Following the Detroit Lions' preseason Week 1 loss to the New York Giants, head coach Dan Campbell was asked to list players who stood out to him during the contest.
Campbell picked five, a list that included wide receiver Isaiah Williams, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, linebacker Malik Jefferson, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and safety C.J. Moore.
An undrafted free agent, Williams led the team with four catches for 35 yards, and added two 28-yard kickoff returns.
“He made some plays out there, and that was clear,” Campbell said of Williams, according to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. “That was clear to see. He did some really good things that showed up.”
Rakestraw finished with three total tackles in his preseason debut, one of which came on an early third down that forced a punt. He also made a nice tackle in punt coverage and his coverage on Isaiah Hodgins helped lead to an interception.
“I thought Ennis had a good showing, too, out there at corner early in the game,” he said of the Missouri product. “He got a lot of reps, but I thought they were valuable reps.”
Wingo appeared to be quiet, as he didn't record a tackle. But clearly Campbell noticed him regardless.
“I thought Wingo did some things,” Campbell said. “I thought you could feel him a little bit in there.”
While Rakestraw's spot on the roster is guaranteed, the other four players are not a lock. This was a good start for each of them in their quest to make the initial 53-man roster.
The Lions will be back on the field next week for their preseason Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead.
