Here are five observations from the Lions training camp:

1. Quarterback Joey Harrington isn't the prototypical West Coast offense quarterback. What he is though, is the prototype of a good quarterback, period. Though he has decent mobility, Harrington is more of a pocket passer in the mold of a Peyton Manning. He even has that Manning bounce to his step when he's setting up to pass. Harrington looks great on the long passes and very confident in the pocket. His problem is learning so much so quickly.

2. Starting quarterback Mike McMahon has made great strides during the offseason. He's more patient in the pocket and less likely to run at a moment's notice. You can see in practice he invested a lot of time studying the routes and the schemes. He doesn't hesitate in making reads and throwing. Still, accuracy in the intermediate routes will be the key to his success. McMahon completed only 46 percent of his passes as a rookie. This year, that total better be higher than 56 percent.

3. Second-year receiver Scotty Anderson is making another run at getting some playing time. Anderson was one of the stars of early training camp last season. The 6-foot-2, 184-pound Anderson could be a deep threat coming off the bench.

4. Left tackle Jeff Backus is wearing a knee brace, but he's expected back to practice in a week. Backus played well last year and is bigger and stronger this season. President Matt Millen said Backus finished the season weighing about 280. Now, he's 315.

5. Defensive tackle Luther Elliss has had elbow problems the past couple of years, so he's going to change his game a little. Ellis is going to use more of his powerful body to overpower offensive linemen. Once Shaun Rogers returns in a week or two following his foot surgery, the Lions have the makings of a great defensive line. Robert Porcher is a great veteran player at end. James Hall will be challenged by Kalimba Edwards as the season goes on for the other end position.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.