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.
Julian Hill—TE
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 added pressure on blocking tight ends. As a receiver, he was rarely relied upon due to Jonnu Smith ahead of him, as well as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane swallowing up targets. A lack of opportunity does not necessarily indicate a lack of talent.
If the Lions want to add to their tight end depth and Hill is on the chopping block, he would be a player worth considering.
Derrick McLendon—EDGE
As the Detroit Lions learned last season, you can never have too much pass rushing depth. On paper, the Lions have a decent defensive end group with Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Ahmad Hassanein, and Al-Quadin Muhammad. Throw in guys on the roster bubble like Nate Lynn or Isaac Ukwu, and that room seems set—why add to it?
With Paschal’s status still up in the air, as well as two more weeks of camp and preseason, injuries will play a role in deciding the initial 53-man roster. If the Lions find themselves with an opening at pass rusher, they could look back at their joint practices and remember how dominant Derrick McLendon was.
McLendon was almost too good against the Lions in practice. Whereas McLendon was viewed as a long shot to make the roster, he has made some noise of late. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, McLendon fills a similar role as Lynn: a smaller-sized pass rushing specialist. McLendon had a sack in the Dolphins’ first preseason game against the Chicago Bears and looks the part of an explosive edge rusher.
There are some concerns about his ability to set the edge—a must-have to play defensive end with the Lions—but McLendon could nonetheless be a name to watch for come cut-down day. Even if a player like Lynn makes the Lions’ 53, McLendon would be worth bringing back to Detroit in some capacity.
Cam Smith—Cornerback
Cam Smith could be right up Brad Holmes’ alley. A former second-round pick, Smith has followed the Jeff Okudah arc so far in his career. He had a rough rookie campaign amid internal clashes between the defensive players and then-defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. In 2024, he battled two injuries: a hamstring injury that sent him to injured reserve in late August, then a dislocated left shoulder in late November. Injuries are still plaguing him in 2025, having missed a few weeks of practice with an undisclosed issue.
When healthy, Smith—still just 24 years old—is an intriguing prospect, having the size, aggressiveness, and tackling that fit the Lions’ secondary. The talent is there for Smith, but the availability has not. If the Dolphins decide to part ways, the Lions could be a team to come knocking. Under Holmes, the Lions have taken plenty of interest in talented yet injury-prone players. Some have paid off, such as Alex Anzalone. Some have not, such as Marcus Davenport last season. Given that cornerbacks are seemingly falling like flies, it would make sense to reinforce that room with as much talent as possible.
Patrick McMorris—Safety
Speaking of injuries in the secondary, the Lions have been hurt at safety. Already a thin room behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the Lions lost rookie Dan Jackson to a season-ending injury and Morice Norris to a serious concussion. Of the remaining true safeties on the team, only Loren Strickland and Ian Kennelly remain.
The Dolphins, unlike the Lions, have some solid safety depth, meaning a player like Patrick McMorris could miss the cut. McMorris had an interception against the Bears last week and has now put together solid preseason performances in 2025 and 2024. He can play both free safety and box safety, offering some always valuable versatility. While his coverage has impressed, his true calling is as a run defender. McMorris has been an active contributor in the run game with a knack for sniffing out run plays, a trait not too dissimilar to Branch and Joseph.
McMorris could stand out more on special teams, but if the Lions wanted a safety they could confidently slide into the lineup, he could be one to target.
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