With a win under their belt against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Detroit Lions now turn their focus to their final preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This last game will offer a crucial opportunity for bubble players to make a lasting impression as they fight for a spot on the final roster.
Some players have seized their chances, likely earning positive marks with the coaching staff, while others have underperformed, leaving questions about their future with the team. With the latest PFF grades now available, we get a clearer picture of who stood out and who struggled in the game against the Chiefs.
Here are the Lions’ highest and lowest PFF grades from the Chiefs matchup.
Top Offensive Players
Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
- LT Jamarco Jones: 86.0
- QB Hendon Hooker: 83.3
- WR Tom Kennedy: 82.1
- WR Isaiah Williams: 76.6
- RB Zonovan Knight: 70.8
Jones, a recent addition to the Lions due to a surge of injuries along the offensive line, emerged as the highest-graded offensive player of the week. Despite being credited with a pressure against him, he excelled in both pass and run-blocking. Given his late arrival in the offseason, Jones had to make a strong impression, and he appears to have done just that. If he remains healthy, he could be a valuable reserve tackle. Hooker showcased improved poise and command of the offense this week, delivering accurate throws and scoring a touchdown with a strong run. His performance was notably more impressive than Sudfeld’s, and he could very well secure the QB2 spot. Kennedy continued his preseason excellence, making the most of his opportunities. While he’s a perennial preseason standout, making the roster will be challenging. Williams led the Lions in receiving this week and is doing everything in his power to secure a roster spot. Whether he makes the Lions or another team, he should be on an NFL roster this season. Knight also performed well, although his contributions came later in the game. With the current running back depth chart, it will be intriguing to see if the Lions opt to keep a fifth running back.
Worst Offensive Players
Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (8) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
- RB Jake Funk: 38.9
- C Kingsley Eguakun: 49.6
- QB Nate Sudfeld: 50.5
- WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: 51.1
- TE James Mitchell: 52.3
Funk faced long odds to make the roster, and this week certainly didn’t help his case. His rushing efficiency was disappointing, with just 13 yards on eight carries. His pass protection struggles were even more concerning, as he earned a poor grade in that area. With these shortcomings piling up, Funk seems likely to be on the outside looking in when it comes to securing a roster spot. Eguakun, an undrafted free agent vying for a depth role behind starting center Frank Ragnow, had a difficult week. He surrendered two pressures against the Chiefs, and his blocking overall fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, Sudfeld is gradually losing his hold on the QB2 role. However, his veteran presence still carries weight within the Lions’ quarterback room. The Lions have been searching for someone to step into the X-receiver role, with Peoples-Jones seen as a leading candidate. Unfortunately, his preseason performance has been underwhelming. This week, he caught just one pass for five yards on four targets, falling short of the team’s expectations. Similarly, Mitchell has been quiet throughout the preseason. Once viewed as a promising option, he now appears to be losing his grip on one of the few tight end spots available on the roster.
Top Defensive Players
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 17: Abraham Beauplan #59 of the Detroit Lions recovers a fourth quarter fumble during preseason game action against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
- LB Abraham Beauplan: 90.1
- S Loren Strickland: 84.1
- LB Ben Niemann: 82.6
- LB Ty Summers: 79.2
- DE Josh Paschal: 78.7
The Lions’ depth at linebacker showed up strong against the Chiefs. While the starting linebacker spots are mostly secured, there may be room for one of the players on this list to carve out a role on special teams. Beauplan, a late addition to the roster, is making the most of his opportunity. He recorded five tackles, showcased strong coverage skills, and recovered a fumble forced by Brandon Joseph. Niemann has consistently been the first man up throughout the preseason and could potentially push for one of the final roster spots. Summers, despite joining the team late, seemed to be everywhere on the field this week, putting some impressive plays on tape. The Lions’ safety room, which had been a question mark this offseason, is starting to solidify thanks to standout plays from Joseph and special teams contributions from C.J. Moore. Strickland, though facing long odds to make the secondary, is gaining some recognition with his efforts. Meanwhile, Paschal saw extensive action and made a crucial fumble recovery, which helped spark a potential late-game comeback—a promising sign from the former second-round pick.
Worst Defensive Players
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 17: Mathieu Betts #95 of the Detroit Lions was flagged for an offsides penalty before hitting Carson Wentz #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter of a preseason game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
- DE Mathieu Betts: 39.0
- DE Isaac Ukwu: 40.9
- DT Chris Smith: 44.2
- S C.J. Moore: 47.0
- CB Javelin Guidry: 47.0
Many had high hopes for Betts, the former CFL sack leader, but he has struggled to replicate that success in the NFL. Although he managed a nice sack against the Chiefs, his presence on the field was otherwise minimal. The Lions took a chance on the CFL standout, but it appears he may fall short of securing a roster spot. Ukwu showed promise against the Giants, earning recognition as a potential preseason standout. However, he couldn’t replicate that performance this week, and now finds himself on the outside looking in. Smith faces a numbers crunch on the defensive line, especially with strong outings from Brodric Martin and the potential of Mekhi Wingo. As a result, it will be difficult for him to secure a spot on the final roster. Moore is likely to make the team due to his special teams prowess, but if his place were based solely on his defensive performance, it would be a tougher decision. Guidry, a late addition, was relatively quiet this week. With the cornerback room nearly set, it was always going to be a steep uphill battle for him to find a role on the roster.