This is a critical preseason for Jalen Reeves-Maybin, to make the second-year jump from a first year that was never really given that great of a chance. Detroit's fourth-round pick out of Tennessee last season spent the year trying to build back up the bulk and strength to play linebacker, an element that had dwindled in him after a season-ending shoulder injury his final year in college.
He came into training camp noticeably bigger this offseason, reportedly up to 230 pounds, which was always his goal all along. He had a new defensive scheme to learn, and this was a time to carve out a role.