Breaking news: A few hours after the NFL Draft, the Lions added a breakout wide receiver.
Following the NFL draft, the Detroit Lions signed a number of undrafted free agents, including a wide receiver who had just had an incredible season.
Jackson Meeks, a former Syracuse wide receiver and one of the top targets for a potent offense, was signed by the Lions, according to Benjamin Raven of MLive.com. According to the source, Meeks has a long-standing relationship with the Lions and attracted attention during his last season at Syracuse.
Jackson Meeks Had a Chance to Create Lions Meeks had a low profile before to moving to Syracuse for his last collegiate season, although he enjoyed a breakthrough season the previous year, according to Roster Raven.
Raven stated, “Jackson Meeks made a splash after moving from Georgia to Syracuse.” “Meeks had 1,021 yards and seven touchdowns in Syracuse’s potent passing attack after only 132 yards over three seasons at Georgia.”
Meeks possesses “a role-specific skill set that could be an asset to nearly any team with the right players around him,” according to Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd club, who predicted that he might develop into a WR4 or WR5 on an NFL roster.
Crabbs noted, “Meeks is a physical player in all phases.” “He wins at the catch point and with physicality compared to press coverage.” He succeeds as a tone-setter to assist win real estate, both in the core and as a blocker on the periphery. He is not so much a space maker as a space claimer.
Raven also mentioned that Meeks is the nephew of Za’Darius Smith, a former Lions edge rusher who joined the team around the trade deadline the previous season and recorded four sacks. After Meeks got a contract with the Lions, Smith wrote, “Congrats, nephew.”
Lions Provide Additional Support at Wide Receiver
Prior to acquiring Meeks, the Lions had already made significant expenditures in their wide receiving corps. On Day 2, the club traded up 32 positions to choose wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, marking a significant leap up the NFL selection board.
TeSlaa made a significant impact in the Senior Bowl and kept getting better as Detroit scouts looked over his game tape, according to Lions general manager Brad Holmes.
Holmes stated on the team’s official website, “I just saw how he was in the run game in the team periods.” “He was just being a nuisance and annoying the defenders and DBs with his blocking and size.”
TeSlaa may play a variety of roles in Detroit, according to Holmes.
“You see a big, long, smooth-striding guy who can run and accelerate,” he said. He’s good at catching hands. He can block and plays special teams. He is capable of many things.
Following the draft, TeSlaa expressed his excitement to reporters, saying he was prepared to get to work.
TeSlaa stated, “I’m just eager to get to the facility and get to work.” I consider myself to be able to play both outside and slot. I can play outside receiver because of my large body and speed, but I also feel like I bring a lot of versatility to the slot.
