As the preseason rolls onward, the Detroit Lions are going to use every chance that they can get to evaluate the backend of their roster. Once again, the team’s 2025 rookie class impressed. A total of 10 first-year players suited up in the preseason matchup against the Miami Dolphins, and many of them made quite the case for a roster spot once the regular season begins.
Undrafted wide receiver Jackson Meeks put on a show for the second week in a row. The rookie who played for Georgia and Syracuse
made the first reception of the game and went on to finish the day with a team-high 93 yards as well as a touchdown. He was used heavily on special teams as well, taking the field for nearly half of the unit’s snaps. He did make one rookie mistake, getting flagged for an illegal shift later in the game.
Third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa also had himself a day. The Michigan native was another big contributor on offense, hauling in four receptions for 41 yards and a trip to the endzone. He had some opportunities that were missed as well, including dropping an overthrown pass from Kyle Allen and having a first-down reception called back due to an illegal forward pass penalty.
Dominic Lovett wasn’t as productive on offense as he was in the previous preseason outings. His biggest contribution in this game came on special teams as a gunner. In the third quarter, he scooped up the ball off of a muffed punt by the Dolphins and returned it within a few yards of the endzone—although you aren’t allowed to advance a muffed punt.
Zach Horton got a significant amount of time on offense, taking the field for over 70% of the team’s snaps. He displayed even more versatility than he has in the other preseason games, being used as an in-line tight end, fullback, slot receiver, and even lining out wide on a few plays. He caught his first two passes of his career, totaling 15 yards. He, too, couldn’t escape the eyes of the referees, and was called for a holding penalty that negated a big run from Craig Reynolds.
With many new faces in Detroit’s secondary, undrafted cornerback Tyson Russell didn’t make much of an impact as he had the week prior, but still recorded three tackles.
Offensive lineman Mason Miller made the move from tackle to guard in this game, most likely due to the plethora of injuries that Detroit has in that position group right now. He played much better than he had earlier in the preseason, and even earned a shoutout from the broadcast crew for his blocking on long run from Jacob Saylors.
Undrafted rookies Ian Kennelly and Keith Cooper both were named starters for this game and played on defense for a majority of Detroit’s snaps. Cooper flashed some positional versatility, playing both as an interior defensive lineman and edge rusher.
Wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James had a quiet day, being targeted once but not recording any stats.
Fan-favorite Ahmed Hassanein only played 10 snaps for Detroit before sustaining an injury that will cause him to miss some time this season.
The following draft picks did not play: Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier (PUP), Dan Jackson (IR)
