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Thursday open thread: Which rookie are you paying attention to most in training camp?

Who are you keeping an eye on during training camp?

By Justin Simon
NFL: Detroit Lions-Minicamp Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

We got a little taste for the Lions’ latest draft class during OTAs, but now we get to see them live and in person at training camp.

In case you forgot, here’s a full list of the Lions 2019 draft class:

Round 1, Pick 8 - TE T.J. Hockenson, Iowa

Round 2, Pick 11 (43 overall) - LB Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii

Round 3, Pick 18 (81 overall) - DB Will Harris, Boston College

Round 4, Pick 15 (117 overall) - DE Austin Bryant, Clemson

Round 5, Pick 8 (146 overall) - CB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State

Round 6, Pick 11 (184 overall) - WR Travis Fulgham, Old Dominion

Round 6, Pick 13 (186 overall) - RB Ty Johnson, Maryland

Round 7, Pick 10 (224 overall) - TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia

Round 7, Pick 15 (229 overall) - DT P.J. Johnson, Arizona

On paper, it looks like the Lions had a pretty strong draft class. Hockenson was clearly the best player at his position and snagging Amani Oruwariye seems like highway robbery in the fifth round.

But there are also some questions marks. I think both Jahlani Tavai and Will Harris will have to prove they belong this offseason. And I’m secretly hoping Austin Bryant can drink the same water Da’Shawn Hand did last season.

But, that brings me to today’s question:

Which rookie are you going to pay attention to in training camp?

My answer: Jahlani Tavai. You wouldn’t think a big, burley linebacker would all that exciting to watch, but I predict Tavai will be the most polarizing player on the Lions roster this season.

If he plays well, everyone will be happy, but if he starts slow don’t be surprised if he gets the Eric Ebron treatment from the fans.

More than anything, I’m excited to see his role on this Lions defense. How are they going to use a big, physical linebacker in creative ways given the rest of the league is essentially converting strong safeties to play linebacker?

Your turn.

Poll

Which rookie are you paying attention to in training camp?

This poll is closed

  • 18%
    T.J. Hockenson
    (59 votes)
  • 36%
    Jahlani Tavai
    (120 votes)
  • 4%
    Will Harris
    (16 votes)
  • 4%
    Austin Bryant
    (16 votes)
  • 15%
    Amani Oruwariye
    (52 votes)
  • 3%
    Travis Fulgham
    (13 votes)
  • 10%
    Ty Johnson
    (34 votes)
  • 2%
    Isaac Nauta
    (7 votes)
  • 2%
    PJ Johnson
    (9 votes)
326 votes total Vote Now

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