1. WR Quintez Cephus
In his battle for a roster spot, Cephus missed some valuable practice time and the first preseason game with a leg injury. He returned to practice on Monday, and has been eased back into action this week as the Lions have their joint practices with the Colts.
Cephus is battling with Trinity Benson and perhaps Tom Kennedy for what looks to be at most two spots on the Lions’ 53-man roster heading into the season. His potential is great, but a promising start to last season was derailed five games in by a season-ending collarbone injury.
Cephus did some good work during OTAs, and he carried that right into the early part of training camp. The second preseason game against the Colts looks critically important to him getting back on that positive track, and he’s sure to see ample playing time as long as he’s physically up to it.
As much as Saturday’s game looks like a big opportunity for Cephus, as he looks to earn a roster spot, it’s also possibly a way for the Lions to showcase him for a trade to a team that has a greater need for wide receiver depth. Either way, Cephus is worthy of the No. 1 spot on this list.