Detroit Lions’ 53-Man Roster Picture Sharpens After Hall of Fame Game as Bubble Players Shift Positions in Wake of Strong Performances and Costly Mistakes
The Detroit Lions took the field in Canton, Ohio, for the Hall of Fame Game with high expectations—not just from a fanbase eager for the regular season, but from coaches and executives looking to make critical decisions about the composition of the final 53-man roster. While preseason games are often dismissed as glorified scrimmages, the first live-action contest of the summer carries significant weight for those battling on the margins. And after four quarters under the lights at Tom Benson Stadium, the picture of who’s in, who’s out, and who’s hanging on by a thread came into much sharper focus.
For Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, the game was less about the score and more about evaluation. Detroit’s coaching staff treated the Hall of Fame Game as a proving ground—a chance to see what unheralded rookies, practice squad hopefuls, and fringe veterans could do in a real game setting. The answers they received were revealing. Several players made convincing cases for inclusion, while others saw their chances diminish with missed assignments, poor decisions, or simply getting outshined.
Perhaps the biggest story of the night was the emergence of wide receiver Isaiah Williams, who continues to stack quality reps after an impressive spring and summer. The undrafted free agent out of Illinois showcased speed, route discipline, and toughness after the catch, leading all receivers in yards and snagging a difficult third-down reception in traffic that drew high praise from teammates and coaches. With veteran WR room depth still undecided, Williams may have nudged himself ahead of other competitors like Trinity Benson and Tom Kennedy.
Similarly, on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Trevor Nowaske put together a performance that could mark a turning point in his fight for a roster spot. The second-year linebacker was active in pursuit, broke up a pass in coverage, and recorded a tackle for loss on a key third down. While it’s still early, Nowaske looks like a player ascending at the right time, especially given injuries and inconsistency elsewhere in the linebacker corps.
Another riser: rookie defensive lineman Mehki Wingo. The sixth-round pick showed quickness off the snap and held his ground in the run game, rotating across multiple positions on the interior front. With injuries affecting veteran depth, Wingo’s versatility and effort could earn him a spot over more experienced but underwhelming players.
However, not everyone came away from Canton on the right side of the evaluation ledger. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld, presumed to be competing for the backup job behind Jared Goff, struggled mightily. His timing was off, his ball placement inconsistent, and a late-game interception in the red zone derailed what could have been a go-ahead drive. With rookie Hendon Hooker still recovering and Teddy Bridgewater’s future unclear, Sudfeld was supposed to be a stabilizing presence. Instead, he may have opened the door for another arm to enter the conversation.
Special teams also saw shakeups, as kicker Michael Badgley failed to inspire confidence, missing a 47-yard field goal that clanged off the upright. Though reliable for stretches last season, inconsistency in camp combined with in-game misses may force Detroit to take a harder look at outside options. In contrast, rookie punter Tory Taylor displayed the hang time and directional control that solidifies his roster status, consistently pinning the opposing offense deep and flipping field position with poise.
Running back Craig Reynolds is another player whose stock took a positive turn. With Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery sitting out, Reynolds got extended touches and made the most of them—ripping off chunk gains, running with patience and vision, and proving reliable in pass protection. He outperformed Devine Ozigbo and Jermar Jefferson, both of whom struggled to gain traction. Reynolds may have reasserted his role as RB3 with his steady, all-around game.
On the offensive line, depth remains a puzzle. The starting five is locked in and among the league’s best, but the second unit’s performance was uneven at best. Tackle Matt Nelson allowed too much pressure on the edge, while guard Kayode Awosika had difficulty picking up stunts, leading to blown assignments. Colby Sorsdal, last year’s late-round pick, looked better in spurts and may have done enough to earn a swing backup role. However, given the volatility, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Detroit explore the waiver wire for reinforcements once final cuts are made across the league.
Tight end James Mitchell also finds himself on the bubble. Once seen as a key developmental piece behind Sam LaPorta, Mitchell hasn’t stood out in camp and was a non-factor in the Hall of Fame Game. With Brock Wright’s blocking prowess and Shane Zylstra’s versatility on special teams, Mitchell could be in trouble unless he flashes soon.
Rookies Brian Branch and Jack Campbell, while not fighting for roster spots, continued to justify the hype. Branch was flying around the secondary, breaking up passes and stepping into run fits like a veteran. Campbell led the team in tackles and looked increasingly comfortable communicating the defense and tracking the ball sideline to sideline. Both are trending toward significant roles, and their performance further solidifies the top of the depth chart on defense.
Cornerback remains one of the tightest battles in camp, and the Hall of Fame Game didn’t offer easy answers. Starters are fairly set with Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson likely penciled in, but beyond that, it’s a dogfight. Rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. showed flashes but also drew a costly pass interference call. Khalil Dorsey made plays on special teams and in coverage, making him a sleeper for the final CB slot. Will Harris, a veteran of multiple regimes, remains steady but unspectacular, and his value may come down to versatility and locker room leadership.
The defensive front also saw notable performances from Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal. Both former high draft picks have been hampered by injuries early in their careers, but both showed up in a big way in Canton. Onwuzurike generated interior push that forced the opposing quarterback off his spot, while Paschal recorded a sack and several pressures. If they can stay healthy, they not only make the team but could factor heavily into the rotation come Week 1.
On the flip side, defensive end Julian Okwara’s time in Detroit may be nearing its end. Once seen as a high-upside edge rusher, Okwara failed to generate consistent pressure and looked out of sync with the scheme. With younger, cheaper, and more effective options ahead of him, his days could be numbered barring a turnaround.
The Hall of Fame Game may only be one step in a long process, but it was a crucial one for players on the bubble. Coaches often talk about “stacking days,” and the game provided an opportunity to do just that—or to stumble in a spotlight moment. With three more preseason games remaining, the roster is still fluid, but certain names are moving toward ink while others remain penciled—or scratched out entirely.
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes face some tough decisions in the coming weeks, and while the top half of the roster looks strong and relatively stable, the back end remains wide open. Special teams contributions, versatility, and consistency will decide those final 10–12 spots. Injuries, performance trends, and matchups will all play roles as well. But the Hall of Fame Game drew the first real line in the sand.
And if there’s one thing the Lions proved last season, it’s that depth matters. Their rise from cellar-dwellers to playoff darlings wasn’t just about stars—it was about contributors who seized their opportunities when the lights came on. That’s the kind of culture Campbell is trying to build: one where effort, execution, and grit determine your fate. The Hall of Fame Game was a proving ground, and many took a step closer to earning their place. Others, for now, will have to fight harder, push further, and hope the next time their number is called, they’re ready to deliver.
