We've already talked about new Lions to watch like quarterback Jared Goff, and players with breakout potential like running back D'Andre Swift, but who else should we be keeping an eye on in 2021 that might not already be on our radar?
I asked the Detroitlions.com crew, and here's what they had to say:
Tim Twentyman: Defensive end Julian Okwara
Most of the talk this offseason when it comes to Detroit's defense trying to generate more pass rush has focused on Romeo Okwara, Trey Flowers, some of the new guys along the interior and how new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn might bring pressure through scheme.
Julian Okwara has flown under the radar a bit in those discussions, but heading into his second season, he could be poised for an increased role along the edge. The former third-round pick battled injury as a rookie last season, playing in only six games total. He's healthy, has a good mentor in older brother Romeo, and we normally see a significant increase in production from players going into their second season.
If Julian can give Detroit something coming off the edge, Detroit's defense is instantly better for it.
Mike O'Hara: Wide receiver Victor Bolden
Bolden didn't compile a long resume in his first two NFL seasons, but he can make major additions if he gives the Lions help at wide receiver and in the return game.
Head coach Dan Campbell spoke at minicamp of qualities where Bolden stands out.
"This guy can separate," Campbell said. "He can run. He can change direction."
Bolden played only 15 games for the 49es and Bills combined in his first two seasons. Most of his work was on kickoff returns, where he averaged 21.3 yards on 24 returns in two seasons.
The Lions have an opening for a return man with Jamal Agnew's departure to Jacksonville as a free agent. Watching Bolden in OTAs and the three-day minicamp, he is a candidate to fill that job.
View photos from third day of Lions minicamp on Thursday, June 10th.
Detroit lions tight end Charlie Taumoepeau (43) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (65) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jonathan Adams Jr. (82) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Jonah Jackson (73) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) Detroit Lions offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Darren Fells (80) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) Detroit Lions Assistant Wide Receivers Coach Seth Ryan during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit lions wide receiver Damion Ratley (17) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (78) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Javon McKinley (83) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Sage Surratt (15) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jonathan Adams Jr. (82) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tyrell Williams (6) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions corner back Alex Brown (27) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Assistant Wide Receivers Coach Seth Ryan Detroit Lions wide receiver Javon McKinley (83) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Breshad Perriman (19) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO Chris Spielman during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Darren Fells (80) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. (8) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Sage Surratt (15) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Dedrick Mills (36) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. (8) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Running Back Michael Warren (46) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Penisini (98) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Jake Hausmann (40) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Running Back Michael Warren (46) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Michael Brockers (91) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Michael Brockers (91) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tyrell Williams (6) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Hunter Thedford (49) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit lions tight end Charlie Taumoepeau (43) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Drake Jackson (60) during Lions Minicamp at the Training Facility in Allen Park, MI. 2021 (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Editor's Pick: Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Reeves-Maybin showed promise as a rookie on defense in 2017 after being drafted in the fourth round out of Tennessee, but he fell out of favor a bit in 2018 when the new defensive scheme featured bigger-bodied linebackers.
He has played consistently well on special teams during his four years in Detroit, and re-signed with the team this offseason.
New defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn values speed and versatility, which could be a great fit for Reeves-Maybin. There seem to be a lot of spots up for grabs on defense in 2021, and I'm curious to see if Reeves-Maybin can carve out a role for himself.
