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The Detroit Lions waive two players and add three

By Ash Thompson

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 25: Josh Okonye #8 of the Purdue Boilermakers defends a pass against Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the fourth quarter of a game at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue defeated Indiana 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 25: Josh Okonye #8 of the Purdue Boilermakers defends a pass against Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the fourth quarter of a game at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue defeated Indiana 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Never done grinding, Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn has made a series of personnel moves.

The Detroit Lions roster churn continues in Allen Park. The team announced that they have brought in three new players. Tight end Marcus Lucas, wide receiver Deontez Alexander, and corner back Josh Okonye signed contracts today. Tight end Brandon Barnes and wide receiver Kyle Lewis are no longer Detroit Lions. Barnes has a waived-injured designation. No reason was given by the team in their press release regarding Lewis.

Alexander played his college ball at Franklin college where he was extremely productive. in two seasons he amassed 114 receptions. 2133 yards, and 33 touchdowns. At the Ball State pro day he posted a 4.35 40 yard dash, a 37.5″ vertical jump and a 10’10” broad jump. His 3 cone time was 6.91 and his short shuttle 4.08. Assuming any of those numbers are accurate, Alexander is an incredible athlete. He stands 6′ and weighs 196 lbs. He also put up 15 bench reps at 225 lbs.

Lucas has been trying to grab a regular gig in the NFL since 2014 training camp with the Carolina Panthers. He came into the league out of Missouri undrafted. Last year he was on the Oakland Raiders and Indianapolis Colts practice squads. He has transitioned from wide receiver to tight end over the years, and gained 32 lbs to do so. He was a relatively good athlete coming out of college, but there is no telling what effect time and body composition changes have had.

Okonye finished his college career at Purdue as a graduate transfer. He appeared in 37 games at Wake Forrest without a start. He did not defend many passes (nine) or record an interception in 2017 but made a lot of tackles for the Boilermakers in 2017.

The Lions continue to use the bottom of their roster as a method of trying new players out. These players have a difficult journey ahead to make the team. The league, however, contains plenty of those who have beaten the odds. More undrafted players are on NFL rosters than third round picks.

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