The Detroit Lions recently put together their practice squad in the wake of cutting their roster down, and one NFL analyst actually believes it's the best in the league entering the 2024 campaign.
According to CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso, the Lions have the No. 1 practice squad in the NFL. Trapasso cites the wide receivers Detroit has — Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson — as a major reason.
He also points to the signings of offensive lineman Jamarco Jones and edge rusher Mitchell Agude.
"The Lions secure the top spot mostly due to the receivers on their practice squad. DPJ is one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL -- 44.5-inch vertical and 11-7 broad jump -- Robinson has lost a few steps as we've seen him bounce around the league recently, but has experience nonetheless," Trapasso wrote. "Patrick was a shocking cut by the Broncos after a fantastic preseason, and Kennedy has long been a preseason hero in Detroit due to his suddenness underneath and reliable hands.
"At edge, Mitchell Agude registered four pressures in the preseason and feels like a young rusher with an upward-facing arrow. Lastly, JaMarco Jones is a former Ohio State offensive tackle with years of amazing preseason work on his resume. He just needs to translate some of that to the regular season if called upon as Detroit's swing tackle."
The Lions no doubt have a shaky situation at wide receiver on their 53-man roster, so it comes as no surprise that they loaded up on veteran options on the practice squad.
Jameson Williams remains a question mark, and Kalif Raymond is not an ideal X receiver. Further, the Lions only have four receivers, and their fourth is a rookie, Isaiah Williams, who is obviously a total wild card and only plays in the slot.
Detroit will almost certainly bring up at least one of their three veteran wideouts on the practice squad for Week 1. Whether or not any of them prove to be effective remains to be seen, though, as each carries their own concerns.