The practice squad is a big deal for the Detroit Lions. This is the one practice squad that you want to be on if you’re veteran player or a second or third year guy looking to show what you have. The big reason is because you’re going to get a chance to play here.
“Yeah, well we say it every year but they’re an extension of the roster. They really are a part of the roster, it’s just a different way to get them on your team because you’re going to need them, you’re going to have to use them. Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell said. “I think having the right balance of vets who have been able to – they’ve played in this League, they understand it, it’s not too big for them, plug and play, serve a role, a purpose, you know exactly what they can do and you appreciate that about them. I think it’s big.”
How the Lions feel about their vets there is something that is a no brainer. We know they want to play those guys and we know they want to give them a chance, but what about the younger guys? Turns out there’s a plan there too. Campbell said the Lions want to balance out the practice squad with young guys that can be more than just backups.
That’s the big one there. The Lions have some players they’re stashing away right now that can be a big part of this roster in the future. We went through the group and here’s three young players to keep your eye on for the future.
CB Morice Norris
Look, we don’t know what Aaron Glenn’s future with the Lions looks like, but we do know this is the type of player he wanted on his defense. A guy that has positional versatility. That seems like something the Lions will continue with no matter who their DC is.
Not only can Norris play cornerback, he can play at every cornerback spot and can play safety too. He’s done it all.
We need to see that he can do that in the NFL, but right now I think it’s safe to say that the Lions believe that he can at some point and that’s why they’ve held onto him. I would expect him to play a lot more in 2025 and then we’ll see where it goes.
Edge Isaac Ukwu
This one is super easy. The Lions have been talking about this kid since the summer time. They love them some Ukwu in Detroit. He’s already been elevated twice and played fairly well in both elevations.
The Lions haven’t brought him up since, but I think there’s multiple reasons for that. One is that the Lions only have one more elevation that they can use on him and they don’t want to use it then have him be done for the year or then have to release him to reset the elevations and risk that he could get claimed. The other reason is that they might not feel he’s totally ready yet.
He will be next season. He could be a normal part of the rotation then.
Center Kingsley Eguakun
This is a big one right here. Frank Ragnow isn’t going to be around forever and here’s a guy that can be the future of the middle of the Lions offensive line.
We’ve already seen what he can do in the preseason and we saw him work with the first team at training camp for a little bit too. This one is going to be one that comes along for a bit. He should make the 53-man roster next season and from there, it’s all up to Ragnow as to when this kid takes over. No matter when, this should be the guy here. He’ll be ready.