The Detroit Lions have several players making a case to stick on their initial 53 man roster which will be coming in a few weeks time. With better depth at every position, cuts are trending to be very tough in 2025.
Defensively, this is even more the case. The Lions needed multiple different players at every position to step up in 2024 considering injuries, so they made sure they would be covered in camp with a deep roster. That's certainly been the case in the defensive backfield.
Nick Whiteside has been one of many stepping up and making plays when given the chance. He has had a strong camp, and backed that performance up with good preseason work. In Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, Whiteside had another fantastic game opening more eyes with five tackles and a pass breakup.
#UFLtoNFL: Former @XFLBattlehawks DB Nick Whiteside (#38) has IMPRESSED with the #Lions.@_nickwhiteside posted 5 tackles & a PBU in yesterday's game. Has a 78.0 Coverage Grade (PFF) this preseason - leading all Detroit DB's.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 17, 2025
Making his case for a roster spot. #UFL pic.twitter.com/PFpqWbEabz
Whiteside's work has put him on the radar of Dan Campbell, who affectionately dubbed him "ironsides" for his toughness on the field. The former UFL star with the St. Louis Battlehawks also comes from Auburn Hills, Michigan and attended Saginaw Valley State, which would make his story even more exciting if he was able to crack the roster.
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It's possible Whiteside will have to go on the practice squad due to the sheer volume of talent across the roster this year in Detroit. If that's the case, he will be an asset to the organization during the week and could even get himself on the roster before the end of the year.
After watching his Week 3 performance against the Dolphins, it's clear Whiteside has a great chance to break through, and his teammates are even starting to notice what he has been able to do.
Rock Ya-Sin impressed with Whiteside's camp emergence for Lions
The Lions have plenty of players who are well known veterans and unknown talents looking to claim a roster spot. Another defensive back that has been impressive is Ya-Sin, who has also had his own strong camp and preseason performance to rely on.
Despite the fact that Ya-Sin is in a hot competition with Whiteside for a roster spot and potential special teams role, that didn't stop the veteran from giving the youngster a shout-out immediately after his impressive game against Miami.
"He's a good player. I mean, he's physical. He's a big corner. He's sticky. He's a good player."
Ya-Sin and veteran Avonte Maddox have been impressive in camp and the preseason as well, and along with Whiteside could form a key trio that could serve in a depth role. Impressing a veteran like Ya-Sin, who was a former second-round pick that's been around the league for seven years is also no small feat.
Detroit figures to have a stronger backfield this season, but they are always a few injuries away from trouble. Knowing a player like Whiteside is also waiting in the wings is a good feeling for the Lions no matter where the chips may land when final cuts are made.