Pride of Detroit
Joint practices present a fantastic opportunity for NFL teams to test their mettle against live competition without the stakes or chaos that come with an actual game. Teams and players can go rep for rep in hard-fought, intense, and often illuminating drills. The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins faced off in joint practices this week before their preseason tilt, and it will give both teams a lot to think about.
Every single NFL team will have difficult decisions to make on cut-down day. When the Dolphins make their choice before Week 1, those decisions will be in part based on how they performed against the Lions in joint practices and preseason. However, it is possible that the Dolphins are not the only team watching their players with a keen eye. Though the Lions are certainly more focused on their own performances, there is always a chance that a player or two on the opposing sideline catches their attention.
When it comes to building a roster, a majority of the players will have been with the team since the start of training camp. Yet come cut-down day before the regular season, there will be plenty of names on the chopping block that could get poached. The joint practices offer the Lions are very unique, up-close glimpse at the Dolphins’ roster, and it could help identify some potential waiver wire targets.
Here are four players potentially on the Dolphins’ roster bubble that could interest the Lions.
Following the placement of Kenny Yeboah on injured reserve, the third-string tight end job looks like it’s Shane Zylstra’s to lose. Of the remaining trio of Zach Horton, Gunnar Oakes, and Steven Stilianos, only Horton has a feasible chance at dethroning Zylstra’s roster spot—even then, that would largely come from Horton’s ability to play H-back.
If the Lions are not satisfied with their tight end depth come roster cuts, one name they could look towards is Julian Hill. Hill joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of Campbell University and has laid claim to a depth role ever since. Yet with Miami adding Darren Waller and Pharaoh Brown this offseason, there is a chance that Hill loses out on the roster battle.
Hill has largely been used as a blocker with the Dolphins—not dissimilar to how the Lions utilize Brock Wright. Unlike Wright, however, the results for Hill have been subpar. Hill had a PFF grade of 37.2 in 2024, worst among tight ends with over 500 snaps. As a receiver, he had just 12 receptions for 100 yards last season. If he is not a good blocker nor a good receiver, why should the Lions be interested?
Untapped potential is the key reason. Penalties proved costly for Hill last season, totaling seven on the year, yet just one occurred after Week 5, highlighting some growth from him. It is also worth remembering that the Dolphins had one of the worst offensive lines in football in 2024, which puts...
