DETROIT — The Detroit Lions report to training camp tomorrow and begin practicing Thursday morning, and as of this afternoon, they had signed only one of their nine draft picks—defensive end Cliff Avril, a third-rounder.

But talks have been progressing.

"I still have a high degree of confidence that we'll have deals in place," chief operating officer Tom Lewand said. "I think we've got the issues identified. I think we've got the gap narrowed. We've just got to continue to work with each guy."

The Lions' first pick last year, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, missed more than a week of camp before he signed.

But he was the second overall pick, and contracts are bigger and more complicated at the top of the draft. The Lions generally have gotten deals done on time.

Offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus was the Lions' first pick this year, 17th overall. Negotiations were expected to intensify Monday night and Tuesday.

"The discussions have been productive," Lewand said.

Are the Lions in discussions with two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes, a free agent who visited recently?

"We've had the visit, and that's as far as I want to comment," Lewand said.

Spikes' agent, Todd France, did not respond to messages.