​As the Detroit Lions open training camp at the end of July, all eyes will naturally pivot to the franchise’s brightest stars. Fans and analysts will be watching quarterback Jared Goff, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the rest of Detroit’s core as the club shifts its focus toward the 2026 season. Yet there is far more to camp than just the established names. This is the period when rosters are sorted, starting jobs are earned, and young players begin to stake their claims. With several pivotal position battles underway, a number of players flying beneath the radar could end up playing significant roles this year.
Keith Abney
Keith Abney’s role has grown substantially after the Lions released former first-round pick Terrion Arnold. The fifth-round rookie now walks into training camp with a credible shot at grabbing a starting spot at outside cornerback. Abney made an impression during the pre-draft process with his physicality, instincts, and knack for making plays on the ball. While it’s rare for a fifth-round rookie to step into a prominent role immediately, Detroit’s current depth chart at cornerback creates a plausible path for him to see meaningful snaps early on.
This camp will be Abney’s first real test against NFL-caliber receivers, and how he handles the increased speed and complexity of the pro game will be a major talking point. If he demonstrates reliable technique, strong ball skills, and consistent effort in practices and the preseason, Abney could quickly become one of the better late-round steals of Detroit’s 2026 class. His performance could accelerate his trajectory from camp curiosity to a legitimate contributor, and perhaps even a starter sooner than many expect.
Blake Miller
Few competition battles on the depth chart are likely to attract more attention than the one at right tackle, where first-round pick Blake Miller is slated to contend for the opening-day job. Detroit added Miller to shore up an offensive line that was inconsistent at times last season, betting on his blend of size, athleticism, and college experience to translate to the pro game. While those attributes made him one of the top offensive tackle prospects in his draft class, earning a starting role as a rookie is never a given, and Miller will have to earn it through practice and exhibition games.
Camp will offer the first real glimpse into how quickly Miller can adapt to the speed and demands of NFL football. His ability to protect Jared Goff, while also driving some of the running game—particularly for Jahmyr Gibbs—will be under close scrutiny. If Miller can win the starting job before Week 1, it would mark a significant step in rebuilding the Lions’ line and establishing a longer-term solution on the right side.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
With Arnold no longer in Detroit, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suddenly finds himself in a position to prove he can be a long-term NFL starter. Entering his third season, Rakestraw has appeared in only eight games across his first two years, as injuries and inconsistent availability have limited his opportunities. The Lions still do not know precisely what they have in the former second-round pick, making this training camp a crucial turning point in his career.
This period could determine Rakestraw’s future with the organization. A strong, sustained showing—demonstrating reliability, versatility, and leadership in the secondary—would place him squarely in the starting mix and give him a clear path to increased responsibilities moving forward. Conversely, if health issues or performance inconsistency linger, his time with Detroit could become more uncertain. The next several weeks will be pivotal for Rakestraw as he attempts to carve out a defined role and reassure the coaching staff that he can contribute consistently at the next level.
In sum, while the Lions’ superstar lineup will attract much of the spotlight during training camp, a trio of under-the-radar players—Keith Abney, Blake Miller, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.—is poised to make significant strides that could reshape the team’s depth chart and future prospects. Camp is the proving ground, and these less-heralded players have a real chance to emerge as important contributors in 2026 and beyond.