Rookie expectations: Detroit Lions rookies have one final game to prove they belong

Detroit Lions rookies have one final game to prove they belong

The rookies of the Detroit Lions have just one more game to prove that they can be building blocks of this team’s future.

While some of these first-year players have already carved out roles for themselves, others have an uphill battle ahead of them if they want to remain a Detroit Lion in 2022.

Here’s what to expect from this group against the Green Bay Packers:

Running back Jermar Jefferson

Jefferson was inactive for the last two games due to the ascension of practice squad hero Craig Reynolds. Even when fourth-string running back Godwin Igwebuike was struggling, Jefferson couldn’t seem to find a way to get in on offense.

If the rookie is inactive again, it may spell the end of his career with the Detroit Lions as it seems more and more clear that they don’t know how to fit him into their future plans.

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown

After yet another stellar performance last weekend, St. Brown should be able to finish this season as the clear number-one receiver for Detroit.

His versatility has been on full display over the past few weeks as he has been used as both an outside and slot receiver while also taking handoffs in the backfield.

It should be no surprise that St. Brown will get the start against Green Bay. Starting quarterback Jared Goff is expected to return, which bodes well for the rookie receiver.

Tight end Brock Wright

Wright is questionable to play as he has been dealing with a groin injury. The undrafted rookie has had a rough few weeks, being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list for a while and sitting out due to injury upon his reactivation.

If he is able to play, he’s the starting tight end. Wright is a capable blocker and becomes a decent receiving option when Goff is at the helm.

Offensive linemen Penei Sewell, Tommy Kraemer, and Ryan McCollum

Penei Sewell was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list this past Monday but was luckily reactivated on Saturday afternoon.

Heading into the game, Sewell is listed as questionable due to both illness and injury but should be expected to play. He has performed at a high level all season and is without a doubt a starting lineman again next year.

Sewell hasn’t allowed a sack since before the bye week, but penalties have been a struggle for him. He has committed 11 penalties this season, which is tied for most in the NFL.

Kraemer and McCollum have both had to start at some point this season, but shouldn’t be taking the field on offense in this game. Expect these two undrafted rookies to be big bodies on the line for field goals and extra points.

Defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill

With a very up-and-down season for both players, McNeill and Onwuzurike need to step up in a big way against Green Bay.

Onwuzurike, a second-round pick out of Washington, has yet to crack the starting lineup and is instead the backup for veterans Michael Brockers and Nick Williams. Brockers is questionable for this game, so there’s a chance the rookie can see some increased playing time. On just over a third of defensive snaps this season, Onwuzurike has recorded 34 tackles and a sack from the defensive end position.

McNeill should start at nose tackle. He’s coming off one of his best games of the season and will now face one of the league’s top offensive lines. Like his fellow rookie Onwuzurike, McNeill has had his fair share of struggles and has been inconsistent in both playing time and production.

Linebackers Derrick Barnes and Tavante Beckett

There’s an open starting role at inside linebacker for the Detroit Lions and Derrick Barnes has had many opportunities to earn it. Unfortunately, his play has just not been at that level and he lost out to Anthony Pittman last weekend against Seattle.

After taking some harsh criticism from his head coach, the rookie’s final performance of the season will be crucial to his career as a Detroit Lion.

Barnes should be the starter alongside Jalen Reeves-Maybin for this matchup, but the label won’t mean much as he will split his snaps with Pittman. As a run defender and pass-rusher, Barnes has shown plenty of promise. His struggles come when dropping into coverage, where he’s allowed 13 receptions for 153 yards and missed five tackles.

Tavante Beckett was called up from the practice squad once again, but will only see the field as a special teamer, if at all.

Defensive backs Ifeatu Melifonwu, AJ Parker, Mark Gilbert, and Brady Breeze

Melifonwu had a tough assignment last weekend and struggled to cover the Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf. The rookie cornerback easily allowed two touchdowns against him in the blowout loss. Now he’s up against the dynamic duo of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Melifonwu will start, but there isn’t much optimism about his ability to succeed in this situation.

Parker will be Detroit’s starting nickel corner as he has been for most of the season. Parker has shown flashes of potential, but at the end of the day is an undrafted rookie with a lot of room to grow.

Both Gilbert and Breeze have been better than expected while playing in limited roles on defense this season. The two will be core special teamers and provide meaningful depth should any more members of the3 secondary get hurt.

Kicker Riley Patterson

Patterson missed the first kick of his career last weekend but that shouldn’t discourage anyone. The rookie has been almost perfect in every aspect and has already proven to be reliable when his leg is needed. This game will be his final audition for the starting role for next season, so he will need to ensure he keeps up that same level of play.