If you take coach Jim Schwartz's evaluation of the Lions' performance in their preseason opener at face value, then the play of the rookies left a lot to be desired. While Schwartz is free to issue any criticism he deems fit -- and Detroit was certainly deserving of most of his rebuke Friday -- there have been several bright spots among the key members of the 2012 rookie class.
Here's a look at how the Lions' key first-year players have performed:
CB Bill Bentley: Schwartz took issue with Bentley's performance Friday, and he did so again Sunday when told that Bentley gave himself an “OK grade for his debut. “It’s not [Bentley's] job to grade his performance,” Schwartz said. “It’s his job to go play. He can play better.” Schwartz's criticism aside, Bentley has been one of the bright spots of camp. In addition to his interception Friday, he's made a string of quality plays in drills. He's clearly an NFL-caliber talent.
T Riley Reiff: Reiff was part of a second-team OL unit that protected QB Shaun Hill well on both of Detroit's TD drives. After watching the film from Detroit's loss to Cleveland, Schwartz praised Reiff's play Sunday. “[Reiff] did a really nice job and it was good to see from him,” Schwartz said. “He’s improved every single day.” Reiff is quickly becoming an important part of the OL rotation. He's not ready to start yet, but he's on the path towards providing the Lions with quality O-line depth.
CB Jonte Green: Green's play in camp and game action has earned him mixed reviews. He has impressive speed -- an asset the secondary needs -- but he still struggles to stay with receivers in coverage. The Lions will give Green plenty of time to grow into his role, but his play must improve if he wants to enter the conversation for regular playing time.
DE Ronnell Lewis: Lewis' play during camp hasn't been without his fair share of rookie mistakes, but his play in the preseason opener showed why the team drafted him. His special teams ability to funnel runners to designed contact points will translate well to his role on Detroit's D-line.
LB Tahir Whitehead: Whitehead's play during camp earned him a place on the second-team unit, but his performance during the preseason opener left something to be desired. He seemed lost at times in pursuit, and despite extended reps, was limited to two tackles. Whitehead has the skills to be an NFL linebacker, but he needs to match his practice intensity in game action.
LB Travis Lewis: Lewis' hard work during camp paid off Friday when he saw some time with the second team during the preseason opener. After two weeks of camp, Lewis is showing he's one of the Lions' smartest defensive players. That intelligence and ability to adjust to any defensive look will be his biggest asset as he battles a deep LB corps to try and make the roster.
WR Patrick Edwards: Edwards' blistering speed is his greatest asset. He made one catch in the preseason opener, and has seen time on special teams during camp. He missed Sunday's practice with soreness, however, and he'll have to stay healthy to make the roster.
QB Kellen Moore: Moore struggled in the preseason opener, completing just 4 of 14 passes. The performance wasn't unexpected, however, since Moore's performances in camp haven't been impressive. Unless he improves dramatically during the preseason, Moore is better suited to the practice squad than the active roster.
K Derek Dimke: Dimke made one field goal during the preseason opener, while veteran K Jason Hanson missed his only attempt. The kicking job still belongs to Hanson, but if Dimke continues to kick well in practice, he could put pressure on Hanson as roster cuts approach.
WR Ryan Broyles: When he's healthy, Broyles has shown flashes of the skill that convinced Detroit to draft him. Those flashes have been few and far between, however, since Broyles has been sidelined for most of camp. His roster slot is safe, so it's just a matter of waiting for his ACL to allow him to become a consistent part of the offense.
CB Chris Greenwood: Greenwood (abdominal surgery) has been on the PUP list since camp began. It's impossible to gauge his value until he takes the field for the first time.
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLDET and @JohnKreger.
