Final 2025 Detroit Lions 16-man practie squad projection featuring a quarterback who is not currently with the Lions

Time ot get an extended look at these guys

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Detroit Lions cornerback Luq Barcoo (40) during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions’ preseason and training camp are over, and the cuts are about to start flying. Now, it’s time to figure out who the Lions will add to fill out their 16-man practice squad. Here’s our final projection:

  1. QB Kedon Slovis: The Lions had the Texans in for joint practices and a preseason game last week, and Slovis was interesting to watch. He’s not likely to make the Texans’ 53-man roster, and there’s a chance they go with Graham Mertz over him for the practice squad spot. With Hooker out, here’s a chance to see what this young kid can do. Perhaps it will blossom into a backup job at some point.
  2. RB Jacob Saylors: The Lions have four strong running backs who will make the 53-man roster, but they still like to keep a guy on the practice squad, and I believe Saylors will be that guy. He’s shown some hard running and shiftiness, and he’s had a few nice preseason performances
  3. WR Dominic Lovett: At one point, I thought he might land that sixth receiver spot, but right now, it feels like next year might be his year with Khalil Dorsey and Kalif Raymond on the final year of their deals.
  4. WR Tom Kennedy: The Lions are legally required to have Tom Kennedy on their practice squad.
  5. TE Zach Horton: I had him on the 530man roster in every projection I did this summer. The run blocking is so good that I thought it’d win him the spot. Ultimately, he’s struggled in other areas, but the Lions used him so much this summer that it would be shocking if they didn’t want to hold on to him.
  6. OL Michael Niese: Neise can play guard and center, and that will help him land the gig.
  7. OL Gunner Brittton: The former UFL standout just got here, but he’s shown some solid stuff so far, and I’d bet that the Lions want to take an extended look at him.
  8. DL Chris Smith: At this point, Smith might be the defensive version of Kennedy.
  9. Edge Keith Cooper Jr.: It really comes down to Nate Lynn or Cooper Jr. for that final rotational edge spot. I have to go with Lynn, who has just looked so good in the preseason. Cooper has been more of a training camp standout, and Lynn has stood out in both places.
  10. Edge Isaac Ukwu: Another edge who’s looked good this summer, but the edge room is getting crowded. Still, he should be kept around to elevate from time to time.
  11. CB Nick Whiteside: The Lions aren’t deep at cornerback right now, but of the young guys who are fighting for spots right now, Whiteside has shown the most. Ultimately, I’m not sure if it’s enough to make the 53-man roster, though.
  12. CB Luq Barcoo: He’s another guy who just got here, but has been impressive. Barcoo balled out against the Falcons after just a few days with the Lions, and he’s earned a chance to keep showing what he has on the practice squad.
  13. S Loren Strickland: Strickland made the 53 last year as a special teamer, and he could do it again this year, but the competition is stiffer. Right now, it seems like he’s headed for the practice squad.
  14. S Morice Norris Jr.: His versatility will keep him around. He can play outside and nickel corner, and can play either safety spot, too. The big hit against the Falcons kind of puts things up in the air with him. He’s lost a lot of time, and that likely cost him a spot on the 53-man roster. He can still earn it back this season.
  15. Edge Jah Joyner: Another guy who’s not currently in Detroit. We’ll go on a limb here. The rookie should likely be cut by the Raiders, and the Lions can jump in front of Las Vegas and get him on their practice squad first. He has some upside that’s worth exploring.
  16. OL Netane Muti: It’s always good to have a veteran offensive lineman around. He probably would have made the roster last year if it weren’t for a season-ending injury.

Related Articles