Lions Rookie Is Trending Upward Entering Mid-August

We’re less than four weeks from finally seeing the Detroit Lions back on the field. Before they can avenge their early exit from the playoffs last season, both Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have some tough decisions to make regarding the roster. 

After being hampered by injuries last season, the Lions have emphasized adding quality depth players. Throughout training camp and preseason play, we’ve seen players on the cusp of making the roster battle it out, day in and day out, for a chance to secure a spot on the roster.

Players on the bubble to make the team must turn it up a notch, as we approach the end of both the preseason and training camp. In their latest preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons, this undrafted rookie wide receiver's chances are trending upwards as we enter mid-August. 

Jackson Meeks' Stock Is Trending Upwards

Jackson Meeks had to wait 13 days after the NFL Draft before finally signing a deal with the Lions. Meeks played four years at the college level, playing his first three years with Georgia and one with Syracuse. 

At Georgia, he never received any significant playing time, combining for only 10 receptions for 132 yards in three years. He would make up for it after transferring to Syracuse, recording 78 receptions, 1,021 yards, and seven touchdowns. For his play last year, he was named Second-team All-ACC. 

Entering training camp with the Lions, however, Meeks was considered a long shot to make the team. The Lions are stacked at wide receiver, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams leading the way, and newly drafted Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett entering the mix.

To have a chance at making the team, Meeks had to have a big performance. In their preseason against the Falcons, Meeks did just that, leading Lions’ receivers with three catches, 78 yards, and one touchdown. 

After his stellar performance, he currently leads receivers with the most receiving yards at 83 yards. Even though he’s been great as a pass catcher, it’s his run-blocking that’s been the most impressive, earning an 85.2 run block grade against the Chargers and a 91.3 grade against the Falcons per PFF. 

If you’re playing for Dan Campbell, you must be a good run-blocker. Excelling in this area alone has raised the rookie's stock.

Even though he’s been great, Meeks still has a long way to go to make the roster. Since the Lions are loaded at receiver, he’ll need to continue to impress as both a pass-catcher and a run-blocker.

While he may not make their 53-man roster, the Lions should do whatever it takes to keep him on the practice squad. Also, Meeks is the nephew of Za'Darius Smith, meaning the Lions should do whatever it takes to sign Smith and keep Meeks to form the uncle-nephew duo.

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