While OTAs and minicamps are necessary, roster spots are won at training camp. Here are three veterans who could be the biggest surprises at training camp.

1. Safety Erik Coleman only played in four games last season before an ankle injury ended his season prematurely. He’s entering his ninth NFL season, but Lions fans haven’t seen the real Coleman. Even though he signed in February 2011, there was no offseason team workouts due to the lockout. He looked good at minicamp and OTAs. A healthy Coleman would be a boost to the secondary.

2. Safety Amari Spievey is playing with more confidence due to growing comfort in role as safety. He was moved from corner to safety in his rookie season. It’s a huge switch and he’s just completed his first real offseason at safety. He’s had good camp. Expectations are high.

3. RB Jahvid Best has put foot and concussion problems behind him. He’s ran like a mad man in the offseason. Wait, a mad man might not follow the correct routes. Let’s say he was impressive. It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that he performs well, it’s just been a while since we’ve seen it consistently.

Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. To pre-order her upcoming book, click here: “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.”