Detroit Lions Fans Stoked for 2010: HäMMëR's Training Camp Highlights

Some of those dudes are just plain HUGE!

If the long-held theory of “bigger, faster, stronger” will perpetuate a season rife with victories, things are looking up Lions fans.

Among the many favorable impressions I took away from my two mornings at the 2010 Detroit Lions training camp at the outdoor practice field in Allen Park was the “wide-eyed, child-like” wonderment of the big, fast, and even mammoth Lions players.

On the defensive line, it looks like the Detroit Lions have now sourced the personnel to fill out a quality NFL defensive front four.

The movement to the ball by the Detroit Lions’ first-string defenders was remarkable.  The team appears to have defensive ends who can flat-out fly and get around the edge.

Yes–very encouraging, folks.

Again, just the sheer size of Sammie Lee Hill, especially when next to Corey Williams, is simply awesome.  While there will be plenty of time for rookie DT Ndamukong Suh to impress fans, it was the combination of the “Williams Hill” that seemed to be most effective.

The size and speed that Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz wanted to improve upon appears to have arrived.

The Detroit Lions receivers are a tall group overall, with big targets in Calvin Johnson, Bryant Johnson, Bryan Clark, Eric Fowler, Tony Scheffler, and Dan Gronkowski.  I like the potential mismatch opportunities that could land in the Lions favor as a result of such a big lineup.

It really is exciting to watch this new crew of receivers get after catching the ball, especially with their hands.

I think the addition of WR Bryan Clark will prove a very fruitful move before this season is over.  I think Lions fans are really going to like workman-like attitude Clark brings to the receiver corps–he looks like a professional for sure, folks.

There is very good competition going on amongst the wide receiver group.  Tim Toone has been highly competitive to say the least, and I think the young man from Weber State will find a way to make the 53-man roster.

With a “TOOOOOONE” on offense and a “SUUUUUUHHH” on defense, Lions fans will be creating quite a noise disturbance on Sunday afternoons in Detroit this fall!

Cheers!

HäMMëR

Matthew Stafford

QB Matthew Stafford and QB Drew Stanton share a laugh during morning practice, Wednesday, August 4th.

Calvin Johnson

WR Calvin Johnson making his way back to the huddle after a pass reception.

Ndamukong Suh

Recently signed Detroit Lions rookie DT Ndamukong Suh gets ready to get after it.

Tony Scheffler

TE Tony Scheffler trots back to join his teammates after making a nice catch downfield.

Nate Burleson

WR Nate Burleson makes a catch during receiver drills in the morning session on August 5, 2010.

Calvin Johnson and Tim Toone

WR Calvin Johnson and rookie WR Tim Toone jog back to the huddle after a sweet completion downfield to Toone.  The 2010 NFL Draft's "Mr. Irrelevant" has been anything but irrelevant at Lions training camp.

Toone is yet another fan favorite drafted by the Lions in the seventh round of the NFL Draft: Zack Follett and Caleb Campbell are also high on the list.

Jonathan Wade

CB Jonathan Wade on the sidelines, as he watches action on the practice field.

Offensive Huddle: Linehan Telling Stafford the Play

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Scott Linehan gives QB Matthew Stafford the play the offense is about to run.

Big Receiving Targets Looking Good

Both WR Calvin Johnson and TE Brandon Pettigrew make their way back to the huddle after Pettigrew made an excellent catch.

Gettin' After It To The Right - LOOKOUT!

Everybody and their brother is running right on this one—lookout now!

Bryant Johnson

WR Bryant Johnson keeps his eyes on the ball during a receivers drill.

Dan Gronkowski

GO, GO, GRONKO, GO!!!

TE Dan Gronkowski runs the ball back to the huddle after making a nice catch.  Gronkowski looks huge in person.  I don't know what he did during the offseason, but man oh man is he a BIGGUN!

There's no way I could not have Dan Gronkowski on my 53-man roster.

I had Dan Gronkowski on my draft board all the way, and was very glad when the Detroit Lions added him in the seventh round of last year's draft. 

Gronko has tremendous strength and athleticism, and it would be nice to see him translate his dominant weight-room strength into on-field production.

Should Pettigrew or Scheffler succumb to injury in 2010, Dan is going to have to be the man!

Line Work

During the morning practice session on Thursday, August 5, 2010, the defense was on the far side of the practice field. 

In this photo, the offensive line is battling with the defensive line during drills. 

Onlooking second from the left is LT Jeff Backus.  Kneeling is the ripped rookie DE Willie Young, DE Cliff Avril, DT Corey Williams, and DT Ndamukong Suh to the far right.

Willie Young looks like a ballplayer, flat out.  Cliff Avril was cat-quick during practices and has been super fast.  I'm expecting big things from Super Cliff this season.

Breaking the Defensive Huddle

Breaking the defensive huddle are SS C.C. Brown, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, CB Jonathan Wade, DT Sammie Lee Hill, and SLB Julian Peterson.

Folks, when you're there in person, you just cannot help but notice that Sammie Lee Hill is a MOUNTAIN of a man.  Watching Williams and Hill working together was fantastic.

I LOVE ME SOME DEFENSE!!!

C.C. Brown

Recently acquired SS C.C. Brown projects to start across from FS Louis Delmas when the Detroit Lions begin their 2010 campaign on the road at Soldier Field on the banks of Lake Michigan.

Undrafted rookie free agent Kenny Phillips is coming on strong at safety for the Lions, and should Delmas not be able to go when the Lions kick off their season on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in Chicago, the former Hurricane could be a surprise starter at safety.

If the 2010 Detroit Lions are to make the playoffs as Louis Delmas and Jonathan Wade have suggested, the team will need a solid contribution from both men.  Delmas must be healthy if the Lions hope to contend for the NFC North crown in 2010.