Detroit Lions 16-man practice squad prediction after the first three weeks of training camp, this group looks way different from last year

The 53-man roster for the Detroit Lions is becoming clearer each day. Not that it was ever really that hazy. Mostly, players are just fighting for rotational spots at this point. But after three weeks and a preseason game, I think now is the first time that we can see what the practice squad for […]

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Detroit Lions safety Ian Kennelly (27) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday, July 28, 2025. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 53-man roster for the Detroit Lions is becoming clearer each day. Not that it was ever really that hazy. Mostly, players are just fighting for rotational spots at this point. But after three weeks and a preseason game, I think now is the first time that we can see what the practice squad for this team could look like come September. Here’s our first prediction of the summer:

  1. RB Jacob Saylors: The Lions have four strong running backs who are going to make the 53-man roster, but they still like to keep a guy on the practice squad, and I believe Saylors is going to be that guy. He’s shown some hard running and shiftiness to his game, and on Friday, he should see the field a lot.
  2. WR Jackson Meeks: At one point, I thought he might land that sixth receiver spot until Dominic Lovett showed that he should get it. Still, Meeks has shown enough that the Lions should hold on to him to see where things go.
  3. WR Ronnie Bell: I’ve been impressed with what the former Wolverine has been showing as of late. That should net him a spot on the practice squad.
  4. WR Tom Kennedy: The Lions are legally required to have Tom Kennedy on their practice squad.
  5. TE Kenny Yeboah: Yeboah might still make the 53, but I just see more versatility with Zach Horton with his ability to play fullback. I think he edges Yeboah out.
  6. OL Michael Niese: Neise can play guard and center, and that’s going to help him land the gig here.
  7. OL Kinglsey Eguakun: Was hoping for a big summer for him, and I think he’s shown enough to at least feel comfortable with the idea of elevating him to play center if the Lions desperately need it. But I don’t know if it was enough to make the 53-man roster.
  8. DL Myles Adams: Adams is another guy that I think could maybe sneak onto the 53. If he doesn’t, the Lions need to hold onto him because he’s shown some flashes this summer.
  9. Edge Nate Lynn: It really comes down to Lynn or Keith Cooper Jr. for that final rotational edge spot. I have to go with Cooper on this go-around because he has looked good lately. Lynn has, too, but Cooper has been slightly better.
  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. LB DaRon Gilbert: His second summer in Detroit, and he’s going to land a spot on the practice squad out of camp if he stays healthy.
  12. CB Tyson Russell: The Lions aren’t very deep at cornerback right now, but of the young guys who are fighting for spots right now, Russell has shown the most. He had a nice performance in the Hall of Fame game. Let’s see how he builds off that.
  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. CB Morice Norris Jr.: The versatility is going to keep him around. He can play outside and nickel corner, and can play either safety spot, too. I still wouldn’t be shocked if he made the 53-man roster.
  15. S Ian Kennelly: The story is awesome. A Division 2 kid getting a shot with the Lions. In due time, he can probably net a spot on the roster, but for now, the practice squad is a good place to be.
  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.

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Mike Payton

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