The time for football is nearly here, and Detroit Lions fans are looking closely at their roster.
While some fans are hyped on Adrian Hutchinson, there are other players to look at as well.
The 2022 season won’t be just about the rookies the Lions got in the NFL Draft.
It will be about who can prove they are worthy of a roster spot with their exceptional play in the preseason.
So which three players should people watch during the preseason on the Lions roster?
3. Adrian Hutchinson
The second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is clearly a player to watch during preseason.
While many fans are high on him, he could easily be a bust with the team.
He only had one wonderful season at Michigan University, opposite David Ojabo.
Some NFL fans feel it was Ojabo who made Hutchinson look good last year with Michigan.
This is why David Ojabo is better then Aidan Hutchinson… https://t.co/qzEowS9vHK via @YouTube new video out y’all!!
— Big Play Slay (@HawaAda99881197) July 9, 2022
His injury from 2020 and his inconsistency at Michigan are reasons to worry about him.
That’s what makes him a player that fans should look at during preseason, as he could show he’s not ready for the NFL.
It will also show if maybe he’s made improvements with his flaws, which he needs to do to make it in the NFL.
2. D’Andre Swift
This third-year running back from the University of Georgia is the best back the team’s had since Barry Sanders.
While he isn’t the next Sanders, he can give the team some 100 rushing yard games.
In fact, he was the fourth 100-yard rusher for the Lions since 2013.
Swift is the Lions 4th 100 yard rusher since Thanksgiving 2013
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) October 18, 2020
Last season he had two 100+ yard games, something the Lions have seen little of over the years since Sanders left.
However, injuries have been a part of his career that has hampered him and his on-field talent.
A groin injury during training camp last year would keep him on the injury report during the 2021 preseason.
So seeing if he is healthy going into and throughout the preseason will show if he’s game ready this season.
That’s what puts him number two on this list of players to watch in preseason for the Lions.
1. DJ Chark
DJ Chark has some big shoes to fill as he’s set to be the top receiver going into the 2022 season.
With former great Calvin Johnson as the last great receiver in Detroit, those shoes might be difficult to fill.
However, the preseason will give Lions fans a look into what they are getting with Chark.
Detroit got him after the Jacksonville Jaguars let him go during the 2022 NFL offseason.
But what makes him someone to look at is how he’ll perform after coming off a season-ending injury.
The 2021 season saw him fracture his ankle in week four, ending his season and his chance of having a good season.
With injuries being a major issue with him since coming to the NFL, his health is one thing to look at.
However, with him only having one 1,000-yard season under his belt, most will look to see if he can produce in 2022.
