ALLEN PARK -- Here are a few notes and observations from the Detroit Lions

OTA

practice Thursday:

-- Taylor Decker practicing exclusively on the left side was a bit of a surprise. Not because we didn't expect the first-round draft pick to get some work there this offseason, but because we didn't really expect it this quickly.

The rookie held his own at the spot and it would be good news for the Lions if he emerges as the best option on the blindside. Reiff has been adequate in his three years starting at left tackle, but entering the final year of his rookie contract, who knows if he'll be with the Lions next season.

The team controls Decker for the next five years, and even though the gap has narrowed in regards to the importance of left and right tackle, it's still ideal to have a long-term solution in place on the blindside.

Not that it really matters, but Reiff rejected interview requests today. Par for the course for the media-unfriendly lineman.

-- While you could essentially pencil in Decker for a starting role the day he was drafted, that's not the case with any of the other Lions' rookies. But with recent surgeries limiting the availability of defensive tackles Caraun Reid (ankle) and Tyrunn Walker (leg), second-round choice

A'S

hawn Robinson got some run with the top unit and impressed.

The knock on Robinson, if we can call it that, is we didn't know how he'd project to a one-gap scheme that puts a premium on get off on the snap. It's just not what he was asked to do at Alabama. Based on this one practice, which is an admittedly pitiful sample size, it won't be an issue. The 21-year-old defensive tackle was disruptive, getting into the backfield on multiple plays.

-- Speaking of absurdly small sample sizes, I saw nothing to dampen my enthusiasm regarding prized free agent addition Marvin Jones. The wide receiver's route running is crisp, he accelerates well out of his breaks and he got the best of cornerback Darius Slay twice in one-on-one drills, once on a comeback and another on an out route.

Jones also flashed strong awareness, breaking up an interception when defensive back Johnson Bademosi stepped in front of a hurried Matthew Stafford pass.

-- Projected starting slot receiver Jeremy Kerley also looked good, easily besting safeties Tavon Wilson and Isaiah Johnson in one-on-one drills, then slicing free down the seam for a long completion against a blitz in full-team work. On the flip side, Kerley wasn't able to shake Slay with an escape route working one-on-one.

-- While not focused on him every snap, I saw some sound technique work from cornerback Alex Carter. He blanketed receiver Austin Willis in the slot although the receiver managed to make a tough contested catch on a square in. Carter also didn't come close to biting on a TJ Jones double move that resulted in a deep incompletion.

-- As we've projected this offseason, it looks as if Kyle Van Noy will get every opportunity to win the "starting" strongside linebacker job. In reality, whoever wins that job might only be on the field 25 snaps per game. Josh Bynes is more of a natural fit at the other two linebacking spots and rookie Antwione Williams has an uphill battle as a late-round pick from a small school.

-- The battle for the fifth receiver job, presumably between Corey Fuller and Jay Lee, got off to a hot start. Fuller had an outstanding day, catching everything his way and easily besting his coverage assignments. Lee also showed good route running and strong hands. Another name expected to be in that mix, Quinshad Davis, struggled. He dropped a perfectly placed post pass from rookie Jake Rudock and the receiver appeared out of place on a number of his other routes.

-- Another rookie who got an extended opportunity due to injuries further up the depth chart was undrafted tight end Cole Wick. He is solidly built, at 6-foot-6, 255 pounds and flashed strong hands on the passes his direction. The Lions gave him a hefty $10,000 bonus to sign.

-- For what it's worth, rookie Joe Dahl was working as a left tackle on this day. He has the versatility to play four spots, which is part of his appeal.

-- Not assigning blame, but there was a botched under-center exchange between backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky and rookie center Graham Glasgow.

-- With Golden Tate not practicing, Kerley and TJ Jones fielded punts, along with Austin Willis undrafted rookie Jace Billingsley.

-- Since someone asked the other day, TJ Jones' jersey just says "Jones," while Marvin Jones has "Jones Jr."

-- Finally, running back Zach Zenner looks to be moving just fine after last year's devastating rib and lung injury that ended his rookie campaign. He's primed to compete with Stevan Ridley for the power role in Detroit's rushing attack.

-- Download the Detroit Lions MLive app for iPhone and Android

-- Follow Justin Rogers on Twitter

-- Follow MLive Sports on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram