Potential Surprise Lions Roster Cuts, Under-the-Radar Players

Here are surprise players who could make the team or get waived.

The Detroit Lions have the potential to surprise supporters with decisions made on players who end up making the team or end up being waived by the roster deadline next Tuesday. 

"Body of work goes a long way," Dan Campbell said earlier this week. "But I’ll say this, man, you string a couple of, two or three really good showings back-to-back -- couple of practices here, like today’s a big day. We’re going to be able to evaluate the heck out of today’s practice and then tomorrow, and then the game, that can certainly catch our eye, especially if we feel like it’s been just trending in the right way."

Here are surprise players who could end up being on the initial 53-man roster or end up looking for new opportunities. 

Under-the-radar players who could make the team

Chase Lucas

A player that has started to emerge over the past couple of weeks, Lucas gives it his all during every practice or game rep he receives. 

"He’s continued to compete every day. He’s done some nice things. I feel like he’s gotten better. But he is, he’s fighting for a spot," Campbell said. "What I love about Lukey is, I told him this, he’s the same guy every day. I mean the way he comes into work, he’s not up and down, he has the same attitude, he puts in the same amount of work. I mean, nothing changes, he’s consistent. So, he’s giving it everything he’s got right now. That’s all you can ask.”

Khalil Dorsey

Despite getting over to a rocky start, as the young defensive back ended the season of tight end Shane Zylstra with a questionable tackle, Dorsey has performed well, given his special teams responsibilities. 

During the scrimmage this week, Dorsey hustled and prevented a Jack Fox punt from going in the end zone, pinning the offense at the four-yard line. 

Detroit's coaching staff values players who can make special teams contributions and Dorsey is putting in the effort needed to force the coaching staff to make a tough decision regarding his future. 

Potential surprise cuts

Romeo Okwara

While Okwara has battled back from injury, his play on the field has slowed down, as the veteran does not have the same burst as he did prior to his injury. 

With the depth along the defensive line, and the emergence of James Houston, the 28-year-old could be playing his last game in a Lions uniform against the Panthers. 

Will Harris

During the scrimmage, the second-team offense, led by Teddy Bridgewater, drove into the red zone early, as the veteran quarterback connected with Dylan Drummond, beating Will Harris for a long gain on a third-down play call. 

While the coaching staff raves about Harris' versatility and willingness to play multiple positions, when opposing offenses and the Lions offense needs a big play, quarterbacks often look to Harris' side of the field, as he is prone to give up the big play in coverage.  

Brian Branch, Steven Gilmore, Lucas and Dorsey could all make the veteran back expendable, as the revamped secondary looks to rebound from a subpar 2022 season.