A table-setting, Detroit Lions roster projection ahead of next month's training camp
Allen Park — Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell issued a warning ahead of the first practices of the 2026 offseason open to local media: Don’t read too much into the rotations.
It’s well established that jobs aren’t won in May and June, before the pads come on in training camp and the preseason. Still, you can come away with an early sense regarding how the team feels about players and their early schematic fits, particularly the newcomers.
Having watched five practices the past month, let’s set the table ahead of next month’s training camp with a premature roster projection.
Quarterback (2)
In: Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater
Work to do: Luke Altmeyer
Quick thoughts: I’m intrigued by Altmyer, who is smart, accurate and athletic. If he were a couple inches taller and a year or two younger, it’s easy to imagine he gets drafted in the middle rounds.
It’s clear, he’s more polished than a lot of rookie quarterbacks who have rolled through town during my time covering the team. That’s probably a benefit of five years of college at two programs. The prevalence of portal transfers undoubtedly has young players better prepared for quick acclimation to new surroundings.
If Altmyer shines in camp and the preseason, meriting longer-term consideration through a roster spot, it would have to come at the expense of another position. Presently, that’s a tough sell, but not a door that’s closed.