The Detroit Lions’ 2025 rookie class had one final chance to prove themselves in the preseason matchup against the Houston Texans. With several roster spots still up for grabs, the competition is fierce, but did any of these rookies make a strong enough case to secure a place on the Lions’ 53-man roster?
Of the nine rookies who suited up on Saturday afternoon, only one of them appears to have his roster spot locked in: fthird-round pick Isaac TeSlaa. The Michigan native continued his standout preseason with another strong performance, hauling in both of his targets for 41 yards and a touchdown. That brings his preseason totals to 146 yards and three scores across four games, solidifying his role as Detroit’s fifth wide receiver. With TeSlaa cementing his place, the battle for the remaining spots in the wide receiver room becomes all the more difficult for the other rookies.
Seventh-round pick Dominic Lovett looked like a roster lock earlier in the preseason, but his production has dipped noticeably since the Hall of Fame Game. Against Houston, he played 65% of Detroit’s offensive snaps and saw two targets, but came away without a catch. The speedy slot receiver may now find himself on the outside looking in as other rookie wideouts continue to shine. His special teams contributions could keep him in the mix, however, as he saw action as both a kick returner and a gunner on the punt team.
Jackson Meeks entered this matchup as one of the Lions’ preseason standouts. The undrafted rookie out of Syracuse had posted 176 yards and two touchdowns leading up to Saturday, but his impact against Houston was minimal. Meeks was targeted just once and failed to record a catch, while also drawing an illegal shift penalty on a third-and-1. Still, he found ways to contribute, playing a key role on special teams and logging the third-most snaps on that unit at 58%.
Jakobie Keeney-James once again struggled to make an impact. Despite seeing action on 30% of Detroit’s offensive snaps, he wasn’t targeted a single time and contributed very little on special teams. Given how his preseason has unfolded, it’s becoming difficult to envision a path for Keeney-James to secure even a spot on the practice squad.
Tight end Zach Horton has showcased his versatility throughout the preseason, starting out at fullback before expanding into roles as an in-line tight end, slot receiver, and even lining up outside. His blocking ability has been a steady asset, potentially putting him in direct competition with Shane Zylstra for the third tight end spot. Against Houston, Horton didn’t record a catch but impressed with his route running. However, a costly false start penalty by the undrafted tight end erased a convertible fourth-and-1 opportunity and forced the Lions to punt on fourth-and-6 instead.
Offensive lineman Mason Miller lined up as the second-team right guard for the second straight game. Though it’s a relatively new role for him, the rookie has looked increasingly comfortable since transitioning from his natural right tackle spot. His steady improvement over the course of the preseason could be enough to earn him a place on the practice squad.
Keith Cooper Jr. has quietly climbed the defensive tackle depth chart, earning starts in each of Detroit’s last two preseason games. The former Houston Cougar was on the field for nearly two-thirds of the defensive snaps and showed flashes as an interior pass rusher, registering a quarterback hit late in the game. While his performance may not be enough to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, Cooper has likely done enough to warrant a place on the practice squad.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Tyson Russell made his presence felt on Saturday. The former Vanderbilt Commodore didn’t join Detroit right away, instead earning his contract after an impressive showing as a rookie camp invitee. While he has largely flown under the radar throughout training camp, Russell built himself a highlight reel against the Texans. He recorded four total tackles and came away with his first career interception, snatching a bobbled pass from former Lion Quintez Cephus out of mid-air.
Safety Ian Kennelly has turned in a strong training camp and preseason, putting himself in contention for a roster spot. The Michigan native and former Grand Valley Laker has rotated through multiple roles in the secondary and could carve out a role as a backup box safety. With Detroit’s safety depth limited, his chances of making the roster appear possible. Against Houston, Kennelly played significant snaps on both defense and special teams, recording four tackles.
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