clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Wednesday open thread: Who will be the Detroit Lions’ training camp darling in 2017?

Which Lions player will make headlines during training camp?

NFL: Detroit Lions-Training Camp Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

It happens every year. Some player not expected to make a big impact, or even make the final roster, turns heads in training camp and makes a serious run at landing a spot on the team. Sometimes, it results in nothing, like the overhyped receiver from 2011, Demario Ballard. Other times, a player parlays a good preseason into an actual career, like Kerry Hyder or Zach Zenner.

This year will be no different. Some player on the Detroit Lions roster—be it an undrafted free agent or a current bubble player—will end up making daily appearances on training camp notes or will make a few huge plays during the preseason. Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Detroit Lions player will break out and be this year’s training camp darling?

My answer: UDFA offensive tackle Storm Norton. With Cyrus Kouandjio, Corey Robinson and Taylor Decker all starting training camp on an injured list, Norton has a chance to take some serious reps in practice.

With Norton’s massive size (6-foot-8, 306 pounds), I predict he will garner a lot of attention from media and fans alike. Assuming that Kouandjio and/or Robinson eventually make their way back into the lineup, I don’t think Norton will be able to turn that hype into a spot on the final 53-man roster, but he will certainly get his chance. And when you have the physical tools that Norton has, all you really need is a chance.

Your turn.

Pride of Detroit Direct

Sign up now for a 7-day free trial of Pride of Detroit Direct, with exclusive updates from Jeremy Reisman on the ground at Allen Park, instant reactions after each game, and in-depth Lions analysis from film expert Jon Ledyard.