Notes: Lions release highlight video of 2021 rookie mini-camp

The Detroit Lions held their 2021 three-day rookie mini-camp last weekend, and while most of it was behind closed doors, the team did let a small contingent of beat writers observe practice on Sunday—here are my Observations from the action.

Not only did the Lions give local media an opportunity to see the rookies, but their multi-media team produced a short video of some of the action and published it on their YouTube channel this afternoon.

In the video, you get fast-moving action with quick glimpses of all the drafted players in attendance, as well as the team's coaching staff and select members of the front office. There are no good looks of the formations used, but there is plenty of closeups of the rookies going through individual drills and 7-on-7’s.

In my observations write-up, I made note of a WR vs DB drill, where UDFA CB Jerry Jacobs challenged WR Amon-Ra St. Brown to a race, which saw the fourth-rounder come out victorious. You can see that race at the 51-second mark of the video. You also get to see the race WR Tom Kennedy won at the 1:51 mark.

Other cool looks include, Ifeatu Melifonwu’s smooth hip swivel, Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill exploding out of their stance, St. Brown make a fingertip grab, and a WR Javon McKinley touchdown.

Check out the entire two-minute video below:

Now, on to the rest of today’s notes:

• The Jared Goff teammate workout tour continues:

• Dave Birkett of the Free Press tiered off the Lions wide receiver room as things stand right now heading into Phase two of Spring camp. There are no real surprises among the 12 players with three locks, two younger players right behind them, two vets who could be in trouble, and five youngsters who may earn a spot based on their special teams' skills.

• Lions scout Roman Phifer has accepted a Senior Personnel Executive position with the Denver Broncos. With the Lions since 2018, he covered “colleges in California, Arizona and New Mexico”, per Detroit News’ Justin Rogers.

• Update: In Monday’s notes, I mentioned the Lions may have interest in acquiring recently waived RB Ryquell Armstead, but the Lions didn't put in a claim for him and he was awarded to the New York Giants.

• Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton ranked the biggest winners in each division of the 2021 offseason and the Lions came out on top of the NFC North: “The Lions strengthened both sides of their front lines. As arguably the best tackle in the 2021 draft, Penei Sewell should make an immediate impact. On Day 2, Detroit selected defensive tackles Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill. Neither pick draws a ton of excitement, but this team can beat its opponents in the trenches as a tough competitive squad in 2021.”