4 winners (and 4 losers) from Lions' up and down preseason

The next time the Detroit Lions play football, it'll matter.

The preseason is officially over, with the Lions having gone 1-3 over four games played. Plenty of players rose to the top throughout the preseason and in training camp, while others sank down the depth chart and have officially put their future with the team at risk ahead of Tuesday's deadline for a final roster.

Rookies like Isaac TeSlaa, Ian Kennelly, and Jackson Meeks thrived while Hendon Hooker, Brodric Martin, and Mitchell Agude all seem to have done very little to remain on the Lions' 53-man roster. It was an up and down preseason, to be sure, but there were very clear winners and losers through it all.

4 winners and 3 losers from Lions' preseason

Winner: Isaac TeSlaa

Who would've thought that the player the Lions seemingly, and unnecessarily, reached for in the 2025 NFL Draft would have suddenly become a viable option at WR3 for the team? TeSlaa shined in every way during preseason: as a blocker, as a short gain option, and as a red zone threat. His hands, size, and dog mentality on the field have all but locked up his spot on the roster.

The question that remains for him, though, is what his reps will actually look like in the regular season. Detroit isn't going to want to risk putting him up against NFL-caliber secondaries and coverage in large amounts to kick off the year, but likely gradually introduce him into the offense with specific packages.

Winner: Jackson Meeks

Meeks is another rookie receiver who took his opportunity to shine in preseason and ran with it. He finished up with the most receiving yards on the team in preseason with 176 yards, which was also good for second overall in the NFL in the preseason. He's likely to be one of the Lions' best options at gunner - and maybe punt returner - once the season kicks off.

Loser: Hendon Hooker

The writing is on the wall for Hooker, as he was completely outplayed by Kyle Allen over the last three preseason games the Lions played. No touchdowns, multiple turnovers, and a lost offense whenever he was on the field is what has defined Hooker's preseason showing. The 2023 draft pick has completely missed the mark in his starts and subs in preseason.

Hooker is likely to be victim to roster cuts as we approach Tuesday. The team has a Super Bowl in mind, and they need as many spots available for more injury-prone rooms than they can afford to Hooker.

Loser: Brodric Martin

Martin is another 2023 draft pick that does not look like he'll be making the 53-man roster, barring injury forcing the Lions to pick him up for the year. He was outplayed by Keith CooperJr., and just never generated enough pressure or run stuffing to make you want to see more from him on the line. He's had a solid training camp, though, so maybe that helps to land him a spot in the end.

READ MORE: D.J. Reed jump-starts hype for young Lions defender coming into vital year

Winner: Ian Kennelly

Kennelly, a UDFA and Michigan native, has worked his way up the depth chart to land as one of the more promising backup safeties for the Lions this preseason. He started in two games and finished up with 11 total tackles. He did get burned on one touchdown against the Houston Texans, but one play should be the end of his career with Detroit.

Loser: Luq Barcoo

Barcoo lands as a loser because of how good he was in preseason. And yet, despite his many pass breakups and excellent man coverage throughout the preseason, he's likely to lose out on a roster spot because of how talented the cornerback room is in Detroit. When you're trying to join a roster that already features Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Khalil Dorsey, and newcomer Rock Ya-Sin, you're playing a losing game.

It's possible he beats out Nick Whiteside for a spot, but Whiteside has been quite a force, as well. This will be one of the tougher decisions the Lions have to make.

Winner: Kyle Allen

Allen had a sloppy, turnover heavy debut in the preseason for the Lions. Two interceptions, no rhythm, and some subliminals shot from head coach Dan Campbell because of how badly he and Hooker played in that opener. Allen completely bounced back, though. He took care of the football, and threw for five touchdowns over the Lions' last three preseason games with zero turnovers.

His connections with Meeks, TeSlaa, and Tom Kennedy were especially notable, and he made the absolute most of a strange quarterback competition in Detroit. He's the shoo-in to be the Lions' QB2.

Loser: Detroit's defensive line

While the Lions' D-line had some standouts, like Nate Lynn, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Trevor Nowaske, they ultimately struggled to get much pressure on any of the quarterbacks they faced in the preseason. They were often getting pushed past the quarterback and the pocket, never truly dominating in any single game. It's what made performances from Lynn and Muhammad stand out - they were at least getting something done.

It's not the end of the world for now, but it's obviously going to be an issue for the Lions if they get any more injury news down the line for a D-line that's already missing Alim McNeil, Levi Onwuzurike, and rookie Ahmed Hassanein, to name a few.

Honorable mention: Adding to the winners pool are offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who have earned nothing but praise from players since coming on to their new respective roles this offseason.

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