Detroit Lions – Five things learned after first week of OTAs

The Lions wrapped up their first of three weeks of organized team activities on Thursday.

It’s an exciting time for the coaching staff to put the veterans and rookie to work.

“We have a lot of information to get them just in terms of schematics and some of the things, maybe getting adjusted or refining techniques and things of that nature, so it’s a great time right about now,” coach Jim Caldwell said.

Five things learned from first week of OTAs:

1. Not surprisingly tight end Eric Ebron is good with the NFL rule change that puts the fun back in the league allowing celebrations after big plays on offense and defense. Like Ebron mentioned, he hopes to have more than one touchdown which was his total output from 2016. The former first-round pick needs to stay healthy and have a good season for the offense to thrive. Asked on Wednesday about his favorite part of OTAs and he said he was just happy to be participating unlike last year when he was sidelined with injury.

2. Running back Ameer Abdullah looked like his old elusive self during the OTAs that were open to the media on Wednesday. Remember he missed the final 14 games of the season in 2016 due to a foot injury that required surgery. It’s a little tough to judge running backs when the team is not wearing pads but Abdullah was running with ease. It’s a good sign for the running backs. Theo Riddick was standing on the sidelines, though. He underwent offseason wrist surgery.

3. It’s still a game of musical chairs on the offensive line. Remember, it’s early. New right guard T.J. Lang is coming off hip surgery. He was on the field watching and expects to be good to go for training camp. Laken Tomlinson was getting a look at his spot. Joe Dahl and Graham Glasgow were in and out at left guard while Glasgow and Travis Swanson worked at center. Don’t read too much into anything just yet. It’s early.

4. Expect good competition at wide receiver. Rookie Kenny Golladay could be the No. 3 wide receiver but he’ll have to earn it. Golden Tate flashed on Wednesday catching a long pass in double coverage. Also don’t sleep on Jace Billingsley who was on the practice squad most of last year or TJ Jones who needs to prove he belongs.

5. Caldwell doesn’t fret much over NFL rules changes. It’s the same with the new rule that lops five minutes off overtime reducing it to 10 minutes. “It’s different, so you’re going to have to deal with it a little bit differently. You don’t have as much time there, but it doesn’t change your strategy in terms of what you’re trying to get done. You’re still trying to score or stop them from scoring. That’s the key, but you just have a little less time to do it,” Caldwell said.