The wait is almost over.
Detroit Lions rookies are set to report for training camp on July 25, veterans arrive on July 28, and before long, the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park will once again become the center of the football world.
After a disappointing 9-8 finish in 2025, expectations remain sky-high in Detroit. Brad Holmes spent the offseason reshaping the roster; Dan Campbell has a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing, and several high-profile additions and draft picks are expected to play major roles immediately.
With camp just days away, here are the 10 biggest storylines that could shape the Lions’ 2026 season.
Detroit Lions training camp storylines 2026
10. Can Greg Dortch Become This Year’s Underrated Weapon?
Every year, Brad Holmes seems to uncover a player who ends up making a much bigger impact than expected.
This year, that player could be veteran receiver Greg Dortch.
Dortch reunites with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing after the two worked together in Arizona, giving him a familiarity with the offense that few players possess. While Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa headline the receiver room, Dortch could carve out a significant role in three-receiver sets while also providing value as a return specialist.
9. How Much Will Drew Petzing Change the Offense?
Replacing one of the NFL’s most respected offensive coordinators is never easy.
Petzing isn’t expected to reinvent Detroit’s offense, but he will undoubtedly put his own stamp on it. His previous offenses have featured heavy tight end usage, multiple personnel packages, and a physical rushing attack.
How quickly Jared Goff and the offense adapt may determine how fast Detroit gets out of the gate.
Drew Petzing Lions media availability Dan Campbell Drew Petzing Detroit Lions Detroit Lions training camp storylines 2026
8. Is This Finally Jameson Williams’ Superstar Season?
Everyone knows Jameson Williams is explosive.
Now comes the next step.
Can he become one of the NFL’s true No. 1 receivers?
With another offseason under his belt and a larger role expected in Petzing’s offense, many believe this could be the season Williams reaches another level.
Brad Holmes once again invested heavily in the draft.
First-round tackle Blake Miller headlines the class, but second-round EDGE Derrick Moore, linebacker Jimmy Rolder, cornerback Keith Abney II, defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, and defensive lineman Tyre West will all be battling for meaningful snaps from Day 1.
Training camp will provide the first real glimpse of how quickly this class can contribute.
6. Can Detroit’s New Secondary Come Together Quickly?
The Lions overhauled portions of their secondary this offseason.
Veterans Roger McCreary, Christian Izien, and Chuck Clark join an already talented group featuring Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, D.J. Reed, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The talent is there.
Now comes building chemistry.
Roger McCreary breakout
5. Will Isiah Pacheco Give Detroit One of the NFL’s Best Running Back Duos?
Trading David Montgomery shocked many fans.
Replacing him with former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco may end up being one of Brad Holmes’ smartest offseason moves.
If Pacheco returns to pre-injury form alongside Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit could once again boast one of football’s deepest backfields.
4. Can Blake Miller Lock Down Right Tackle?
No position battle may receive more attention.
Following Taylor Decker’s departure, Penei Sewell slides back to left tackle, leaving first-round rookie Blake Miller competing for the starting job on the right side.
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Miller rotated with veteran Larry Borom, but many believe the rookie enters camp with the inside track. Meanwhile, former fourth-round pick Giovanni Manu is fighting to prove he still belongs in Detroit’s long-term plans.
3. Can the Pass Rush Finally Become Elite?
Everything starts with Aidan Hutchinson.
But this year feels different.
Brad Holmes added D.J. Wonnum, Payton Turner, and rookie Derrick Moore, while Ahmed Hassanein enters Year 2.
If even one of those additions develops into a consistent complementary rusher opposite Hutchinson, Detroit’s defense could take a massive leap.
Aidan Hutchinson sack record Aidan Hutchinson Derrick Moore Aidan Hutchinson ESPN ranking
2. Is This the Deepest Roster Brad Holmes Has Built?
One look at the projected depth chart tells the story.
Nearly every position features legitimate NFL depth.
Quarterback is stable.
Running back is loaded.
The offensive line has been retooled.
The secondary is deeper.
The defensive front has more rotational talent than it’s had in years.
Now comes the hard part.
Several quality players are going to lose roster spots because Detroit simply can’t keep everyone.
1. Can the Lions Get Back to Championship Contention?
Everything ultimately comes back to one question.
After missing the playoffs with a 9-8 record in 2025, can Detroit re-establish itself as one of the NFC’s elite teams?
The talent certainly appears to be there.
Jared Goff returns.
Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown remain among the league’s best offensive playmakers.
Sam LaPorta is still one of the NFL’s premier young tight ends.
Aidan Hutchinson anchors a defense that appears deeper than it’s been in years.
The roster has changed.
The coaching staff has changed.
The expectations haven’t.
Training camp officially begins the journey toward answering the biggest question of them all: Can this Lions team bring Detroit back into the Super Bowl conversation?
Drafted with AI assistance, edited and fact-checked by DSN staff.