The Lions’ first preseason game is in the books, dropping a 14-3 decision to the New York Giants. Of course, the preseason isn’t about wins and losses but more about how players perform and compete.
The first game in the books means the first chance to take a look at some player grades from Pro Football Focus. We’ll take a look at some of the top grades as well as some of the lower grades for the Lions from the first preseason week. For this exercise, we’ll set a minimum of eight snaps played.
Top 5 PFF Offensive Grades
Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) celebrates after a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
C Duke Clemens – 90.0
RT Dan Skipper – 89.0
LT Connor Galvin – 79.5
RB Sione Vaki – 76.1
TE Parker Hesse – 70.0
Bottom 5 Offensive Grades
Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) looks for an open receiver, Thursday, August 8 2024, in East Rutherford.
QB Nate Sudfeld – 38.1
OL Giovanni Manu – 43.7
RB Jermar Jefferson – 45.4
WR Tom Kennedy – 46.5
OG Ike Boettger – 46.6
Top 5 Defensive Grades
Lions cornerbacks Amik Robertson, left, and Terrion Arnold run off the field after the organized team activities in Allen Park on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
CB Amik Robertson – 87.4
OLB Mitchell Agude – 81.5
CB Ennis Rakestraw – 80.3
DE Nate Lynn – 78.5
FS Brandon Joseph – 78.3
Bottom 5 Defensive Grades
Detroit Lions’ James Houston IV held a youth football camp at JSU in Jackson, Miss., on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
OLB James Houston – 28.0
DT Mekhi Wingo- 28.3
LB DaRon Gilbert – 40.9
CB Morice Norris Jr. – 42.1
DT Chris Smith – 42.5
Top Run Blockers
Oct 21, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Duke Clemens (62) gestures during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Dan Skipper – 91.6
Duke Clemens – 89.8
Connor Galvin – 80.4
Top Pass Rushing Grades
Nate Lynn – 84.9
Brodric Martin – 72.2
Mitchell Agude – 66.2