It’s early in the offseason, but here are five Detroit Lions who have stood out during OTAs (organized team activities) in the past three weeks:

1. Wide receiver Patrick Edwards. He had a great start to training camp last summer and then trailed off. Injuries kept him from consistently being on the practice field. He’s healthy and so far it’s showing. After Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles there’s definitely an opening at wide receiver. Burleson and Johnson praised him this week.

2. Cornerback Ron Bartell, a nine-year NFL veteran, has been making the most of his chances and he’s getting plenty. He was signed late last season due to so many injuries at the position.

3. Cornerback Jonte Green has flashed also and not just on the day that he hiked his shorts up so he looked like he was wearing hot pants. Of the three corners drafted in 2012 he got the most playing experience because he was able to stay healthy. Chris Houston said he was fining him $50 for the short shorts day.

4. Tight end Joe Fauria  (undrafted out of UCLA) stands out because he’s 6-foot-7 and quite thin, but he’s making some plays too. He’s been impressive enough that Nathan Overbay, who was on practice squad last season, was released this week.

5. Running back Steven Miller buzzes around the field. Don’t know a better way to describe the moves of the diminutive (5-foot-7) running back/returner. 

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)