DETROIT -- Right around the start of the second quarter of their preseason matchup with the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes made a cameo on the team’s television network.
Speaking with Jason Benetti and former Lions offensive lineman T.J. Lang, Holmes shared what he’s looking for from the team this preseason as they move toward finalizing the 53-man roster.
“You want to see everything that (Lions coach) Dan (Campbell’s) been preaching throughout the week in terms of what he wants to see, in terms of the fundamentals, the technique, the carryover from the classroom and just make sure that our identity still shows regardless of who is playing,” Holmes told the broadcast.
One player Holmes has consistently praised is rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, the Lions’ third-round pick out of Arkansas in this year’s draft.
The Hudsonville native has had a strong showing in training camp, flashing the ability to be a potential difference-maker in Detroit’s offense and turning heads in the first two preseason games as well.
“When I first met him, he was exactly what I thought he was going to be on his play,” Holmes said. “You see a really gritty, tough physical guy. A lot of confidence in himself, knows he has to earn it.
“Then, when you sit down, meet with him; we brought him in on a top 30 (visit) and he was all of that. He has a sense of humility, knows what he needs to work on, but you just love the confidence that he has. It’s really cool that he really emulates his style of football from what we’ve been displaying the past few years. It’s been cool, but he’s been doing a great job.”
Another player the broadcast team discussed with Holmes was defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. Like TeSlaa, the undrafted rookie out of Houston has flashed in preseason action. He’s logged 52 snaps across the Lions’ first two games, showing stoutness against the run and the ability to disrupt as a pass rusher.
Holmes credited scout Patrick Mularkey for identifying Cooper, who has impressed teammates and coaches alike.
“(Cooper) just has incredible length. A guy that has close to 35-inch arms and then has the athleticism to go on top of it,” Holmes said. “He’s been doing a lot of stuff that we’ve been intrigued about.
“He’s another guy that’s still got a lot of learning and development to do, but so far he’s made an impression.”
Holmes also identified a dark horse for the Lions’ 53-man roster in EDGE rusher Nate Lynn, who has shown strong flashes in recent weeks.
Lynn joined the Lions last season as an undrafted rookie free agent out of William & Mary after going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft. A shoulder injury in a preseason game against the New York Giants, however, quickly ended his rookie campaign.
“We were excited about the undrafted free agency process last year, and unfortunately, he had an injury and had to get shelved for that whole season,” Holmes said. “But being able to come back, (and) get an offseason under his belt, and he’s been having an opportunity to show some things.
“So far, so good. (Lynn’s) having a good camp.”
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