8 Players to Watch in Detroit Lions' Preseason Finale

Read more on players to watch in the Lions' final preseason game.

Friday is an important day for the Detroit Lions. 

With just one cut day, the Lions have been able to keep a large majority of their roster together for the duration of training camp. This has made it competitive throughout the past month. 

Many undrafted free agents will be vying for spots, while Dan Campbell and company try to figure out who gives the team the best chance to win in key depth areas. 

Here are eight players to watch in the Lions' preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers on Friday. 

WR Chase Cota

Cota has stood out plenty in the first two preseason games. Every snap matters in the preseason for an undrafted free agent, so this final game will be pivotal for the Oregon product. 

In particular, Cota's workload on special teams will be intriguing. The wideout has seen time on coverage teams and as a returner, and his impact on special teams will be key to making the final roster. 

The rookie has an intriguing skill set, and both he and Dylan Drummond have made strong cases to make the final roster. How and where they are used should be very telling, as they'll likely be tested for dependability in their final exhibition opportunities. 

OLB Julian Okwara

His performance will be evaluated by plenty, as he battles to crack the final roster. 

He helped his value with a three-sack game against New York in Detroit's preseason opener. The Notre Dame product then posted another sack that was negated by a penalty in last week's matchup with Jacksonville. 

There's plenty to like about Okwara's game, but the Lions are deep at his position. 

As a result, Friday could be the veteran's final game as a member of the Lions. 

Okwara could be a potential trade target, but a solid effort in the finale could earn him a spot on the active roster, or with another NFL team, should his run in Motown come to an end. 

TE James Mitchell

With Sam LaPorta likely to play very little, Mitchell should be a key piece in the passing game Friday. Expect Campbell and company to throw a heavy workload at him in an effort to see what he can handle. 

The young tight end has impressed in his limited opportunities. He's also flashed athleticism. If those skills are on display again Friday, he could wind up being an interesting piece in the offense during the regular season. 

CBs Steven Gilmore/Starling Thomas V

Much like the wide receivers, two undrafted players have flashed in the secondary. Thomas has been steady all throughout camp, while Gilmore has come on strong as of late. 

For Thomas, his key to success relies on grabbing receivers less and trusting his footwork in the passing game. Gilmore needs to be more consistent. 

These two will play plenty Friday and there may only be one spot open for the taking. Both players will be evaluated heavily, and special teams could be a defining factor in this battle as well.

S Brady Breeze

With Ifeatu Melifonwu dealing with an injury, Breeze could be in a position to steal a depth safety role. 

He's spent some time working as the personal protector on punt team, which is a vital role that would merit keeping a player like Breeze. 

If the safety can be serviceable on the defensive end and demonstrate strength on special teams, he could crack the final roster as a dark horse candidate.

QB Nate Sudfeld

The Lions haven't committed to keeping a third quarterback despite submitting a rule pertaining to keeping three, so Sudfeld is competing for his roster spot Friday. 

He should get plenty of run with Jared Goff likely out and Teddy Bridgewater cemented as the backup. Sudfeld has struggled for the first two preseason games, so he'll need a strong showing in the finale. 

OT Matt Nelson

Offensive line depth has been a concern for fans throughout the preseason. Nelson has been steady for his first two seasons but has come into question with his struggles this year. 

Germain Ifedi offers strong competition at the backup tackle spot. A seasoned veteran, Ifedi has a strong resume and has put pressure on Nelson. 

Friday offers the final chance to settle this battle, so the Lions will need to figure out their best option up front.