The first NFL game of the preseason is about to kick off in Canton, Ohio, between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions. We’ve already highlighted five Chargers to watch in this game, and now here are five Detroit Lions rookies to keep an eye on. Note: Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, offensive guard Tate Ratledge, and offensive guard Miles Frazier are not included, as they are expected to sit out.
5 Lions to know ahead of Hall of Fame preseason battle
WR: Isaac TeSlaa (Third round pick, 70th overall)
In my NFL Draft recap, I called the Lions’ selection of Isaac TeSlaa in the third round a major reach. This game will be his first chance to prove me wrong. My biggest concern is that he’s a "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane" type of prospect. He has elite measurables at 6-foot-4, 214 pounds with a 4.43 40-yard dash, but he was a backup most of last season at Arkansas.
DE: Ahmed Hassanein (Sixth round, 196th overall)
While TeSlaa is a player who posts elite testing numbers and average production, sixth round pick Ahmed Hassanein is the exact opposite. Hassanein has recorded 32 tackles for loss and 22 sacks over the past two seasons, and his 115 pressures in that span were the third most in the FBS. Unfortunately, he lacks great length and shows just an average burst off the ball.
S: Dan Jackson (Seventh round, 230th overall)
Former Georgia safety Dan Jackson has been overlooked his entire football career, from walking on at Georgia to being left out of the NFL Combine to going late in the draft. However, he has traits that could earn him a roster spot as a core special teams player, including impressive speed and power as a tackler.
THIS HIT FROM GEORGIA'S DAN JACKSON ON SILAS BOLDEN 😳 pic.twitter.com/fUwEK5mYJe
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 7, 2024
WR: Dominic Lovett (Seventh round, 244th overall)
A late round pick who has had a good training camp so far is wide receiver Dominic Lovett. Star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said about him, “It's always nice to see, not like a duplicate of me but you kind of can see yourself in a young guy.” Lovett has made several big plays in camp and also adds value as a punt returner. If he can have a strong Hall of Fame Game, it could greatly boost his chances of making the team.
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OT: Mason Miller (Undrafted)
A long shot to make the team, but a strong preseason could earn him a spot on the practice squad. Last season at North Dakota State, Mason Miller was an FCS All-American and posted a 77.7 Pro Football Focus grade while allowing just two sacks. One thing working in his favor is his versatility, having played both guard and tackle in college.