Daily DLP: Russ Brown joins for some Lions Q&A – Detroit Lions Podcast

The Daily DLP welcomes Bish and Brown co-host Russ Brown to the latest episode. The show focuses on some of the recent Lions developments, including the team’s dismissal of cornerback Terrion Arnold. Brown argued that Detroit can evaluate and win with the corners on hand while focusing entirely on football.

Are the Detroit Lions better without Terrion Arnold?

Yes. The roster and locker room benefit from removing a high-profile distraction and empowering the rest of the room. Detroit Lions cornerback DJ Reed, Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney give the staff multiple perimeter options.

Brown framed it plainly, the team has enough depth to stay afloat and can use the season to see exactly what it has in Rakestraw and Abney while Reed takes the CB1 role. He also noted the waiver reality and that the issue is no longer inside the building. Jeff Risdon added he expects a massive suspension and reminded listeners no team claimed Arnold. Training camp opens July 25, so the team’s clean slate at corner arrives at the right time.

Who wins the Lions offensive line battles at right tackle and left guard?

Right tackle is settled, left guard is a true competition. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller starts immediately. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Krish Mahogany and Detroit Lions guard Miller Frasier headline the race with Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch in the mix.

Brown called Miller plug and play and said he has no doubt Miller will be the starting right tackle. He labeled left guard the bigger question, with the cream rising between Mahogany and Frasier. The hosts praised the front office for taking two interior swings and set the expectation that this group is better than a year ago.

How explosive is Detroit’s passing attack in 2026?

It is elite, and it will be featured. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is a set-and-forget chain-mover, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams adds vertical thunder. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s health is trending up, and Detroit Lions running back Jameer Gibbs remains a centerpiece.

Brown told friends to draft St. Brown without hesitation because he wins every down and distance. He described Williams as a modern home-run threat who can get to roughly 60 catches and 1,000 yards with schemed touches. With Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka providing fresh eyes, as Jeff Risdon put it, the offense should clean the meat off the bone that was left last year.

Did Detroit do enough in the middle of the defense, and what about specialists?

Yes on the trenches, and no issue on specialists. Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ali McNeil pairs with Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ty II Williams to anchor inside, while Detroit Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gil Howard brings first-step juice as a late-round addition.

Brown outlined how Reader’s exit was expected short term and emphasized Williams’ faster play and McNeil’s reset year. Risdon, after seeing Gil Howard up close, said his physical presence impressed and that pads will tell the rest.

What about the specialists?

There is no mistake in having no camp challengers. Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates are established, and Detroit Lions long snapper Hatton is working under former long snapper and current staffer Don Muhlbach. Brown said the Lions would add competition if needed. Risdon called Fox unreal at minicamp, a reminder that this NFL unit is set.

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Chris
Chris is the founder of everything you see here. A former radio presenter and Detroit native, he now resides in sunny California – and like so many of us, he found himself marooned on an island devoid of other Lions fans. After spending a few years in the Detroit Lions Reddit community he decided to start the Detroit Lions Podcast. Its become the #1 Detroit Lions podcast, and regularly ranks with the top podcasts in Detroit. With a mixture of pre-recorded shows, live & recorded phone-ins, and live post-game broadcasts - this is his slice of Honolulu Blue heaven.