Report Card Grades for Every Detroit Lions Rookie so Far in Camp

The Detroit Lions rookie class have come to Allen Park with a golden opportunity. With a high ceiling of potential, just about each rookie has a chance to make an immediate impact. Whether as a starter or a role player, these eight rookies could make a strong case for playing time come September. 

After nine days of training camp, the Lions' new talent have managed to draw some sort of attention. So far, almost each rookie has made noise on the field while a few others have been sidelined due to injury. 

One can't be excited but to see the rookies on the field come the start of preseason. But thus far, they've given fans much reason to be optimistic on the future. Here is a full evaluation of each rookie so far during training camp. 

1. Riley Reiff

The Lions were thrilled when offensive lineman Riley Reiff fell in their lap with the No. 23 pick of this year's draft. Since coming into training camp, Reiff has made a positive impression on the Lion's training camp.

Reiff has shuffled between both sides at offensive tackle. However, the Lions released their first depth chart with their rookie lineman listed No. 2 behind Jeff Backus at left tackle. Detroit has big plans for Reiff, and that blueprint looks promising for the young lineman from Iowa. 

Reiff has shown flashes of dominance, including an impressive wipe out of Ronnell Lewis during a drill this past Monday. He's shown great agility, strength, and athleticism during camp pleasing the coaching staff including offensive line coach George Yarno.

Detroit returns their starting offensive line, but now have a promising core of depth anchored by Reiff. Whether he's a starter this year or next, Reiff will continue to impress and contribute to the Lion's success.

Grade: A

2. Ryan Broyles

Ryan Broyles began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but he has still surpassed plenty of expectations. Coming from off an ACL tear in college, Broyles was projected to ease back onto the field in hopes to recover from injury. Broyles has already passed his conditioning test as well as earned reps on offense and special teams.

Broyles spent the past few days on the sideline after his knee flared up on Sunday. The coaching staff will remain cautious with Broyles' health. The Lions drafted the Oklahoma product as another dangerous toy for Matthew Stafford. In order for that pick to pan out, the Lions will do everything to get Broyles up to speed.

Detroit could still have Broyles on the PUP list right now, but it's quite impressive he's participated as much as he is in training camp. Only time shall tell how impressive Broyles will be completely healthy and active for the Lions. 

Grade: B

3. Bill Bentley

After drafting three small-school defensive backs in this year's draft, it was unsure how the Lions secondary would shape out. With the sudden emergence from Bill Bentley, Detroit has found a diamond in the rough at cornerback.

Bentley is behind Alphonso Smith on the depth chart at right cornerback. Bentley has shown phenomenal instincts breaking up a multitude of passes during training camp. Bentley plays at a high gear and continues to get better during practice.

The rapid growth of Bentley's game has come as a pleasant surprise to everybody. As a Louisiana-Lafayette product, nobody could've predicted this fast learning curve for Bentley. If this success translates on Sundays, Bentley could himself as a starting right cornerback by the end of the season. 

Game: A

4. Chris Greenwood

As another small school product, there wasn't a clear visual on what to expect from Chris Greenwood. Not much has changed with Greenwood staying on the PUP list for all of training camp so far.

During the May OTAs, Greenwood tore a lower abdomen muscle. The fifth-round draft selection has been on the sideline healing since the surgery. It's difficult to predict much as long as Greenwood is spending valuable time off the field healing. Once completely healed, the Lions will do whatever possible to get Greenwood on the field.

Grade: Incomplete

5. Travis Lewis

Jim Schwartz said he "didn't want to jinx Travis Lewis" and his success from this summer's training camp. With his production from camp by Lewis, fans are saying the same about the Oklahoma product.

Lewis has been applauded by the coaching staff for his football IQ as well as playing fast from whistle to whistle. Lewis came into the league as a projected 3-4 linebacker with a unique ability of rushing the quarterback. His smooth transition of learning the Lions defense and providing depth for the Lions is thoroughly impressive.

Linebacker Bobby Carpenter left the Lions this offseason signing with the New England Patriots. His absence could create a prime opportunity for Lewis to steal the spotlight at linebacker.

Grade: B+

6. Tahir Whitehead

Another linebacker the Lions have been raving about is Tahir Whitehead. As a rookie, Whitehead is ahead of the game adapting to the NFL tempo. 

Whitehead also started off as a 3-4 strong-side linebacker at Temple. The Lions took a gamble and traded a future draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings to draft Whitehead in the fifth round. So far, the Lions have not regretted that decision.

Returning all three starters at linebacker, the Lions have a lot of new faces at depth. Whitehead has earned the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Justin Durant. If the rapid growth continues at this pace, Whitehead could be a starter for Detroit in the next year or so.

Grade: A-

7. Jonte Green

Rounding off the list of rookie cornerbacks is Jonte Green from New Mexico State. Jim Schwartz has had nothing but positive things to say about the young cornerback, and hopefully that continues throughout his growth process.

Green has all the physical tools needed to succeed but must mold a bit more consistency on defense. Green has been beat a few times in practice and has found himself in the wrong spots on occasion. Once the rookie growing pains and learning curve settles in for Green, he could find plenty of playing time, possibly along with fellow rookie Bill Bentley.

Grade: B-

8. Ronnell Lewis

The Detroit Lions loaded up with Oklahoma talent in this year's draft. The Lions also took a strong glance at versatile linebackers like Ronnell Lewis. 

Lewis is more known as a edge rushing linebacker, but has also taken time to play away from the line. Lewis began training camp on the PUP list and has seen some time away from the field to recover from an undisclosed injury. There have been good and bad signs from Lewis so far, including losing a one-on-one drill against Riley Reiff where he was wiped off the line of scrimmage. 

The Lions can use all the edge rushers possible on defense, and could utilize Lewis as such. How much playing time is yet to be measured for Lewis, but he will continue to learn and get better as camp moves on.

Grade: B-