Roundtable: Does WR Tom Kennedy Deserve Roster Spot?

Latest AllLions Roundtable focuses on whether Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy deserves a spot on team's season-opening roster.

1.) What was your biggest takeaway from the Lions-Colts preseason game?

Vito Chirco: The Lions' run game and run defense both shined. 

Detroit rushed for 174 total yards on 33 carries (5.3 yards per carry), with Justin Jackson leading the way with seven carries for 54 yards. Jackson, Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike each rushed for north of 4.5 yards per carry, with Igwebuike scoring the game-winning touchdown. 

Additionally, Aaron Glenn's defense stymied the Colts' run game all afternoon long. It held Indianapolis to just 30 total rushing yards, including a measly 1.7 yards a carry. 

John Maakaron: For me, a couple of players cemented their spot on the 53-man roster, with their performance Saturday. Tom Kennedy is a player the team can utilize in a reserve role, and even sprinkle in a couple of designed plays for him. He has been a reliable contributor all of training camp.

Meanwhile, defensive lineman Austin Bryant's surge over the past month has been pleasant to observe, as he could give the unit a boost of confidence (if he is able to bully opposing offensive linemen). 

2.) Does WR Tom Kennedy deserve a roster spot? 

Chirco: I think he does, but whether or not he earns a roster spot is a different story. He's been a darling for the Lions this preseason, and he added to that status Saturday by hauling in five passes for 24 yards and two touchdowns. He's done everything that Dan Campbell and Detroit's coaching staff have asked him to do, including playing on special teams. 

However, it might not be good enough, due to the competition he faces in the Lions' receivers room. DJ Chark, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond (taking into account his role as a punt returner) are all ahead of him on the depth chart. And, rookie Jameson Williams will also be ahead of Kennedy, once he returns from injury. So, Kennedy will have to beat out both Quintez Cephus and Trinity Benson for what will likely be the last receiver spot on Detroit's season-opening roster. Kennedy's odds have improved, but I still think he's far from a slam-dunk to crack the roster. 

Maakaron: The wide receivers battle has gotten really intriguing. Kennedy's two touchdowns and continued reliability make him a player the coaching staff must consider keeping. In my latest 53-man roster projection, I have Kennedy and Trinity Benson making the roster, with Quintez Cephus being the odd man out. 

Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY NETWORK

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.