The Detroit Lions have arguably the best wide receiver group in the league. Their receiver group is led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, and this year’s third-round pick, Isaac TeSlaa.
Each player specializes in a different area. Patrick is a tremendous run-blocker, Williams opens up the field, and St. Brown consistently creates separation. These five are locks to make the team, leaving only one spot available.
After having a stunning breakout performance in the preseason, Jackson Meeks has left the Lions no choice but to give him the last spot.
Jackson Meeks Will Surprisingly Make the Lions Roster
After going undrafted in this year's draft, Jackson Meeks signed with the Lions. Meeks played three years at Georgia, combining for only 10 receptions before transferring to Syracuse. In his lone season repping Orange, Meeks recorded 78 receptions, 1,021 yards, and seven touchdowns, earning Second-team All-ACC honors.
Heading into training camp with the Lions, Meeks was a long shot to make the roster and was viewed as a potential practice squad player. Meeks surprised everybody except himself with his preseason performance, recording 11 receptions, 176 yards, which ranked second among all receivers, and two touchdowns, receiving an 85.8 overall grade per PFF.
Dan Campbell says Jackson Meeks gave Lions staff lots to talk about. The undrafted WR hopes he sent a message to everyone with 7 rec, 93 yds and 1 TD
— Joel Sebastianelli (@JJSebastianelli) August 17, 2025
"I'm up here with the best players in the world and I'm one of the best players in the world. I can actually do this." #OnePride pic.twitter.com/jgPo0MK74l
He outshone every Lions’ receiver vying for that final spot, including seventh-round selection Dominic Lovett. With his stellar play, Meeks has given the Lions no choice but to keep him.
If they were to release him, they would have to pray he wouldn’t get claimed off waivers, which is unlikely to happen. The Lions' injury woes last year exposed their lack of quality depth players. By retaining Meeks, he would serve as a reliable insurance piece if needed.
Although Meeks may not make an immediate impact on offense, the Lions could use him on special teams, where he played 35 snaps during the preseason.