles lead the Lions' options Mock drafts clustering around Detroit point to two clear front-runners: Monroe Fraley and Colon Proctor. Both are SEC offensive tackles. Both bring first-round traits with very different profiles. The conversation centered on balancing their pluses and minuses against Detroit's current line and future contracts. If either is there at 17, the pick feels clean. If both are gone, the board gets messy. Predicting availability is the trick. With the top 10 fluid and several tackle-needy teams ahead of Detroit, the range for Fraley and Proctor stretches. The Lions are preparing for one to go early, one to drift, or a late surprise that knocks a different premium player into range. Injury variables that could shake the board Health flags dominated the swing-player talk. Jermad McCoy's knee has drawn “degenerative” chatter. Production included only one strong season at Tennessee. That mix could push him into the second round. If he slips to 50, the value becomes a debate, but chronic soft-tissue and long-term knee concerns temper enthusiasm. Francis Malinois surfaced as the other big wild card. He has a back issue described as similar to what Sam LaPorta is managing. Not a herniated disc. Potentially addressable with a minor procedure and roughly three months of rehab. Teams are weighing whether surgery is even required. That uncertainty could nudge him out of the top 10 to 12. Clubs like Arizona, Cleveland, and Kansas City were cited as spots where medical risk tolerance could change plans. Kansas City in particular may be hesitant after drafting an injured tackle last year. Reading the final mocks Final boards from major analysts are landing now and shaping consensus on Detroit. Proctor shows up as one of the most frequent Lions pairings at 17. The podcast plans to comb through recent years of last-minute mocks on Thursday morning to see who historically pegged Detroit's moves and where groupthink missed. With volatility up high, the Lions' best edge at 17 is preparedness for medical-driven slides and a clear stack between the two SEC tackles leading their lane. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #2026nfldraft #monroefreeling #mockdrafts #fanpicks #kadynproctor #blakemiller #jermodmccoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trade-Up Logic for a Tight Roster On April 14, Jeff Risdon opened the Detroit Lions Podcast by dropping his annual dream draft. The premise is simple. Targets he prefers at every pick, no trades in the mock, and a clear-eyed look at roster math. His NFL calculus points one way. Trade up over trading back. Risdon expects three or four selections this year might not crack the active 53-man roster. Not because they cannot play, but because the Detroit Lions have fewer open chairs. Late picks can sit on the practice squad. That shifts value toward higher picks instead of collecting more Day 3 swings. He contrasted it with earlier Lions eras that forced rookies into the lineup. Amari Spivey got thrown to the wolves. A late-round inside backer from Cal had to play right away. Today's depth means patience. Recent examples back it up. Dominic Lovett, a seventh-rounder a year ago, barely saw the offense and made little impact on special teams. Dan Jackson, also a seventh-round pick, returns healthy but might not have played much as a rookie anyway. That is a different Lions reality. It makes trading up more attractive this spring. Caleb Lomu at 17 and Panay Stays Right Risdon's first-round dream pick is Caleb Lomu, the Utah left tackle. The choice ties directly to keeping Panay Sewell at right tackle. Sewell is the best in the world there. Move him and he would still be great, but why disrupt excellence. With a true left tackle in Lomu, Detroit can preserve its right-side identity. Risdon praised Lomu's athleticism, length, and smarts. Crafty feet. Room to grow. He admitted the run blocking is not elite yet. Others are better in that phase. Spencer Fano brings more in-line drive. Francis Malinois does too. But the upside with Lomu at left tackle fits the long view while maintaining continuity with Sewell. Building the Right-Side Run and Interior Fits The vision extends to the run game. Keep the Detroit Lions pounding right. Pair Sewell with Tate Ratledge and have Cade Mays available to reinforce that side. Lomu holds down the blind side while the right side remains the hammer. The balance lets the offense dictate with angles and tempo without retooling the front. That philosophy also informs the board. In a weaker draft, higher picks matter more than a pile of late fliers. The Detroit Lions Podcast framed it cleanly. Aim your swings where roster spots actually exist. Trade-Up Wildcard and Year-Two Buzz If he did climb from 17, Risdon identified a prize. Niese Styles is his No. 2 overall player. A safety background shows up in space, yet he is bigger than Arvel Reed, who projects as an edge. Styles can play with Jack Campbell and unlock sub-package flexibility. There is carryover optimism too. Last year's dream manifested early hits. The Lions landed Tylek Williams and Isaac TeSlaa sooner than expected. Risdon likes what comes next, especially for Williams in year two now that he knows NFL life. The dream stays ambitious. The logic stays grounded. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #nfl #dreamdraft #caleblomu #lefttackle #panaysewell #tradeup #tradeback #tylekwilliams #isaacteslaa #tateratledge #cademays #spencerfano #niesestyles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Draft Runway and Roster Posture The Detroit Lions Podcast turned spring break into roster talk as Jeff Risdon sat down with Nick Baumgartner two weeks before the NFL Draft. They opened with Michigan basketball's national title and a nod to John Beilein getting his overdue moment. Then they pivoted hard to the Detroit Lions and the NFL calendar. The tone was steady. The message was clear. Detroit is in good shape. Baumgartner said the front office did what it needed to do. The approach was careful. The only gripe raised was not giving Frank Regnal bonus money. Everything else from Brad Holmes and Dan tracked with the plan. The roster now lets Detroit enter the first round with freedom. Best player available is back on the table. That likely points to the trenches. An offensive lineman sits high on the board. It does not have to be a pure tackle. Guard or tackle both fit the current path. Free Agency Adds Reshape the Board The Detroit Lions Podcast highlighted several additions that tighten depth and raise the floor. Cade Maze drew praise as a value signing. Pacheco did too. Corrao landed as a swing tackle who can cover short term needs. He can start in a pinch if a rookie needs time. Those moves matter when the NFL Draft starts to slide. They buy patience. They keep the board honest. Detroit can wait for its guy instead of forcing a reach. With those pieces in place, the Lions can let the draft come to them. If a tackle falls, they can pounce. If the board tilts to an interior mauler, they can plug that in and roll. Either way, the goal stays the same. Protect the quarterback. Keep the run game on schedule. Own the line of scrimmage. Secondary Competition Tightens Inside Risdon pushed a point he thinks the fan base has overlooked. Roger McCreary and Tyler Conklin were called out as signings who will play and help right away. They were framed as upgrades over the players they replace. The slot comparison was direct. McCreary was labeled a better cover guy than Amiek Robertson on the inside. The versatility note followed. McCreary can do more. That flexibility changes matchups and pressures route timing. Chris Isiom came up as another under-the-radar pickup. The theme continued. Holmes keeps finding defensive backs off the scrap Wheat and making them fit. More bodies. More traits. More competition. It all stacks to a cleaner picture on draft night. Detroit can target the best player instead of scrambling to fill a hole. That is the difference between chasing and controlling. The NFL rewards control. The Detroit Lions Podcast made that point plain. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jeffrisdon #nickbaumgartner #nfldraft #offensivelineman #swingtackle #guardortackle #bradholmes #frankregnal #cademaze #pacheco #corrao #rogermccreary #tylerconklin #amiekrobertson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices