ALLEN PARK — Dominic Lovett raised some eyebrows at Detroit Lions rookie minicamp on Friday by calling out veteran receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams — just not in the way you might think.
With an affable personality on full display, Lovett, one of the Lions’ seventh-round picks in this year’s draft, spoke with reporters after practice.
“I’d say it’s basically like a Georgia practice. The only difference is you have different faces, different coaches,” Lovett said of Day 1. “All in all, I think Georgia prepared us the best they could. Thank you, Georgia.”
But what Georgia may not have prepared him for is a new role in the NFL.
In his final season with the Bulldogs, Lovett led the team in receptions (59) and touchdowns (six) while ranking second in receiving yards (607). As a late-round pick, he’ll face an uphill battle to climb the depth chart unless he flashes in OTAs and training camp.
That adjustment means reinventing himself — and he’s turning to the guidance of his new teammates to help ease the transition.
“Basically, you kind of start over at every level. You go from high school to college, you’ve got to start over,” Lovett said. “It’s really being a sponge and soaking up everything in the room, knowing it’s OK not to know everything. Guys have been here before you.
“You just have to find a vet to stick with — Jamo, Amon-Ra — just finding somebody to stick with and let them show you the ropes. It’s not going to be perfect. You just have to accept that. You’re the new guy on the block and that’s OK. Everybody was a rookie at a point, so you just have to come in and be a sponge."
While he’s already seen St. Brown around the facility, the rookie receiver put out an APB on Williams as he shared his excitement to learn from his new teammates.
“I haven’t seen Jamo yet. Where you at, Jamo? I’m excited for when the vets come back — to hook up with all those guys, go out and get something to eat, you know, just connect," the former Bulldog shared.
Lovett was also asked about criticism that he’s limited to playing in the slot — a label he quickly dismissed.
“It really don’t make me feel like nothing,” he said. “Half the time, people that say it, they never really played football. It don’t really bother me. It’s an adjustment. Everybody has to get adjusted. That’s a challenge that I’m ready to take on. When the time comes, I’m just going to do what I do.”
“When people critique me or say something negative about me, I don’t really look at it. I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. I’m just here because I love to play football. I get to do what I love. When people speak negatively about me, I don’t really feel anything. I see it, but it really doesn’t phase me.”
Given the Lions’ deep receiving corps, one of Lovett’s best chances to make an immediate impact will be on special teams.
During his introductory video conference, Lovett noted he didn’t play special teams at Missouri but took on the role once he transferred to Georgia.
It was there that he found both value and joy in the unit — and he’s fully embraced whatever role will keep him on the field.
“I feel like special teams is just another way to be on the field and also another way to compete,” Lovett said. “I feel like it’s a one-on-one battle from the man across from you. It’s just you vs. him. I told them I’m willing to do whatever to get on the field. So, special teams, you need me on special teams? I’ll do it to the best of my ability and have fun.”