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5 undrafted rookies who could make Detroit Lions 53-man roster

By Brad Berreman

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 05: Running back Mohamed Ibrahim #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers escapes the tackle of defensive back Marques Buford Jr. #1 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 05: Running back Mohamed Ibrahim #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers escapes the tackle of defensive back Marques Buford Jr. #1 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

4. WR Chase Cota

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions gave Cota $80,000 in guaranteed money as an undrafted free agent. That alone seeems to mean he’ll have an opportunity to earn a roster spot. In the wake of the gambling suspensions handed down by the league in April, the Lions cut Quintez Cephus and Jameson Williams will be sidelined for the first six games of the 2023 season.

Cota transferred from UCLA to Oregon for the last two years of his college career. His raw production was never great in either spot, but he averaged at least 13.8 yards per catch in three of four normal seasons. At 6-foot-2 and around 200 pounds, he somewhat looks the part of an “X” receiver with the idea he could be a special teams contributor at the next level.

Here’s a bit of a scouting report on Cota from Brentley Weissman of The Draft Network.

"He flashes a good ability to get vertical as he has above-average long speed once his stride gets going. He is a build-to-speed receiver who has a long stride and can separate vertically against slower defensive backs. He has a good catch radius and displays good hands overall. He is good with the ball in his hands and runs hard, breaking tackles and fighting for extra yards. An above-average route-runner, Cota is a good technician and it shows that he is a son of an NFL player. Cota is tough as nails and is an excellent blocker. I expect him to be a very good special teams player as a kick coverage guy at the next level."

Cota will probably have to overtake known Dan Campbell favorite Tom Kennedy to earn a 53-man roster spot. But it’s not out of the question.

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