Detroit Lions: Under the radar stories to watch during second-wave OTAs

The 2017 Detroit Lions offseason is rolling along, and as the team prepares for the next wave of OTAs, there are many interesting storylines flying under the radar.

With the second set of Detroit Lions organized team activities taking place this week, big names are at the forefront of most discussions. While everyone seems to be talking about the team’s contract negotiation with stars like Matthew Stafford and Ezekiel Ansah, the breakout potential of Ameer Abdullah, or the immediate impact of rookie additions like Jarrad Davis and Teez Tabor, there are several interesting situations that are going largely unnoticed.

With that in mind, there is no time like the present to discuss some of the less-publicized storylines from team headquarters in Allen Park, MI.

Young Quarterbacks Jake Rudock and Brad Kaaya Looking to Impress

For the first time in his entire career, the aforementioned Stafford is the oldest quarterback on the Lions roster. Indeed, with the team spending sixth-round picks in 2016 and 2017 on developmental signal callers Jake Rudock and Brad Kaaya, respectively, the position has experienced a youth movement in the Motor City.

Rudock, the 191st overall selection in 2016, is currently penciled in to serve as the number two passer this season. After the team parted ways with long-time backup Dan Orlovsky, it was apparent that Rudock was ready to take the next step in his development, and would be given every opportunity to validate the organization’s confidence in him.

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According to the early reports from the first set of OTAs, Rudock has taken this opportunity very seriously. In fact, the former Michigan Wolverine has reportedly bulked up to 215 pounds and his passes are flying around with with added velocity (per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com). It’s a great sign for the youngster’s potential upside, and a sigh of relief for a team that needs to have a strong insurance policy behind Stafford.

Kaaya, on the other hand, was at one time a well-regarded prospect who endured a slide during the 2017 NFL Draft. Even though the Lions felt comfortable with Rudock as Stafford’s backup, there was too much value to be enjoyed by selecting Kaaya with the 215th pick.

And select him they did.

Kaaya is a talented player who helped engineer the University of Miami’s Russell Athletic Bowl victory over West Virginia in 2016, the school’s first bowl win in a decade. While he is unlikely to unseat Rudock as the team’s No. 2 passer, he is an intriguing prospect, and his upside alone could very well force the Lions to carry three quarterbacks on the 2017 roster.

What Will Matt Asiata’s Immediate Role Be?

Having just signed a one-year deal with the Lions, running back Matt Asiata will presumably make his debut with the team during this set of OTAs. Even though these spring practices are designed merely to get the players re-acclimated to football activities, much can be learned during this time of year, and this fact is exemplified by the team’s running back situation.

For example, it is already apparent that the elusive Abdullah will function as the team’s lead back this year, and his impressive showing at the first set of OTAs has validated this decision. But what of Asiata? The former Minesota Viking’s role is currently undefined, but that could soon change.

With Theo Riddick still on the sidelines as he continues to recover from wrist surgery, Asiata will have the opportunity to make the most of valuable practice reps. With Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington, Mike James, and Tion Green all competing for work behind Abdullah and Riddick, now is the time to make an impression on the coaching staff. It’s never too early to gain a leg up in a group this crowded, and Asiata has the chance to do so this week.

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) and offensive guard Laken Tomlinson (72) and center Travis Swanson (64) look on against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Lions won 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line Questions

When the Lions agreed to a three-year deal with 2016 Pro Bowler T.J. Lang, the offensive line was immediately upgraded, and the hope is that the ninth-year pro will step in and solidify the right guard position for years to come. The team is also fortunate enough to have both of the tackle spots locked down by impressive sophomore Taylor Decker and free agent acquisition Rick Wagner.

Fourth-year center Travis Swanson is also a near-certainty to retain his role as the starting center, but what about the other potential contributors on the roster? While Lang remains sidelined as he recovers from offseason hip surgery, there are a handful of young Lions looking to earn a role for themselves on the interior offensive line.