Veteran leader: Detroit signed veteran Chuck Clark this offseason to add depth and competition to the safety position and it’s already clear Clark has become an instant leader for this defense. He’s played in 123 games with 80 starts and has gotten all the starting reps at safety this spring and summer alongside Christian Izien as Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) rehab injuries.
Clark is a great communicator and crafty veteran. Him and linebacker Jack Campbell have become the clear vocal leaders on defense through the spring and summer. Clark had an interception Tuesday and has made multiple plays throughout OTA and minicamp practices.
Defensive line versatility: We talked to run game coordinator/defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers before practice Wednesday and one of the things he talked about with the length Detroit added upfront on defense is how it will allow them some flexibility with their personnel packages whether that’s rolling out four edge rushers or three defensive tackles and an edge or whatever they might want to play to counter the offense.
In one team period Wednesday that length and versatility really stood out with a five defensive line package of Aidan Hutchinson (6-7, 268), Tyleik Williams (6-3, 328), Levi Onwuzurike (6-3, 304), Alim McNeill (6-2, 310) and D.J. Wonnum (6-5, 258).
