Ashlee Palmer is in a three-way battle for the Lions’ open outside linebacker position. He feels the job is his to lose.

“Until they say, ‘Ashlee you’re the starter’ we’re going to keep the rotations going and the best man will win. They’ll choose the best man for the spot,’’ Palmer said.

With Justin Durant gone, Palmer is battling for the starting position

along with Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis who are both second-year players.

The three have been in a rotation during training camp, taking turns day by day working with the first-team defense.

Palmer is considered the favorite because he has nine starts over the last four seasons — two last season and five in 2010 for the Lions. He also had two starts for Buffalo as a rookie in 2009.

“These young kids came in and got the system right away. They know it about just as well as I do,’’ the 27-year-old Palmer said. “I have more experience playing-wise. It plays a pretty big factor, but we can’t really tell until the games come.’’

Palmer hasn’t missed a game in three seasons with Detroit while Whitehead played in 14 games and Lewis 13 games as rookies mostly on special teams. No starts for either one of them.

Palmer also has plenty of game experience other than starts, much of it on special teams.

“He was one of our most productive guys (on special teams). It’s a production  world. If that’s the bottom line than yes,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said.

He played on all four special teams units last season and would like to continue that even if he wins the starting linebacker position.

Palmer understands that will be up to the coaches, but he did his part to prepare getting in better condition than usual over the summer.

“(I did) a lot of running, I live in Lancaster, Calif. There’s a lot of desert out there ...’’ Palmer said. “Once you got your headphones on, you got your music on, you’re not paying much attention. You may see a coyote in the field or something, hawks in the air looking for food, other than that it was me and my music working on my conditioning.’’

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

Had a great chat on the Lions today as they completed Day Six of training camp. Here's what you missed. Will chat again at 3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7. Join us!

ALLEN PARK — Think of Brandon Pettigrew from last season and chances are you remember his mistakes — drops and fumbles.

The Detroit Lions tight end worked hard in the offseason to shed a few pounds and add muscle by eating cleaner. He admitted he’s a burger guy but added grains to his diet.

He also worked on his game.

“Really just basic stuff, looking the ball in, stuff I had a problem with. Obviously I dropped the ball a little here and there,’’ Pettigrew said after practice on Tuesday.

“You’ve got to kind of put it behind you. Of course you know you had drops and you know the things you need to work on. That’s what you need to work on in the offseason,’’ he added.

Last season Pettigrew had 59 catches for 567 yards and three touchdowns. He also fumbled four times, losing two. He dropped eight passes, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

“You’re definitely going to have drops, you have to move on, put that behind you and make the next play,’’ Pettigrew said. “If you have consecutive drops in a row it’s going to get to you, but for me it’s going to make me want to go out and play even more. So you definitely have to put it behind you, you can’t let that linger on it will bring your whole game down.’’

Like Pettigrew, coach Jim Schwartz doesn’t want to think about last season.

“Brandon’s in excellent shape. He’s a big part of our offense. We’re really excited about what he can bring,’’ Schwartz said. “He has worked very hard to address some things in the off season. We’re really excited about it.’’

Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler, both in contract years have more competition in training camp this year.

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

Al “Bubba” Baker visited training camp on Tuesday and said the current defensive line could surpass the success of the “Silver Rush” from the late 1970s and early 1980s. ... While the Lions are wearing black practice pants there are no plans for a third jersey even though players love the idea of a black uniform. ... Louis Delmas, who is on a limited program for camp because of a bad knee, participated in team drills in the second day of full pads. GM Martin Mayhew said Delmas is on a path to be ready for the season opener on Sept. 8 against the Vikings. ... Corey Hilliard at right tackle and rookie Larry Warford at right guard took most of the snaps with the first team on Tuesday in a situation that alternates day to day. ... Defensive end Ronnell Lewis, who is sidelined with a non-football injury, has not practiced yet in camp. Only eight practices will be in full pads and he has missed two of them.  ... Jason Jones, who missed on Monday with a sore knee, returned on a limited basis. ... Tests on Ron Bartell (shoulder), Jonte Green (hamstring) and Chris Greenwood (hamstring) revealed no serious injuries. Schwartz said they are day to day. ... Former Lions wide receiver Herman Moore visited camp Tuesday. A contingent of coaches from Michigan State also watched practice. ... The players have Wednesday off. Practices on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are open to the public. 

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

ALLEN PARK — Safety Louis Delmas was given day off. He’s expected to practice in limited fashion on Tuesday. ... Three cornerbacks were out with injuries — Ron Bartell (shoulder), Jonte Green (hamstring) and Chris Greenwood (hamstring). ... Guard Leroy Harris was activated from PUP (physically unable to perform) and had a limited practice. ... Havard “Kickalicious” Rugland kicked a 58-yard field goal in Monday’s practice. ... Jake Scott lined up at right guard much of the day with the first group. Rookie Larry Warford also saw time with the ones. Jason Fox was at right tackle. He and Corey Hilliard alternate each day. ... The Lions announced an attendance of 1,621 for Monday’s practice, the first one open to the general public. ... Players will be in full pads on Tuesday which, again, is open to the public. ... Single game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday through DetroitLions.com/tickets, the Ford Field ticket office or by calling 877-212-8898. Lions tickets will no longer be available through TicketMaster.

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

It’s tough to remember a time when cornerback was not a weakness or an issue for the Lions.

Perhaps the page has finally been turned.

“Healthy, this is the best group of corners we’ve had,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said on Monday. “We still have a long way to go. They have to prove it over a period of time. We have seen some good flashes from some young players like (Darius) Slay and Bill Bentley, but the proof is going to be over the course of time.”

After four days of training camp, the Lions have three cornerbacks out with injuries (Ron Bartell, Jonte Green, Chris Greenwood) — not considered serious at this point. There is some depth at the position.

Last year as a rookie Bill Bentley won a starting job out of camp. Then a shoulder injury held him to just four games. He was shut down for the rest of the season. He’s come back flying and could be the starting nickel when the season starts.

When camp started Chris Houston and Bartell lined up with the first team. Bartell, a veteran, had a solid spring in OTAs and minicamp.

Darius Slay was drafted in the third round in April to beef up the position. With the three injured corners, he’s been getting more reps and seems to be making the most of them.

“Chris (Houston) has had an outstanding camp so far. He’s done really well,’’ Schwartz said.

Domonique Johnson, DeQuan Menzie and Ross Weaver are also in the mix.

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

Two cornerbacks Ron Bartell (shoulder) and Jonte Green (hamstring) sat out Sunday’s practice. Bartell was injured Saturday and coach Jim Schwartz said it doesn’t appear serious. Same for Green. ... Louis Delmas, who didn’t practice on Saturday, was limited to individual drills on Sunday as was the plan. ... Ronnell Lewis, Leroy Harris and Devin Thomas did not practice for the third straight day. ... Bill Ford Jr., attended training camp on Sunday. His dad made a visit on Friday. ... Willie Young has had an impressive start to camp. He’s been mostly lining up with the starters at right defensive end. Occasionally rookie Ziggy Ansah moves into that spot with the first team. ...  It was 57 and sunny at the start of the Sunday morning session. Perfect temp for camp. ... Corey Hilliard lined up at right tackle and Dylan Gandy at right guard with the first team. It appears this tandem is alternating daily with Jason Fox and Rodney Austin in competition that could go on through the preseason games. ... Monday is the first day that training camp is open to the general public. Gates open at 8:45 a.m., practice starts at 9:15 a.m.

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

ALLEN PARK — Carmen Messina (thigh), Ronnell Lewis, Leroy Harris (knee) and Devin Thomas did not practice on Saturday. Louis Delmas, wearing a brace on his left knee, also did not practice. It was part of the precautionary plan to try to keep his knee healthy. ... Sunday’s practice will be in full pads. ... Coach Jim Schwartz was clearly distracted at the end of his post-camp press conference. Said he couldn’t keep his eyes off the photo shoot with Havard Rugland, aka Kickalicious. ... Jason Fox and Rodney Austin saw most of the first-team reps at right tackle and right guard respectively. On Friday it was Corey Hilliard and Dylan Gandy. Looks like it’s a situation that will be rotated through camp. ... Again Willie Young started with the first team at defensive end, but Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah saw time at that spot while the offense was working the run game. ... Undrafted rookie tight end Joe Fauria continues to make plays. He’s definitely a standout at 6-foot-7. ... Wide receiver Chaz Schilens, who signed this week, was a standout catching the ball on the second day of camp.

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

ALLEN PARK — Glover Quin has this habit — a good habit — of being the first player on the football field for practice.

“I’ve been doing that since college, since 2004 now,’’ Quin said after Saturday’s training camp session. “I’m the type of guy I don’t like waiting around in the locker room, it’s time to go to practice what am I sitting in the locker room for? It’s not like practice is going to go away. So I’d rather come out here, get myself ready, get mentally prepared, get ready to go and try to have my best practice.’’

Quin, a safety who signed as a free agent on the same day as Reggie Bush, has not received the same publicity as Bush. If training camp is an indication, fans will welcome him to Detroit once they see he’s a quality safety that should beef up the secondary.

Chris Houston said when Quin gets out on the field early, it’s good for the younger players to notice.

“That (shows) he’s hungry,’’ Houston said. “No matter how long he’s been in the league, he’s hungry.’’

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

With the start of training camp on Friday, the Detroit Lions are looking for big contributions from several of their draft picks. They expect more out of this draft class.

 “We’ve miss some opportunities to have contributions from rookies, with injuries and things like that. We’ve drafted some good players that could’ve contributed more,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said Thursday morning.

“I would say this year is just as talented as a class and we will need contributions from those guys. They weren’t drafted to find their way or redshirt or things like that. They were drafted with very specific purpose in mind,’’ he added.

Look for Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, the first-round pick, to start at defensive end. Second-round pick cornerback Darius Slay has a chance to start at corner or nickel. Third-round pick guard Larry Warford will have some tough veteran competition at right guard. Punter Sam Martin, the fifth-round pick, has a good chance to beat out Blake Clingan. Wide receiver Corey Fuller is a bit of a wild card. Devin Taylor, fourth-round pick, could make it into the rotation at defensive end.

Undrafted rookie Joe Fauria, a tight end, certainly has a shot at the 53-man roster too.

“How well they do that will depend on where they are in training camp. I like where all those guys were at the end of OTAs and end of our minicamp. They all showed the reasons they were drafted and they’ve all shown they can help us,’’ Schwartz said.

“Training camp is about consistency, not flashing ability, it’s about being reliable, and it’s about being dependable,’’ the coach said. “They are something to the long grind of the training camp that will determine whether a guy is dependable and reliable. It is a lot easier to judge the guys who have been around for five or six years. They have a track record. Those guys have talent but they don’t have a track record and they need to establish that over the course of training camp.”

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

Just in time for training camp, the Lions added another wide receiver to the mix when they signed veteran Chaz Schillens on Wednesday, per the team web site.

They worked out Schillens along with Laurent Robinson and former Michigan Wolverine Steve Breaston.

Schillens, 27, played in15 games (six starts) for the New York Jets last season with 28 catches for 289 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In 2008 he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round and played there through the 2011 season.

While there are plenty of wide receivers on the Lions’ 90-man roster, there is no clear-cut No. 2 to replace Titus Young who was released in February.

Nate Burleson, who is coming off a broken leg, and Ryan Broyles, who underwent his second ACL surgery in two years, appeared to be healthy at minicamp in early June. Both competed at full strength.

Corey Fuller was the only wide receiver the Lions drafted in April. He’s converting from a track athlete and may be a little too raw to see much action this season.

Other wide receivers include Mike Thomas, Patrick Edwards, Kris Durham, Terrence Austin, Micheal Spurlock, Devin Thomas (Michigan State) and Cody Wilson (Central Michigan).

Players report on Thursday and training camp opens on Friday.

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

On the eve of Detroit Lions' training camp we had a good discussion this afternoon on what's going on with the team coming off a 4-12 season. One of the players we discussed — Bill Nagy — was just cut by the team. I'll do another live chat at 3 p.m. next Thursday and actually every Thursday throughout the season and beyond. Check it out ...

’Twas the night before training camp, when all through Motown

Every Lions’ fan was wondering, will Delmas be up or be down

The helmets were hung in the lockers with care

In hopes that Ndamukong Suh would soon be there

The fans were all nestled after taking their meds

While visions of the playoffs danced in their heads

And Nate in his LionBlood tee and Matthew in his Tigers cap

Had their brains hard at work, it was no time for a nap

Then out on the practice field there arose such a clatter

Mayhew sprung from his office to see what was the matter

Away to the window he flew like a flash

To see 90 Lions he was paying lots of cash

The sun on the breast of the early morning dew

Gave the luster of wonderment to every fan, not a few

Then who to his wondering eyes would he see

But Calvin and Riley, Darius and Zigggg-gy

With a new back named Reggie so lively and quick

Mayhew knew in a moment this team could click

They stretched and they ran and they sweated all day

He didn’t whistle or shout, he had little to say

Now Fairley, now Calvin, now Tulloch and Houston

On Ryan! On MIkell! on Dom and Burleson!

To the top of the North, to the top of the NFC

Hang on for a wild ride, it’s the norm you see

After strolling the sidelines and chatting with Jim

Mayhew knew camp was key, his hopes were not dim

I heard him exclaim as he walked off the sod

“No comment today” - then he gave a nod

— PaulaPasche, with apologies to Clement Moore 

The Lions are bringing in three veteran wide receivers to take a look at just days before the start of training camp according to CBSsports.com’s Jason La Canfora.

The group includes former Michigan Wolverine Steve Breaston along with Laurent Robinson and Chaz Schillens. What does this mean?

The Lions have no obvious No. 2 wide receiver at this point to replace Titus Young, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one on the roster.

Nate Burleson, who some have almost put in a rocking chair because he’s 31, looked amazing during OTAs and minicamp. He’s coming off a broken leg suffered in late October and has worked hard to get back. 

Also Ryan Broyles is coming off his second ACL surgery in two years. He’s ahead of where he was last year when he was eased into training camp. He had full participation in the mandatory minicamp in June. Last season in 10 games he had 22 catches for 310 yards and a pair of touchdowns before tearing his ACL in the opposite knee from the previous season.

Broyles looked good in offseason action, but the question is whether he can get back to where he was when the Lions drafted him out of Oklahoma. No one knows the answer, although Broyles is optimistic.

Corey Fuller was the only wide receiver the Lions drafted in April. He’s converting from a track athlete and may be too raw to see much action this season.

The Lions also have several other wide receivers on the 90-man roster including Mike Thomas, Patrick Edwards, Kris Durham, Terrence Austin, Micheal Spurlock, Devin Thomas (Michigan State) and Cody Wilson (Central Michigan).

Players report on Thursday with training camp opens on Friday.

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

Five reasons this Detroit Lions beat writer is ready for training camp to start. Veterans report Thursday and camp opens on Friday, July 26. Rookies report on Monday.

1. It’s been 201 days since the Lions last played a game and in that time between the draft, free agency, contract extensions and more I’ve written enough copy for a book or two. Love my job, but at this point I would love even more to write about something a little more substantial — you know tackling, hitting, diving catches, interceptions and perhaps a good camp skirmish or two.

2. Minicamp and OTAs (organized team activities) are grand, but no contact is allowed so it’s tough to judge the new guys and the old guys who are competing with the new guys. 

3. It’s gets old hearing about the Lions’ new attitude (get on board or get off the bus) coming off a 4-12 season. Time to see it on the field.

4. Always love the start of training camp and the process of whittling the roster from 90 to 53. My old friend Tom Kowalski taught me the beat writer’s trick of figuring out who might make the team. You have to pay close attention from Day One. And, no, I’m not sharing.

5. Could use a little more tan and without fail — even though weather in Michigan is slightly unpredictable — we’ll get plenty of sun at camp. Just bought more sunscreen. Bring it on.

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

In a move that was a long time in coming, the Detroit Lions released running back Jahvid Best on Wednesday. 

Best has not played since suffering a concussion in October 2011. The Lions’ 2010 first-round pick made every effort to return to the NFL, but it was clear when he wasn’t able to play in the 2012 season that he would not be back.

Three reasons why this is a sad day for Best and the Lions:

1. Best suffered a serious concussion in college at Cal and some NFL teams would not draft him because of it. (The hit is on YouTube, but I wouldn’t recommend watching it.) It was his speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield that made him so attractive to Martin Mayhew and the Lions. He was expected to contribute in a major fashion to the Lions’ offense and to have a long and successful NFL career. In a statement, Best thanked the team and said, “I will always be a Lion.’’

2. Mayhew was fully expecting Best to return in 2012 so did not make alternative plans. Immediately after the season Mayhew said that was his biggest mistake for the 2012 season which ended with a 4-12 record. The Lions were sympathetic yet realistic in releasing Best on Wednesday.  I would expect they won’t draft another player with a concussion history. He had remained on the roster which numbers 90 heading into training camp which starts next week. The Lions signed free agent Reggie Bush in March to fill the void left by Best.

3. Best will be remembered for what he could have been. He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season although he was playing with a turf toe injury. Jahvid is as fine a person and professional as I have ever worked with,” Mayhew said in a statement. “He was the consummate teammate and always did everything asked of him. We wish Jahvid the very best in all his future endeavors and have no doubt that he will be successful in whatever path he chooses.”

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

The Lions finished dead last in the NFC North last year with a 4-12 mark. Here are three reasons they will finish second to the Green Bay Packers this year:

1. The Chicago Bears’ biggest change is with Marc Trestman as head coach. They still have offensive line issues (stop me if you’ve heard this before) and will be playing without Brian Urlacher. Their draft class was considered the worst in the division. Don’t see it coming together too quickly for the Bears.

2. The Minnesota Vikings were surprising last season in part because Adrian Peterson came roaring out of the gate after ACL surgery shocking everyone in the NFL. The Vikings have Christian Ponder at quarterback who hasn’t proven himself. Yet they also had a good draft. 

3. The Lions will be better. They’ve made defensive improvements (taller defensive ends and more depth at defensive back) particularly to play better against their NFC North opponents.

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

 The Lions are coming off a 4-12 season after going to the playoffs the year before. Here are three reasons they will improve on that record:

1. The offense will be more multidimensional. Last year they were counting on the return of Jahvid Best. Martin Mayhew said it was his biggest mistake entering that season. Now they have Reggie Bush who has similar playmaking abilities. Plus younger running backs Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell are more experienced. Ryan Broyles and Nate Burleson didn’t play full seasons due to injuries, but now they are healed and raring to go.

2. The defense has added length (Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor) and speed (Darius Slay, Glover Quin). While younger it could be better. A key addition is Jim Washburn who is helping coach the defensive line.

3. Unlike last offseason, this team is hungrier. There’s a get-on-board attitude or get off the bus. They’ve all got a chip on their shoulders, even the new guys. We’ll see if they can take that attitude onto the field for every snap.

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

Jason Hanson was a fixture for 21 seasons. The Lions were spoiled because he was nearly automatic. Here are three reasons that Dave Akers will be a good replacement:

1. Akers is 38 years old, another experienced guy. Not sure what percentage it takes mentally to be a successful NFL kicker, but it’s got to be high.

2. Akers has been in every situation in the NFL including the Super Bowl in February.  His experience should pay off.

3. He had his worst season last year because he was hurt. He still played through but then in February had surgery on his groin. He expects to be back to his old winning ways.

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

 While there are plenty of changes this season, special teams is almost completely different. Pro Bowl long snapper Don Muhlbach returns, other than that new faces abound. Here are five changes for special teams:

1. Danny Crossman is gone and has been replaced as special teams coordinator by John Bonamego. He’s brought in some new drills and a new system of how special teams operates. It was an area of weakness last season.

2. Dave Akers replaces Jason Hanson who kicked for 21 seasons. 

3. Nick Harris is gone as the punter and will be replaced by rookie Sam Martin or Blake Clingan. It’ll be determined in training camp and the preseason. Both looked good during minicamp and OTAs. 

4. Stefan Logan is out as the returner. Auditions are ongoing. Reggie Bush could step in as a punt returner, but it's likely they'd rather have him concentrate on the offense.

5. Micheal Spurlock and Montell Owens, both special teams specialists, have been signed while Kassim Osgood is gone.

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

 It seemed inevitable that the Lions would sign Matthew Stafford to an extension and it appeared likely it would happen before training camp starts in two weeks.

According to reports, Stafford and the Lions have agreed to a five-year deal worth $76.5 million.

 Here are three seasons this contract makes sense:

 1. Since the day the Lion drafted Stafford with the first overall pick in 2009, they have never wavered from the belief that he’s their quarterback for the long haul. While Stafford and the Lions have made it to the playoffs just once in his first four years, he has shown flashes that he can be among the best NFL quarterbacks. He threw for 5,000-plus yards in 2011 and came up just shy of the mark last season. Ron Jaworski just ranked him as the NFL’s 16th best quarterback, but several of those 15 teams with “better” quarterbacks would no doubt trade straight up for Stafford.

2. The signing opens up salary cap space over the next two years. His cap hit would have been $20 million-plus this year and $19.3 million in 2014. The new deal will save a total of $7 million in cap space over the next two years per figures from ProFootballTalk.com. More cap space, more talent can be signed to surround the young quarterback.

3. Stafford has made it clear he doesn’t play the game to earn contracts. He plays to win. He possibly could have held out for a bigger payday, but now he’s set through 2017. 

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

Leadership is key to any NFL team. Here are the Detroit Lions’ top four leaders on offense:

1. Matthew Stafford is only 25 but he’s the quarterback and has been a leader since he first stepped on the practice field. He’s grown into that role with four years of experience. It’s impressive for a player of his age to earn the respect of his teammates as fast as he did.

2. Nate Burleson is only 30 but seems much wiser. He’s the glue of sorts for the offense. He’s vocal. He’s a good people person which is key.

3. Calvin Johnson is quiet, but that doesn’t matter. He leads by example. No one works harder and the young receivers just have to notice.

4. Reggie Bush may be the new guy but he’s been on a Super Bowl winning Saints team so he knows what it takes to win. He’s not afraid to help the young players especially the young running backs. He works hard and has earned immediate respect from his new teammates.

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

When Cliff Avril headed to Seattle, the Lions signed free agent defensive end Jason Jones to replace him. Here are three reasons it was a good addition:

1. Jones is a young veteran. He has four years of NFL experience and yet is just 26. The Southfield native will start in Avril’s former position at left defensive end. With a lot of talk about free agents Reggie Bush and Glover Quin not much has been said about Jones. “He might be forgotten for you guys, but he’s certainly not for us or our offense who had to start to go against him,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “He’s a young player, but he’s also a veteran player. He’s played in a couple different schemes. He’s going to be a great addition for us.’’

2. He’s 6-foot-5, two inches taller than Avril. The Lions were looking to add length to the defensive end position. Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah is also 6-foot-5.

3. There’s not much the Lions don’t know about Jones who was drafted in 2009 by the Tennessee Titans where Schwartz was defensive coordinator and Jim Washburn (now with the Lions also) was a defensive line coach. 

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

Havard “Kickalicious” Rugland was a curious addition to the Lions’ roster because the Lions signed veteran NFL kicker Dave Akers to replace Jason Hanson. 

The Norwegian soccer player has never played football, but he has quite the leg strength. Here are five things we learned about Kickalicious in minicamp and the OTAs:

1. He appears to be a quick learner. He had never even worn a helmet until rookie minicamp in early May. Coach Jim Schwartz said he’s moved from one step to another with ease. 

2. He’s serious about trying to make it to the NFL and works hard in that effort.

3. His famous four-minute YouTube video showed his kicking prowess with him kicking the football into a trash can and through a basketball net. We know now he can also kick it through the uprights. One day in minicamp he was particularly amazing with 100-percent accuracy from as far as 50 yards.

4. When he kicks field goals on the Lions’ outdoor practice field there’s a grassy knoll behind the goal posts and then a barn. He routinely kicked the football through the uprights and over the barn and it didn’t look like he was overkicking  — it looked like he wasn’t using all his leg strength.

5. The preseason will be the big test for Rugland. He should not be laughed off. In 1966 there was another kicker looking for a shot in the NFL and the Lions gave him a tryout. He had never played football either. He passed the test and as a rookie broke a record kicking six field goals in one game. He lasted 15 seasons in the NFL, going to the Pro Bowl twice.

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will post five times a week using the list format.)

With Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles healthy — they participated fully in training camp despite coming off major surgeries — there are a few less questions about the wide receivers. Here are five of them vying for a spot on the 53-man roster.

1. Patrick Edwards had a solid early training camp last year, but then seemed to fade. He needs to stay healthy. If he does he has a great shot at making the roster. He’s gotten votes of confidence from Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson after having a good showing in OTAs and minicamp.

2. Mike Thomas was acquired in a trade last season after Burleson broke his leg. Thomas didn’t seem to fit in the offense but he was stepping in without the benefit of an offseason. He needs to have a solid training camp.

3. Corey Fuller was drafted in the sixth round. He’s a speedster because originally he was a track athlete. He’s raw with limited football experience. He could be a candidate for the practice squad.

4. Kris Durham, who is 6-foot-6, played with Matthew Stafford at Georgia. He was on the Lions’ practice squad last year, then called up for four games. He started three of those and finished with eight catches for 125 yards and a touchdown. He made an amazing one-handed catch for 27 yards against the Packers at Lambeau. It’s on YouTube.

5. Micheal Spurlock, a veteran, was signed before minicamp. He has a strong chance to make roster due to his special teams skills.

Others in the running: Terrence Austin, Devin Thomas and Cody Wilson.

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will post five times a week using the list format.)

Nick Fairley has shown flashes of the defensive tackle that he can be in his first two years. Here are three reasons Fairley needs to improve this year.

1. Fairley has the athletic ability, he just needs to be consistent. With a younger defensive line, it will be more important than ever that Fairley and Ndamukong Suh take care of their business in the middle.

2. His foot was an issue in his first season and lingered into last season. He has to find a way to stay on the field. There’s been some talk of how he has slimmed down, but in minicamp he looked the same size as last year.

3. Fairley is confident that he and Suh can be the best defensive tackle duo in the NFL. Now they just have to prove it. He can talk the talk, now he needs to walk the walk.

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

(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will post five times a week using the list format.)

When Ndamukong Suh came to the Lions as a rookie, he didn’t need to be a leader, he just had to learn his craft. Here are five reasons he needs to step up as a leader now.

1. It’s time for Suh to show leadership. It’s time. He was the second overall pick in the draft and that has expectations of leadership tied in with it.

2. With Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams and Cliff Avril gone the defensive line is younger and more inexperienced.

3. A rookie like Ziggy Ansah needs help along the way. Eventually he will be expected to be a leader.

4. Suh is quiet but that’s OK. He can lead by example. Leaders don’t have to be rah-rah guys. They come in all varieties.

5. Suh cut back on his penalties last year which was a step in the right direction. During OTAs and minicamps he seemed to be helping the young guys. Another step he needs to take.

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