Pride of Detroit
With one preseason game left to play, the Detroit Lions still have some unanswered questions looming large. However, we are also getting some clarity on some pre-training camp questions.
Entering training camp, there are expectations about which players will make the roster, which players will not make the roster, and which players could challenge for a spot on the roster. Through a combination of great performances, poor performances, and injuries, some of these expectations have shifted.
Focusing on the positive side of things, there are many players that have seized their opportunities so far in camp and preseason. Stringing together dominant and well-rounded performances can make-or-break a player’s roster chances. A prime example of this is running back Craig Reynolds. Reynolds was a mid-August signing back in 2021, likely just a camp body. Yet in his limited appearances, he was outright impressive. He parlayed this into a practice squad spot, then a game-day call up, then eventually a definitive role as RB3.
Which Lions player has followed in the footsteps of Reynolds and bolstered their chances of making the roster?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
My answer: Kyle Allen. However, before discussing Allen, I want to give two honorable mentions.
The best Lions player in preseason thus far has been Isaac TeSlaa, without question. The third-round rookie has amassed 105 receiving yards and two touchdowns in style. He is running crisp routes. He is demonstrating remarkable separation. He is being physical as a receiver and as a blocker. He is magnificently showcasing his hands and body control. It has been as impressive of a preseason as a rookie can get. The reason why he is not my pick is that despite the phenomenal performances, he was always going to make this roster. Sure, he has entered the conversation for WR3 sooner than expected, but the Lions were already high on him.
Another Lion with a breakout preseason has been fellow receiver Jackson Meeks. Through three games, Meeks is the Lions’ leading receiver with 11 receptions for 176 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He is making a serious push for the sixth wide receiver spot (assuming there is one) and has demonstrated more offensive firepower than Dominic Lovett or any other reserve receiver. However, expectations were somewhat high for the undrafted rookie entering training camp. Signed to a $200,000 guaranteed contract—quite significant for an undrafted player—Meeks was viewed as a legitimate candidate to make the roster.
My reason for picking Kyle Allen is that he not only leapfrogged his competition on the depth chart, he outright won the job with a game still left to play.
Hendon Hooker was firmly in the driver’s seat entering training camp, even entering the first preseason game. Hooker looked better in practice, he had the pedigree, he had the physical talent. Nobody on the Pride of Detroit staff viewed him as a threat to Hooker’s spot as backup quarterback. In fact, nobody...
