Every day during training camp, Lions beat writer Dave Birkett takes you inside practice at Allen Park with notes, quotes and observations of interest.

• Departed nosetackle Shaun Rogers was the best talent on the defensive line last year, this no one will deny. Still, the Lions feel they're better up front defensively this year for several reasons. First, Dewayne White, who started 2007 on a tear, is fully healthy after playing the final eight games last year with a triceps injury. Second, coaches believes an in-tune Cory Redding — he missed last offseason with a contract dispute that affected his play — will be closer to the eight-sack playmaker of 2006 than the one-sack disappointment of last year. Third, Chuck Darby is essentially Rogers light, but without the baggage. Darby doesn't have a full game's worth of snaps in him, but he'll give his all when he's on the field. He's also more suited to handle double teams (assuming they come his way) because he plays with consistently better leverage than Rogers. Finally, and not to overlook fourth starter Jared DeVries, but second-year end Ikaika Alama-Francis has had a good first three weeks of camp. His versatility — he plays tackle in nickel situations — should make the Lions more dangerous rushing the quarterback.

• White may be the key to the whole defense. He plays the critical right end position, is easily the team's best rusher, and we all know a four-man push is essential to the defense's success. I don't know if White's a double-digit sack guy — just 16 players had 10 or more sacks all last year — but he's had a very good camp.

• No mention of the rookies yet because, like Alama-Francis last year, it's impossible to count on young defensive linemen (even Mario Williams can attest). Andre Fluellen won't play a ton unless Redding gets hurt, Cliff Avril will be a good rusher in time, and while it's not impossible Landon Cohen makes the team, the Lions probably will be hoping he survives waivers come Aug. 30.

• Rosters don't have to be trimmed to 53 for another 2 1/2 weeks, and I'm still on the fence how the defense will shake out. They'll keep at least six linebackers, eight defensive backs and nine lineman. The 25th defensive spot (plus 25 offensive spots and three special teams makes 53) could be at any position. Chances are the Lions would get more special-teams value out of an extra linebacker or defensive back, but they're deep at line and injuries always seem to be an issue there. Plus, Corey Smith, Avril and Alama-Francis are all athletic enough to contribute in the kick game.

• A couple quick thoughts from practice. Gosder Cherilus worked a few plays at left tackle each period. It was his most extensive practice time there this camp. The Lions still view him as a right tackle (and the presumptive starter) but need him to be ready in case something happens to Jeff Backus.

• Leigh Bodden had another interception today, picking off a Jon Kitna pass when a receiver fouled up a route. His cover skills will be on display the next two preseason games when he goes against Chad Johnson and Braylon Edwards.

• On the injury front, Calvin Johnson sat out team drills this morning. With a special-teams practice scheduled for the afternoon and his knee still hurting, it made sense to limit his contact. No one's hitting the panic button on Johnson just yet.