Detroit Lions headlines: Hakeem Valles, ESPN’s top 100
Have the Detroit Lions found themselves a quality pass-catching tight end in Hakeem Valles? That story and more in today’s version of headlines.
The Detroit Lions have a big week in front of them with one final preseason game left to be played and major roster cuts taking place this Saturday. The last exhibition of the preseason will be used to help determine some of these looming roster decisions.
Undoubtedly, one area of the roster where some harsh choices will have to be made will be at tight end. But it appears Hakeem Valles has done enough to land him a spot on the active roster. We’ll cover that story and more in today’s version of headlines.
Hakeem Valles, Detroit’s top TE in the preseason, strengthens roster case – MLive.com
Second-year tight end Hakeem Valles has been the Lions’ most consistent offensive weapon at his position throughout the preseason, outshining Luke Willson, Michael Roberts, and Levine Toilolo. Valles has recorded seven receptions for 69 yards in three games and appears to be a solid bet to crack the active roster. But if the 25-year old tight end is in, who is on the outs?
Three Lions land on ESPN’s top 100 players list – The Detroit News
Detroit’s top players were listed in ESPN’s top 100 list. Those well-known names are quarterback Matthew Stafford, cornerback Darius Slay, and defensive end Ziggy Ansah. Stafford actually came in at #35, jumping 40 spots from last season.
Jean Francois: ‘I feel like I didn’t learn football until I ran into (Patricia)’ – DetroitLions.com
Following their poor performances in the preseason so far, it’s nice to be reminded that the man at the helm of the Lions is, in fact, a football genius. Matt Patricia, Detroit’s new head coach, is seen as one of the brightest minds in the NFL. But it will not matter much unless he gets results.
Detroit Lions’ Golden Tate likes Odell Beckham’s deal, wants extension – Detroit Free Press
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham’s new five-year, $95 million contract extension has players around the league excited about their future deals. Undoubtedly, the Lions’ own number one receiver, Golden Tate, who is entering the final year of his contract in Detroit, would love to make similar headlines soon. But for now, the 30-year old wideout is more focused on football.
Next. Ranking the 5 best Lions draft classes of the past 30 years. dark
What was learned during preseason: Lions could have issues – ESPN.com
In the above article, ESPN staff writer Michael Rothstein believes undrafted wide receiver Brandon Powell has played so well in the preseason that he is forcing the Lions’ coaching staff to consider keeping five wide receivers on their final 53-man roster. Powell put an exclamation point on his preseason performance by returning a punt return 80-yards for a touchdown last Friday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.