Few Detroit Lions players managed to stand out during the preseason like rookie wide receiver Jackson Meeks, but one analyst doesn't think that'll be enough for him to make the cut on the initial 53-man roster.
Meeks was the Lions' most productive receiver over four exhibition games. The UDFA tallied 11 receptions for 176 yards and two touchdowns.
Among NFL wideouts in preseason play, Jackson ranked third in receptions, first in receiving yards and first in touchdowns. His overall grade of 88.1 was also tops among players at his position.
In his final 53-man roster prediction, Christian Booher of On SI sees Meeks falling short of making the cut in favor of rookie Dominic Lovett, who was drafted in the seventh round in April.
He has the Lions keeping six receivers in total, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Isaac TeSlaa and Lovett filling out the receivers room.
Meeks made an intriguing case, but I believe that Lovett ultimately offers more on special teams. He could potentially wind up being a Kalif Raymond replacement in the coming years, and stashing him for special teams reasons could pay dividends in the coming years.
Holmes has traditionally made wise decisions regarding the roster and cutting players who make it through waivers. Meeks was an undrafted free agent and though he was solid in the preseason, he could wind up getting through waivers and remaining with the organization on the practice squad.
The Lions have five locks on their 53-man roster at wide receiver in St. Brown, Williams, Patrick, Raymond and TeSlaa, so that leaves just one spot up for grabs, barring the Lions carrying seven wideouts, which is possible.
Meeks has no doubt made an argument to be kept, and really he has a better one than Lovett, who wasn't as productive in the preseason. Lovett doesn't have an advantage because of special teams, either, as Meeks has shown out there.
“Lovett has shown some things for us on the outside, Meeks has shown some things from the wide receiver position," special teams coordinator Dave Fipp explained.
"So, we’ve got some wide receivers contributing on special teams, which is beneficial because the last time in four years we haven’t gotten a lot out of that group other than Kalif [Raymond] as a punt returner. For those guys to be able to help out in a core role, potentially it can help take some off of some other players.”
Meeks, who is the nephew of former Lions edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, will first go to waivers if he's cut, but there's zero guarantee Detroit will be able to bring Meeks back on the practice squad, as it's possible he gets claimed.
At this point, we'd give the edge to Meeks because of his outstanding performance on offense, but it wouldn't be completely shocking to see Lovett get the nod over him or for the Lions to carry seven wide receivers.
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