With training camp officially getting started Thursday, the Lions were beginning to run out of time to sign their rookies. Third-round pick Cliff Avril already signed earlier this month, but he was the only Lions rookie to do so; that is, until today. Six other Lions rookies were signed to contracts today, meaning all but two have officially joined the team. The six rookies that signed today are listed below.
Third-rounders: HB Kevin Smith (Central Florida), DT Andre Fluellen (Florida State)
Fifth-rounders: WR Kenneth Moore (Wake Forest), FB Jerome Felton (Furman)
Seventh-rounders: DT Landon Cohen (Ohio), LB Caleb Campbell (Army)
Including Avril, seven of the Lions' nine draft picks now have contracts. That leaves offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus and linebacker Jordon Dizon as the only Lions rookies without deals. I hope talks progress over night and into tomorrow as it's important to get every single rookie signed by the time training camp starts. That way nobody has to miss any practice, which is especially vital for Cherilus and Dizon as they will contend for starting jobs. Even one day missed is big as every second on the field counts.
Pride of Detroit will have the latest on any signings that happen, so keep checking back to see if Cherilus and Dizon get a deal done.