Hill, Salaam, Boldin fail conditioning drill

Tom Kowalski at MLive.com is full of news from the first day of Lions' training camp.

Rookie DT Sammie Lee Hill, veteran OL Ephraim Salaam and receiver D.J. Boldin all failed a conditioning drill and were held out of first practices. All later took the drill, a 300-yard shuttle, later in the day and eventually passed, so they'll be back at practice Sunday.

"What's disappointing the most about it is that when they left here (in late June), they had the conditioning test and they passed,'' said Lions head coach Jim Schwartz.

Making a better first impression to start camp was DT Landon Cohen, who threw up 50 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds, which Schwartz called "super-human." He said the team overall has improved its upper-body strength, while "staying the game" on its lower-body strength.

Talk about it in The Den!

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FOXSports' "10 Guys Worth Rooting For in NFL Training Camps" chock full o' Lions

FOXSports.com contributor Peter Schrager has written a column on 10 players worth rooting for in NFL training camps, and it features three Lions and an ex-Lion.

His Lions include undrafted free-agent WR D.J. Boldin, who Schrager lists along with WR Nick Moore of the Vikings. They're the younger brothers of established NFL star WRs Anquan Boldin and Lance Moore.

Writes Schrager: "D.J. and Nick would be more than happy just surviving training camp with jobs at the end of August. For all the younger brothers out there let's keep an eye on how they do in the trenches this month."

Also on Schrager's list to root for is new LB Larry Foote and OT Jon Jansen.

Writes Schrager: "They say there's nothing quite like going home. Have 'they' been to Detroit?" (A gratuitous shot at Motown. How novel.) Larry Foote and Jon Jansen have, and the two return voluntarily this season to help revitalize and recharge a team that's been entrenched in the ashes for far too many years ... "Together, Foote and Jansen will strive to bring veteran leadership, consistent play, and a sense of pride to their hometown team. And who knows, perhaps even a few wins."

Some Lions fans might have difficulty rooting for another on Schrager's list -- ex-Lion flameout and current Saint backup QB Joey Harrington.

States Schrager:

If you're a fan of redemption stories, you might want to check out what he's up to down in New Orleans this August. Harrington, known as "Joey Blue Skies" in Detroit, is currently with the Saints — his fourth team in five NFL seasons. Bounced on and off the New Orleans roster in '08, the Lions former No. 3 overall pick is now in a tight race for the Saints backup job with fellow veteran gunslinger Mark Brunell. Harrington, whose face once famously graced a New York City billboard back in his Oregon days, has been throwing the ball well this offseason. Signed to a one-year deal in NOLA, this could be his last shot in the NFL.

Talk about it in The Den!

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Position Battles: Wide Receivers

Continuing with our discussion of training camp battles we move on to the wide receiver group. With Calvin Johnson entrenched at #1 and Bryant Johnson almost certainly slotted to start on the other side, that likely leaves three more spots for receivers, at least one of whom will double as one of the kick returners. After the Johnsons there are several players who could either win the third receiver position or get cut in training camp. This will probably be one of the more interesting position groups to watch as preseason progresses.

The Contenders

Derrick Williams. The Lions' 3rd round pick out of Penn State, Williams should be something of a favorite to make the roster. Prior to the draft Williams got broad interest from teams such as the Patriots, Cowboys, and Colts. With five return touchdowns his senior year the primary interest has been in his return skills. He's a fast player with reasonable size. His career could easily follow the Derrick Mason/Steve Breaston path, primarily returning kicks early before maturing into a key receiver. It wouldn't be too surprising if he gets pressed into duty earlier than either Mason or Breaston were.

Ronald Curry. His offseason signing generated a bit of enthusiasm but the recent trade for Dennis Northcutt raised questions if Curry really has anything left, as the two players are likely competing for the same role and position. Up through 2007 Curry was reasonably productive as the #2/#3 in Oakland but went over the cliff last year, with little production despite reasonable health and little competition. Curry can probably win a spot regardless of Northcutt's performance if he can again become the reliable target that got him so many looks during the tumultuous period when he shared the field with Randy Moss, and Jerry Porter.

Dennis Northcutt. This trade feels more like a free look-see than a real commitment. Both the Jaguars and Lions traded surplus players who were unlikely to make their respective roster. Northcutt may have to impress to find a roster spot with a fairly pricey $3M contract for 2008. He's a reliable 3rd/4th receiver and there is no reason to think he can't continue in that role. At 32, his days as a regular punt returner appear to be over. Like Curry he will have to win a job as a receiver.

The Pretenders.

D.J. Boldin. Younger brother of Anquan. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest. Boldin led the ACC with receptions in '08 with 81, primarily in a possession role. A somewhat slower player ~ 4.55 40. NFL DraftScout has him listed at #220. He may be bulking up to emulate his brother's career. It is very possible that he is still rising as he only had 26 total receptions before taking over Lion draft pick Kenny Moore's role in '08. Has some experience under center, in punt returns and rushing. Probably bound for the practice squad.

Keary Colbert. Lions picked him up as a roster filler last year and didn't produce much, with only five receptions in five games (three starts). He represents a cheap insurance policy against need, either due to training camp injury or later in the season.

Adam Jennings. A pure punt returner who the Lions signed in '08, only to fumble his only return. He is a good cover guy on special teams but that probably won't be enough to win him a spot.

Eric Fowler. Spent most of '08 on the Lions practice squad. Killer reported that he has improved as a receiver this offseason which may win him an extended look, but like most of these guys he will probably only win a job on the back of his coverage skills on special teams.

John Standeford. A Den favorite from last year, he got extended time on the regular roster and impressed a bit averaging 16 y/r with 240 yards over 9 games and 4 starts. He is probably the most likely player among this lower list to fight for regular playing time, although Schwartz' unfamiliarity with him may weigh against him.

Kenneth Harris. Perhaps the longest shot of the group. A big receiver who spent much of his college career injured. He was slotted to start for Georgia in '08 but lost his job to A.J. Greene when he got hurt yet again. Finished his 5 year college career with 41 receptions and 2 TD. It would be an enormous upset for him to do any better than win a practice squad spot.

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It is difficult to handicap these players. In preparation for the article I noted one source that claimed that both Williams and Northcutt are assured spots. Otherwise there is notably little discussion of who has impressed in the OTAs or who is on the outside looking in.

Discuss it Here in The Den