JUST IN: Three Detroit Lions players that could be replaced by a rookie this season
The draft has been a defining feature of Brad Holmes’ time as general manager of the Detroit Lions and has been instrumental in the
team’s ascent. His first three drafts (2021–2023) included cornerstone elements, and the 2024 draft class (with players like Terrion
Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, among others) presumably added some more. Rakestraw is expected to play a big immediate role at
cornerback, and Arnold is expected to start at the position. Running back Sione Vaki is a versatile element, offensive lineman Giovanni
Manu is a project, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo may fight for an early position, and guard Christian Mahogany may be a future starter.
However, as new players enter the league, competition will increase, and established players may lose their position on the team or even their function.
Let’s examine three seasoned Lions players who could be replaced by rookies this season.
Note: Kicker Michael Badgley is not eligible for this list since Jakes Bates spent some time in 2023 practicing with the Houston Texans.
Yes, I understand that saying “Who cares about the long snapper?” Until anything goes wrong and becomes a game-changing error, the
answer is no one. Daly, who defeated Don Muhlbach in 2021, has been the starting long snapper for the Lions for the past three seasons.
Due to a knee injury, he had to conclude his 2023 campaign early, which meant that Jake McQuaide, his camp rival from the previous
year, had to complete the season. Daly appears to have locked down to start at long snapper for the Lions in 2019. However, they did add Hogan Hatten as an undrafted rookie, and from what little reporters were able to observe of the kicking practice during OTAs, it appeared like Hatten was more adept than Daly.
Hatten isn’t out of the running to win a real competition if the two players’ performances during camp and preseason games differ.
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