Ahead of first padded practice, Jackson Meeks eager to prove Lions made right call with position switch

Allen Park — On Monday, the pajama party is over.

For the first time this offseason, the Detroit Lions will strap on full pads, serving as a litmus test for many of the roster’s younger players.

Eyes will inevitably be drawn to the trenches. That’s where the retooled offensive line and some of the newer pieces on the edge will have an inaugural opportunity to justify the offseason excitement generated through those upgrades.

And you know the linebackers and safeties are champing at the bit to lower a shoulder and run through a ball carrier. Yeah, it’s their teammate, but there’s only so much you can do to stifle the mentality of the middle-field protectors.

However, lost in the obvious evaluations that will take place on Monday is a former wide receiver who embraced an offseason position switch, packed on 25 pounds, and is eager to prove the team was right for betting on his talent for a second time.