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Three Most Disappointing Lions Players this Offseason, and Two Big Surprises
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- Three Most Disappointing Lions Players this Offseason, and Two Big Surprises
Training camp has flown by for the Detroit Lions , as the team has just two preseason games and limited practice time left before final roster cuts on Aug. 30 .
Throughout the offseason, we've seen some players who were expected to make noise at camp underwhelm. On the other hand, there have also been a couple of players who have emerged out of nowhere and are pushing for roster spots.
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Let's take a look at three Lions who have been disappointing this offseason, and two who have been surprise standouts.
Disappointment: WR Isaac TeSlaa
After a promising rookie season, in which he tallied six receiving touchdowns on 16 receptions, TeSlaa was slated to have a big camp that would set course for a Year 2 breakout. The exact opposite has happened so far.
TeSlaa has struggled with drops this offseason, as shown during the preseason opener last week against the Cincinnati Bengals , when he dropped two passes. TeSlaa also isn't creating much separation in his routes, and he's not making up for it by making contested catches.
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Though TeSlaa could still be productive as the WR3 for the Lions in 2026, we must slow down the hype train . The Arkansas product needs more time to develop his skill set.
Disappointment: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Aug 2, 2026; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. looks on during Detroit Lions training camp at Meijer Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images
Entering camp, Rakestraw was discussed as a possible starter for the Lions at corner. Now, there's a chance he doesn't even make the roster.
Rakestraw struggled against the Bengals last Thursday, posting the lowest Pro Football Focus grade of any Lion (29.3) and allowing a 103.3 passer rating when targeted. The Mizzou product hasn't been much better in practice, causing him to slide down the depth chart.
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Over the next week and a half, Rakestraw must be near perfect to crack the roster, or his nightmare tenure in Detroit will be over.
Surprise: CB Nick Whiteside
While Rakestraw has disappointed, Whiteside has been one of the biggest risers of camp . The former UFL star has been snagging interceptions every week, and even knocked down a pass in the opening preseason game.
At this point, Whiteside is a roster lock and should play a pivotal depth role in defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard 's unit. However, the Saginaw Valley State product still has the opportunity to possibly make his way into the starting lineup if he continues to impress.
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Disappointment: CB Roger McCreary
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary (21) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday, August 10, 2026.
McCreary was expected to be the Lions' starting nickel this year, but he hasn't been consistent in camp and got his spot taken by Christian Izien . Rookie Keith Abney II has also been rising in recent weeks and could be ahead of McCreary on the depth chart.
Due to his starting experience, McCreary should make the team. But the Auburn product hasn't been very impactful so far and likely won't have a prominent role in the secondary.
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Standout: WR Tay Martin
Martin has forced his way into the wide receiver roster picture . The 28-year-old drew praise from head coach Dan Campbell for his special teams play and run-blocking during Detroit's loss to Cincinnati, and Martin also added a catch for 14 yards.
"Martin showed up again, blocking, made a one-on-one catch separated, special teams. He forced a penalty and that was just one play on special teams. He made more than that," Campbell said via Tim Twentyman of Lions.com.
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It'll be tough for Martin to overtake Dominic Lovett or Cedrick Wilson Jr. for the final receiver spots, but we can't count him out yet.
Detroit Lions Essentials
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
