Nick Whiteside has dropped five impactful plays in just three days of Detroit Lions training camp, and it’s got everyone in Allen Park wondering what’s next for the defensive back. We’re only three practices deep into the 2026 camp, but Whiteside is already making serious noise.
Ironsides on Fire
On Day One, Whiteside was an absolute force, arguably the most impactful guy out there. He forced three pass breakups, showing off incredible range and that closing burst coaches dream about. Coach Dan Campbell himself chimed in at the next morning’s press conference, saying, “He’s improved. And what you like about Ironsides is that when we brought him in, gave him an opportunity, he fought, made some plays, man earned the right to stay, pulled him up, needed him, did some good things for us.” Campbell added, “He’s all about business. It’s not too big for him, he’s all about business and he’s going to maximize everything he’s got. And he looks like he wants a spot and he wants a job, that’s what he looks like. I mean, I know it’s day one, but he made more plays than anybody out there. So that’s encouraging, it’s good to see.” By Day Three, Whiteside wasn’t just breaking up passes; he hauled in an interception too!
Beyond Whiteside: Other Camp Shocks
While Whiteside is stealing the show, there have been other eye-openers in camp. Blake Miller has essentially locked down the right tackle spot from the jump. Jahmyr Gibbs holding out for a new contract is definitely a major talking point for the Lions. Sione Vaki is getting RB1 snaps, which is a real head-turner. UDFA rookie Miles Kitselman is even running with the first-team as TE3. Tyler Lacy is still starting at Big End, and Ahmed Hassanein’s transformation has opened up more opportunities for him. Jimmy Rolder has taken over the second-team MIKE role, while Ennis Rakestraw and Rock Ya-Sin are splitting starting corner reps. In the secondary, Avonte Maddox and Chuck Clark are starting at safety over Thomas Harper, and Greg Dortch looks like the guy for both returner roles.
It’s still super early, but Whiteside’s performance is definitely noteworthy. Making five impactful plays in three days? That kind of explosion can absolutely shake up a roster. The Lions have a day off, then stack six more practices in consecutive days, with fans hitting the Allen Park facility starting Sunday. These next practices will be huge for guys trying to cement their spots or fight for a job, just like Whiteside is doing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
Leave a Reply