Justin Rogers

2 weeks ago | detroitfootball.net | Justin Rogers

If you loved Part I of this week’s mailbag, you’re going to love Part II (hopefully). Q: Will last season’s injuries still play a major factor this year? What’s the timeline for guys like Rodrigo, McNeill, Barnes, Wingo, and pretty much everyone else who were sidelined last year? — @terbybickford75Q: How is Khalil Dorsey’s recovery going? — Jan ShuartJustin: Only in the sense that a small number will linger into this season.

2 weeks ago | detroitfootball.net | Justin Rogers

We're in the true NFL offseason, the several weeks between the conclusion of the early stages of the offseason program and the start of training camp. This is when players and coaches mentally rest and reset for the upcoming season. But how can we rest when the mailbox is full? Let's see what's on your mind. (Also, don't forget to check back for Part II of the mailbag during the weekend).

2 weeks ago | detroitfootball.net | Justin Rogers

Allen Park — OK, let’s revisit the Za’Darius Smith conversation. The Detroit Lions opted to go in a different, more cost-effective direction this offseason, cutting Smith instead of exercising a $7 million option bonus. Had the Lions retained him under his previous contract, he would have counted nearly $11 million against the cap across the next two seasons. The Lions put those resources toward retaining two other veteran edge defenders, Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad.

2 weeks ago | detroitfootball.net | Justin Rogers

Selecting No. 28 overall, the Detroit Lions could have gone a half-dozen different directions with their first-round pick in the 2025 draft. Standing pat with the selection, the Lions let the board come to them before grabbing their highest-graded player, Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. With most outside observers fixated on edge rushers and interior offensive linemen, the defensive tackle group didn't generate the same level of buzz for Detroit heading into the event.

2 weeks ago | detroitfootball.net | Justin Rogers

Allen Park — Nothing about Ennis Rakestraw's rookie season went as hoped or expected. A starter every year since his sophomore season of high school at Duncanville (Texas) High School, there was a mental adjustment to coming off the bench for the Detroit Lions as a second-round pick a year ago. Then, when the team was set to insert him into the starting lineup, Rakestraw suffered a hamstring injury in pre-game warmups.