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The Grey Area – 2026 Training Camp Wish List
Dan Campbell must nail the Drew Petzing offensive coordinator hire so the offense carries the Detroit Lions in 2026. As Michael Grey said on the latest edition of The Grey Area, the offense has the toys and the quarterback to be elite, so execution, cohesion, and health have to match the talent.
Can the Lions avoid another position group wipeout?
Yes, spreading the inevitable injuries across the roster is essential to prevent a fatal hole. As Michael Grey emphasized, the secondary is already unsettled with cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, no longer with the team and safety Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions, an ongoing question.
Grey added a long-view bonus: stop the offseason attrition surprises. He cited the unexpected center Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions, retirement two years ago and the Arnold saga this year as examples of presumed starters vanishing late in the calendar. The 2027 wish is simple, keep the assumed starting 22 intact through to camp.
Will Hank Fraley get the offensive line ready to lead?
He has to, because the offense must lead this team. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley inherits premium pieces, including Penei Sewell but he also has to develop newer linemen and get them game-ready.
Grey backed the plan with clarity, the right guard stabilized late last year and Sewell moving to left tackle presents challenges he is comfortable with. None of it means anything until pads go on, but the standard is clear, Fraley needs to be that dude and keep the front five tight and right so everything else in the offense functions.
How should the defense change its usage and packages?
Shift out of heavy three-linebacker looks and lean into nickel and other sub packages. Grey said the Lions ran more base three-linebacker than anyone and that cannot continue given the secondary churn and lack of a do-everything hybrid, there is no Nick Emmanwori type on this roster.
Defensive coordinator Sheppard must solve the edge spot opposite edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, and use personnel-driven answers to disguise coverages. Grey expects a year-two jump for Sheppard too, growth is not just for players. How often Detroit lives in nickel and dime, and how those subs hold up, will define defensive viability.
Did Dan Campbell get it right with Drew Petzing and the offensive core?
It needs to be right. Grey was blunt, he did not like the hire at first but wants to be wrong, and the bond between quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing must be real and collaborative.
The arsenal is loaded, tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, was declared fully available for camp this week, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, remains the engine, and running back Jameer Gibbs, Detroit Lions, is the focal point. Running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, on a one-year deal after two injury-plagued seasons, must stay healthy as the reliable backup and enable two-back looks. Beyond him, running back Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions, is uncertain depth. As Michael Grey said, keep Gibbs fresh, add multiplicity with Pacheco, and let Petzing’s structure unlock MVP-type production from Goff.
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