6 Detroit Lions players to watch in the preseason finale vs. Panthers

4. OLB Julian Okwara

Okwara followed his three-sack performance against the Giants in the preseason opener with a dud against Jacksonville (Pro Football Focus' second-worst graded Lions' defensive player) in the second preseason contest. He did have a sack negated by a penalty against the Jaguars, but otherwise he was not noticeable over 45 defensive snaps.

Okwara could be a trade target for other teams, as the dust settles on preseason finales and roster inventory is taken. The preseason finale will be critical for him, one way or any other.

3. DE Romeo Okwara

In some sense Okwara has simply needed to play this preseason, after two seasons wrecked by a torn Achilles, and he has played 91 defensive snaps over the first two preseason games. In terms of possible surprise cuts for the Lions, he's on the radar in some places.

Like his younger brother, Okwara could foster some trade interest in the coming days. A continued showcase for a trade in the preseason finale is not out of the question.