Fact or Fiction for Detroit Lions' Biggest Offseason Question Marks

The trade winds have died down, leaving Detroit Lions fans drifting in that dreadful doldrums between OTAs and training camp. Luckily, there are a few lingering rumors to put some wind in your sails and provide debatable points for the next month or so.

Since nobody has sported more than a helmet and basketball shorts so far, you won't find many certainties in the following five slides. That's the fun of the offseason. Anything and everything is possible in June and July.

But there is a context for every opinion, so let's sort through the latest scuttlebutt and separate the facts from the fiction.

Calvin Johnson Isn't Mega Anymore

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Anytime an athlete approaches 30, the questions start to come more quickly and with a greater degree of confidence. There are always media members who want nail the moment a star turned ordinary. It's odd but it's real.

The Detroit Free Press' Drew Sharp is the latest to throw a dart. He recently explained that Calvin Johnson's age coupled with a career filled with production and punishment is leading to his declining numbers:

"

There has been a steady decline in receiving yardage from his record-breaking season in 2012, when he eclipsed Jerry Rice's standard with 1,964 receiving yards. That total fell to 1,492 yards in 2013 and 1,077 in 2014. Johnson missed a total of five games the last two years with stubborn knee and ankle injuries.

"

There's no arguing that the statistics have shrunken. However, using the single-season record as the starting point creates an impossible standard to maintain. And last year's numbers aren't just skewed by those nagging injuries, but also the new system that called for more distribution and fewer "chuck and pray" plays.

Still, there is a legitimate concern that Johnson's body won't hold up. He's routinely skipped practices throughout the season the past few years to stay fresh for game days. Sharp wasn't far off the mark here, although it'd be foolhardy to wager against Johnson surpassing 1,000 yards.

He also took it too far when he suggested, "Johnson's greatest value this season might be that of a decoy, drawing extra coverage that creates receiving mismatches elsewhere."

Despite playing parts of at least two games hampered by his injuries, he averaged slightly more yards per game than Dez Bryant. With Matthew Stafford looking deep more often, which is Johnson's forte, it's a bit early to retire the Megatron moniker.

Verdict: Fiction

Joseph Fauria Is on the Roster Bubble

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

There are few positions on the roster that seemed as set as tight end. The Lions have their move—Eric Ebron—and hybrid—Brandon Pettigrew—locked in with a tall red-zone target who has shown the potential for a greater role this coming season.

But Joseph Fauria's 6'7" height and large, soft hands may not be enough to save him. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press discussed general manager Martin Mayhew's possible trust issue concerning Fauria, and the big man's lingering injury as the reasoning behind the team's recent activity:

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From colleague @FieldYates, the #Lions were one of 10 teams to try and claim TE Tim Wright (TB had first claim)

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 15, 2015"

The injury issue may finally be resolving itself since he's back on the field, even if it's in a limited capacity. And speaking of limited, Fauria's ankle held him to just six catches and one touchdown in seven games in 2014. The coaching staff needs to see him fully healthy before it can abandon all worry.

Plus, Tim Wright is a solid talent. His stats—80 receptions, 830 yards and 11 touchdowns in two years—show his potential, though his recent release and the fact that the Buccaneers almost cut him a year ago are worrisome. But if he could have been added as the 89th or 90th player on the offseason roster, it would've been an easy decision considering Fauria's health.

Since Wright returned to Tampa Bay, that leaves only Jordan Thompson and David Ausberry to fight for Fauria's spot. The former played in two games last season without a catch. The latter played four years in Oakland and grabbed 11 catches over that span. So long as Fauria can prove he's fine physically, his job is safe.

Verdict: Fiction 

Lance Moore Has Taken Aim at the Third Wide Receiver Spot

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Detroit has spent a lot of capital in the past four years trying to fill out the receiving depth chart. Granted, most of it has either been late-round picks or waiver claims, but the quantity hasn't helped Detroit round out the roster.

That's left the door open for veteran Lance Moore to slide into the third spot this offseason. His knowledge of the offense and proven hands have elevated him from mentor to threat in his competition's eyes.

Moore had 346 catches for 4,281 and 38 touchdowns over eight years with the New Orleans Saints. Thus, his past success will translate well to offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi's scheme since the Saints' system is the base of Detroit's current offense. Moore said it's allowed him to do "more reacting and less thinking," according to Scott Held of the Daily Herald, which allows his natural talent to shine.

None of the other players vying for this spot have a tenth of Moore's resume. Literally. Ryan Broyles is the closest with 420 career receiving yards. Jeremy Ross has 381. Their youth brings optimism of improvement, especially for speedster Corey Fuller, but Moore's consistency gives him a huge advantage heading into training camp.

Verdict: Fact

Caraun Reid Has Starter Written All over Him

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

The Internet is filled with career experts and life coaches. They pop up more than a Game of Thrones plot twist and shout via pop-up ads that every successful person needs a mentor.

While the delivery mechanism is hokey, and the messenger might not be the right fit for most, the substance of the statement couldn't be truer. And Caraun Reid is the latest example.

Reid kept a close eye on how Ndamukong Suh went about his business last season, per Kyle Meinke of Mlive Media Group, and the veteran All-Pro took him under his wing this offseason. The workouts covered both the physical and mental aspects of the game, prompting Reid to say that his biggest change has been in his "mind-set." He added that he "feel[s] more in control" and "know[s] what to expect."

The Princeton graduate wasn't a factor for the Lions last year, playing just 112 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. He still needs to beat out veteran Tyrunn Walker, who signed a one-year deal with the thought of scaling his production in New Orleans to starting minutes and cashing in next offseason.

However, Reid has already been getting the bulk of the first-team reps. With a new body and a teacher who can explain what it takes to succeed, it's arguably Reid's job to lose.

Verdict: Fact

Quandre Diggs Is Putting on a Full Court Press

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

When Detroit drafted Quandre Diggs in the sixth round, a few brave souls suggested he would be the starting nickelback come September. Those same folks are looking a little smarter after news of Bill Bentley's release broke last week (h/t Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com):

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The emergence of rookie Quandre Diggs in the nickel during minicamp likely made waiving Bill Bentley much easier. #Lions

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 18, 2015"

Obviously, if the team feels comfortable enough with you that it cuts last year's starter, the path has gotten slightly easier. 

Diggs has taken a lot of first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp. That fact can't be discredited considering the learning curve at the position, so Diggs is certainly in the mix for the starting spot.

The former Longhorn may be the best bet, but don't rule out veteran Josh Wilson. The franchise has targeted him multiple times over the past few years and is confident in his game. If Nevin Lawson can return from his injury at full strength, he'll enter the race too, but it's between the rookie and the vet right now. And the youngster has jumped out to a promising lead.

Verdict: Fact  

All advanced stats, grades and positional rankings are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.