Roundtable: Does Tom Kennedy Deserve Roster Spot?

3.) Who do you think is the team's No. 2 quarterback? 

Chirco: For starters, neither David Blough or Tim Boyle put up prolific stats in Detroit's preseason contest with the Colts Saturday. Each threw for less than 100 yards and a single touchdown, with Blough accounting for the lone interception. I think the competition between the two for the backup QB job is neck-and-neck currently. So, I believe the performance of each in the third and final preseason game will go a long way toward determining who wins the gig. At this juncture, I would give the job to Boyle, whom possesses a bigger arm and a bit more pizzazz with his style of play.  

Maakaron: Can a team go into a season with one quarterback? All kidding aside, I wouldn't mind upgrading at the backup quarterback spot and releasing both Tim Boyle and David Blough. But, being the coaching staff and front office kept the same quarterbacks room together, I think Boyle's arm gives him the slight edge over Blough. The offensive line has the potential to be solid, so a scrambling quarterback is less of a priority at this point. So, for now, Boyle has the slight edge in the backup battle. 

4.) Do you think Jeff Okudah should be a starter come Week 1?

Chirco: I think throughout training camp, the coaching staff has tried its best to give Okudah the starting job by providing the 2020 No. 3 overall pick with an ample amount of reps. The hard-working Okudah has made the most of them, and I believe it means that Campbell & Co. will give the Ohio State product a chance to start Week 1. I truly believe that the present Lions regime wants to see what it has in Okudah, after he played in only one game a season ago due to injury. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being the former Buckeyes standout cornerback's final shot to prove himself with the Lions. 

Maakaron: All throughout camp, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has stated that third-year defensive back Jeff Okudah needs reps and needs to be out on the field playing in order to continue his development.

Throughout camp, he has done enough to earn the No. 2 cornerback spot opposite of Amani Oruwariye. Hopefully in 2022, Okudah can stay healthy all season, and the team can discover what it actually has in the former No. 3 overall pick. 

5.) What Lions player should be featured on episode No. 3 of "Hard Knocks"?

Chirco: I was going to go with Jeff Okudah, as well. But, I'll go in a different direction now that my colleague John Maakaron has gone with him.

I think Tom Kennedy should be featured on episode No. 3 of the critically-acclaimed series. The preseason sensation's spot on the Lions' season-opening roster is no guarantee. But, his odds of making the team continue to improve, due to his solid play in camp and the preseason.

With Kennedy being a player who's on the bubble, I would love to hear him talk about the pressure he's facing to perform and how he copes with it. It could be a fascinating look at a player who can ill-afford to have any missteps as cutdown day draws nearer. 

Maakaron: I think it's time for a deeper dive into the aforementioned polarizing cornerback from Ohio State. Okudah has often discussed the work he has put in to return and the work he does off the field mentally to prepare himself to play in the NFL. I would like to see a deeper look at what makes Okudah tick, as well as his thoughts about returning from such a serious injury.