8 Players to Watch in Detroit Lions Preseason Game against Jacksonville Jaguars

The Detroit Lions are looking to get to 2-0 in the preseason. They'll take on the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday in front of a national audience. 

Though many of the starters won't play and some key rookies may be sidelined as well, there are still plenty of players who are playing with things to prove. 

Here are eight players to watch in the Lions' second preseason game: 

WR Chase Cota

Cota was one of the brightest spots for the Lions in their preseason opener against the Giants. He had a game-high 60 receiving yards and worked in both the short and long passing game. 

He followed it up with a strong week of practice heading into Saturday. With Jameson Williams likely sidelined for the entire preseason, targets are opening up for the taking. 

Cota made a statement in the opener. Now, he must prove that he has the consistency that Dan Campbell desires. 

OLB Julian Okwara

Speaking of stars from the opener, nobody was more dominant than Okwara. The Notre Dame product posted three sacks and looked downright unblock able at times. 

Now, what will he do for an encore? Prior to that showing, he was considered a roster bubble player. Will one game be strong enough to get him out of that standing? 

The Lions remain deep on the edge. Okwara should get plenty of snaps Saturday in an effort to prove that his performance was no fluke. 

WR Trinity Benson

With Williams down, a player like Benson could stand to benefit. He has yet to shine heading into his third season with the organization, but a good preseason game could go a long way. 

Assuming the Lions don't add another receiver to the mix, the final roster spot could be open for the taking. Benson has missed time in camp with a knee sprain, so Saturday's game is important for his chances. 

CB Chase Lucas

Lucas struggled in the preseason opener, giving up a pair of completions early in his time on the field. 

The corner has received competition from the likes of UDFA Starling Thomas. Those two very well could be competing for the final spots on the roster. 

As a consequence, a strong showing for both is paramount. The UDFA may have the edge right now, so playing well is key for Lucas in his hopes of making the roster. 

RB Benny Snell

Much like the wide receiver position, the Lions have dealt with injuries in the backfield. There's a big competition going on for the third-string spot. 

The Lions brought in Snell when Justin Jackson retired. UDFA Mo Ibrahim is dealing with an injury, as have Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson early in camp. 

This could pave the way for Snell or Devine Ozigbo to compete for roster spots. The winner of the third spot will be prevalent on special teams, which means versatility is paramount. 

DT Brodric Martin

Martin seems to have cooled a bit since beginning camp on a strong note. The Lions want him to be a rotational player as a rookie, but he can become a key piece with a strong preseason. 

The rookie is big and can be a major factor in the run-stopping effort. Expect him to get plenty of reps as he continues to develop. 

OL Matt Nelson

Another key position battle going on currently involves the backup tackle position. While the Lions are set with starters, backups such as Nelson and Germain Ifedi are battling to make the roster. 

Nelson has been a mainstay as the extra lineman in jumbo sets for the last two seasons, but struggles at times when asked to step in as a traditional tackle. 

Ifedi brings a veteran savvy, so this is a legitimate competition. Nelson didn't have a great preseason debut, so a bounce-back is needed Saturday. 

S Ifeatu Melifonwu

Melifonwu received praise from Campbell during his press conference Thursday. That's an encouraging sign for the third-year player who has struggled to make a legit impact. 

The defender has been up and down while dealing with injuries throughout his young career. As he continues to get consistent reps, his development will continue to grow. 

The nature of the Lions' improved roster has made him a legitimate bubble player, so the organization will be looking for consistency and improvements on Saturday.