COMPETITION RAMPS UP

OTAs and minicamp are more about getting back in shape and installing schemes than they are about competition. In training camp, the competition part becomes a big chunk of the equation.

There are 90 players on the roster as of today, and only 53 will make the initial roster on Sept. 1. Not only are players competing for one of those coveted roster spots, but there's also starting positions and playing time up for grabs.

Some of the biggest competitions to keep an eye on early in camp will be along the defensive line, at running back, cornerback, linebacker and the backup quarterback job.

ROOKIE WATCH

The rookies had their introduction to NFL football in the spring with OTAs. The pace picked up in June for the mandatory minicamp. Now the pads come on and jobs are on the line, so things really ramp up starting Friday.

Detroit could get some big contributions from the rookie class, led by top two picks Frank Ragnow and Kerryon Johnson. Ragnow, the 20th overall pick, has started at left guard from the first day he got to Allen Park. Can he be the final piece upfront that solidifies that group? Johnson, the team's second-round pick, is expected to play a big role in the backfield.

Defensive back Tracy Walker (third round) and defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (fourth round) will be looking for playing time on defense early on. Both Walker and Hand are versatile athletes. How might they fit into the mix early on?

Offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby (fifth-round) will be competing for a backup role at tackle behind Taylor Decker and Rick Wagner.

Fullback Nick Bawden, unfortunately, will miss camp after suffering a knee injury in OTAs. The seventh-round pick was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

WILL A SURPRISE PLAYER EMERGE?

Every year there seems to be at least one player who emerges as a playmaker in training camp and earns a roster spot.

Last year, it was undrafted running back Tion Green, whose 63 yards rushing on just eight carries (7.9 average) and 89 receiving yards in Detroit's last preseason game in Buffalo earned him a roster spot.

We've seen it in past years with Zach Zenner, Joique Bell, Joseph Fauria and countless others.