Lions GM Martin Mayhew accomplished his goal of maintaining continuity on Detroit's roster during the offseason by retaining the entire coaching staff, and all but one 2011 starter. Despite the familiarity in the locker room, the first two days of camp have spawned some interesting position competitions that may last well into -- and possibly beyond -- the preseason.
CB -- Alphonso Smith vs. Bill Bentley vs. Jacob Lacey. The competition to start opposite Chris Houston was blown wide open when Detroit released presumptive starter Aaron Berry after his offseason arrests. Alphonso Smith started games for Detroit in each of the last two seasons, and he's taken almost all the first-team reps so far in camp. He's prone to streaky play, however, and the performance of Bill Bentley has impressed Lions coaches. Bentley's raw, but Detroit's 2012 third-round pick is learning the defensive scheme quickly. He's taking nickel reps, and could easily slide outside if Smith falters. Jacob Lacey has experience on his side against Smith and Bentley, having started 27 games in three seasons with Indianapolis. He hasn't been overly impressive in early drills, however, and needs to step up his game to challenge for the starter's role. Early Advantage: Smith.
S -- Erik Coleman vs. Amari Spievey. Compared to the cornerback position battle, the competition for the starting safety spot opposite Louis Delmas was expected to be rather benign – until Erik Coleman replaced 2011 starter Amari Spievey on the first team when camp began. Coleman lost his starting spot to Spievey in training camp last season, and he doesn't seem intent on repeating his mistakes. His play in drills has been solid. Spievey's entering his second full season at safety after transitioning from corner during his rookie year. Despite his growing experience, he still struggles at times adjusting to a safety's coverage duties. Jim Schwartz told reporters he needed to see more effort and better play out of Spievey this season. Early in camp, that play hasn't been present. Early Advantage: Coleman.
OT -- Jason Fox vs. Corey Hilliard. It seems clear that absent injury or a significant change in performance, returning offensive tackles Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus will retain their starting spots throughout the preseason. The competition for reserve OT spots, however, is far from settled. First-round draft pick Riley Reiff isn't going anywhere, and Detroit typically keeps four OTs on the roster. That leaves Hilliard and Fox to battle for the other reserve tackle spot. Hilliard started --and won -- four games at RT for Detroit in 2010 when Gosder Cherilus was sidelined by injury. That experience will serve him well, but it's possible the Lions have seen the best of what Hilliard can offer. Fox is unproven, having missed each of the last two seasons with injury. If he can stay healthy this season, Lions' coaches say he has tremendous upside that could be an asset to the line – possibly surpassing Hilliard's value. Both players are currently taking second-team reps. Early Advantage: Hilliard.
