The preseason finale is not just about making a push for a roster spot. For many of these Detroit Lions players, it was their final audition to stay in the organization. The practice squad is as much a target as the initial 53-man roster for many players buried on the depth chart. Barring a massive wave of injuries, some players simply have no path to the roster. Yet, securing a spot on the practice squad can be a way to build up experience and familiarity and, perhaps, become a contributor the following season.<\/p>\n
With the Lions toppling the Indianapolis Colts 25-16, they now enter the homestretch before roster cuts. Which players made enough of an impact to bolster their chances at the practice squad?<\/p>\n
The wide receiver depth chart beyond Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Greg Dortch has been wide open throughout training camp and preseason, yet there was no true breakout from anyone on the roster. While I think that Tay Martin is still the odds-on favorite to make the 53-man roster at this point, Jackson gave the Lions a lot to think about. He led the team with an impressive five catches for 94 yards, demonstrating some explosiveness and stellar hands. His only real negative was a miscommunication that led to Luke Altmyer\u2019s interception.<\/p>\n
Despite the outstanding preseason finale, he remains a longshot to make the initial roster. The WR5 position is largely based on special teams, and Jackson does not excel either in coverage or as a returner, limiting his value. That being said, I think Jackson made a great case for the practice squad. None of Dominic Lovett, Tarik Black, Tom Kennedy, or Malik Cunningham have made this type of impact as a receiver. In the event of an injury on offense, he might be able to give the team some modest production.<\/p>\n
Ogbongbemiga has been repping behind his linebacker competition (Trevor Nowaske, Joe Bachie, and Troy Reeder), but he has quietly been solid during preseason. For a smaller linebacker (6-foot-0 and 231 pounds), he has flashed both coverage ability and power as a blitzer. His calling card since joining the NFL has been special teams, and that has been no exception in Detroit\u2014for a team that valued special teams ability from their depth players, Ogbongbemiga fits the bill.<\/p>\n
Given that Nowaske, Bachie, and Reeder have consistently seen the field before Ogbongbemiga, he remains on the outside looking in among the linebackers. That being said, his tape in preseason has shown enough to warrant practice squad consideration. Given that he can play nearly any linebacker position, that type of versatility makes him a valued veteran to keep around\u2014and as a vested veteran, he would not be subject to waivers if cut.<\/p>\n
Few players have impressed in preseason as much as O\u2019Neill. On a weekly basis, he is making impact plays as a pass rusher, either bullying offensive linemen for a pressure or collapsing the pocket for his linemates to capitalize on. You could argue that he has been the most dominant pass rusher in preseason, even more so than Ahmed Hassanein.<\/p>\n
That being said, O\u2019Neill still faces an uphill battle. O\u2019Neill is more of a pass-rushing specialist at this point with limited value as a run stopper (he got bulldozed by a tight end on a Colts\u2019 touchdown run). A hallmark of this Lions defense has been prioritizing run defense, and pass-rushing specialists have been few and far between on this roster\u2014even when Al-Quaddin Muhammad was tearing it up as a pass rusher last season, his snaps were limited because he couldn\u2019t defend the run.<\/p>\n
Coupled with a deep defensive line ahead of O\u2019Neill and tight position battles throughout the roster, he seems destined for the practice squad. O\u2019Neill remains a valuable project for the Lions to develop\u2014assuming he clears waivers, of course.<\/p>\n
Jacob Saylors dominated this game and could rise as high as RB2 by Week 1. However, he was not the only running back to impress against the Colts. Williams, signed only a few weeks ago, has quickly made a name for himself in preseason. He had a touchdown run last week against the Bengals and while he only garnered 36 yards on his 10 carries, it is worth noting that he was the Lions\u2019 go-to short yardage option, thus lowering his average.<\/p>\n
His average was no concern on Saturday, finishing the game with 57 yards on nine carries. He also added a pair of touchdown rushes, also of the short yardage variety. He flashed some serious burst and power, burning the Colts defense on a few occasions (credit to a solid offensive line performance as well). There is likely no space for Williams on the 53-man roster, but he could be a valuable player to stash on the practice squad.<\/p>\n