Finding quality depth for an NFL roster is no easy feat. It takes hours of studying, dedication and certainly a little bit of luck. Right now, the Detroit Lions are making it look way easier than it usually is.
The Lions are in the enviable position of having too many solid players on their roster. A big reason this is the case is their ability to mine gold from the UFL. One of the most intriguing players on Detroit's roster is running back Jacob Saylors.
Saylors had arguably one of the most impressive games of anyone in a 16-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for 55 yards and grabbing three passes for 28 yards. While he didn't score a touchdown, he was dynamic every time he touched the ball, and continues to make a case to stick on the roster.
Dan Campbell was complementary of what Saylors brought to the mix for the Lions. As he said, he was a consistent playmaker for Detroit who has learned the ropes during the last two training camps.
"He was probably our most potent player on offense. I thought he made a lot of plays for us. He was kind of the steady workhorse we had early in that game. If we were coming up with anything positive, he had most of it. I like where he's at. He does have some juice, and because we lived with him last year, he can play some special teams. That's going to be big for that next role."
As Campbell explained, special teams is going to be the differentiator in who wins a role, because they are going to have to contribute in more than one way to prove their worth.
"We know what those two backs are that are at the top and we know what (Sione) Vaki is. Vaki's one of the best special teams players in this league. So, if that fourth back's going to make it, he's got to be able to help on special teams. It was good to see Saylors do what he did."
The numbers might be the only thing working against Saylors at this point, as he's had a strong camp. The Lions might prefer to keep extra offensive linemen, defensive lineman or defensive backs over a luxury position like a running back. Even such, Saylors' hard work is making it so that he is almost impossible to ignore for some sort of role this season.
Jake Bates already looks like he's in midseason form for Lions
The other former UFL star that has consistently made a name for himself in Detroit? None other than Bates, the kicker who's cemented the job with his steady performance over the last few years. Against the Bengals, Bates proved that he is already in midseason form for more than just one reason.
Bates accounted for six of Detroit's points on his own, nailing a 41 yard field goal as well as a 52 yard attempt just before halftime. His stroke from distance was impressive, as he calmly drilled the deeper field goal without any issue.
READ MORE: Jack Campbell earns some huge (and deserved) hype heading into 2026 season
Jake Bates from 52 yards away ✅ pic.twitter.com/9Dn0E3d88q
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 14, 2026
Perhaps more impressive than the field goals was Bates throwing his weight around on the field. In the second-half, he made an impressive open field tackle on a kickoff return which saved a touchdown. Obviously, fans hold their breath over such plays, but it simply shows the mindset that Bates has. He isn't willing to concede an inch no matter if it's the preseason or not.
Bates has already made Detroit's roster enough to make an impact in the league, and Saylors is hungry to do the same. Their success thus far is a credit to Detroit's front office, who continues to stack scouting wins from the UFL.
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