3 Bold Predictions for the Lions Heading Into Training Camp

The Detroit Lions have a bright future ahead of them as they enter the second season of Dan Campbell's head coaching tenure. The team was quite active this offseason in an attempt to improve the roster, with one of the biggest moves being their drafting of Jameson Williams 12th overall at the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Lions' training camp sessions open up next week for rookies and veterans, giving the coaching staff a look at what they have to work with. Whether or not it's enough to take a big leap forward this season, only time will tell.

In the meantime, here are three bold predictions for the Lions as they head into training camp.

Detroit Lions Training Camp

1. Jameson Williams Starts the Year on the PUP List

Lions fans are dying to see what Williams can do with Jared Goff throwing him the ball. Unfortunately, they may have to wait a bit as the talented wideout continues to recover from January's ACL tear. Early reports listed Williams as being ahead of his recovery schedule, but his rehab has since slowed down and management has provided any real updates on the situation in over a month. Considering that Campbell only said a month ago that he didn't think Williams would be ready to start training camp, it's entirely possible he could be held out longer than that and begin the season on the PUP list. He has a bright future as a game-changer, so the Lions shouldn't rush him back or even allow him to participate until all parties deem he's ready to go. If it means he has to miss the start of his first NFL season, it could turn out to be the best for his future.

2. Devin Funchess Gets Cut

Devin Funchess is returning to his collegiate roots at training camp by switching from being a wide receiver to a tight end. While this may have been more effective early on in his NFL career, Funchess is now 28 years old and has only caught three regular-season passes since 2019. T.J. Hockenson is the clear-cut starter and though his backup is up in the air, Detroit has seven other TEs under contract (including Funchess), according to Spotrac. With Funchess struggling to find an NFL home in recent years, I don't see that changing unless he has a miraculous camp. Assuming he doesn't, look for him to be cut.

3. Jeff Okudah Secures a Starting CB Spot

Injuries have prevented Jeff Okudah from living up to his potential. The former 2020 third overall pick has played only 10 games over the last two seasons and is running out of time to make an impact. Detroit already has Amani Oruwariye as one starting cornerback, so it'll be up to Okudah to prove that he deserves the other spot. The Grand Prairie, TX native was one of the best at breaking up passes during his time at Ohio State and the Lions hope that he can be that kind of player despite last season's Achilles injury. With Will Harris and Mike Hughes breathing down his neck, that could be the type of competition that Okudah needs to put things together and be the player he knows that he can be.

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.