Jobs are not won in spring practices. That point was made clear when looking at the Detroit Lions' OTAs and minicamp, where coaches spent most of the time installing the playbook and getting players up to speed mentally. Still, the spring program offered an early look at where the 2026 depth chart might stand heading into training camp.
Yahoo Sports identified nine players who came out of the spring as winners. Among the most notable was undrafted rookie tight end Miles Kitselman, who received $115,000 guaranteed in his UDFA contract. With starter Sam LaPorta limited to walkthroughs and veteran Tyler Conklin missing the final weeks of practice, Kitselman worked alongside the first and second-team offense and stood out among a young position group.
Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa also drew attention heading into his second season. He has operated as the uncontested third receiver alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Coaches praised his consistency and physical development. Head coach Dan Campbell offered his assessment of TeSlaa's spring.
"He is just steady, he's steady, he is consistent for a young guy, he doesn't get frazzled," Campbell said. "I mean this as a compliment, what he's done out here is in the spring, Phase II, OTAs and all of that, it has just been very—there's been nothing like flashy about it, and that is a good thing."
Receivers coach Scottie Montgomery pointed to specific improvements in TeSlaa's game since last season.
"He's done a good job of going and getting the football since he's been here and then now at the top of his breaks, they're so much cleaner," Montgomery said. "He's so much stronger. Last year, what I like to do is I like to watch where we were, especially from an athleticism standpoint to where he is now. It's not even close."
Offensive lineman Juice Scruggs also moved up evaluations during the spring. Scruggs came to Detroit as part of the David Montgomery trade. He has served as the backup center throughout the spring while also taking reps at left guard and other interior line spots. The Lions front office reportedly made clear during trade discussions that they specifically wanted Scruggs as part of the deal.
"He really wants me here," Scruggs told Detroit Football Network, referring to Lions general manager Brad Holmes. "He likes my game. So, it's just like a relief, like a fresh start."
Defensive lineman Tyler Lacy was also among the nine players identified, though the source material on his spring was cut short. Training camp will offer the next opportunity to see how these early impressions hold up.
