By Moses Joshua 
Why wide receiver Jackson Meeks could be Detroit’s surprise breakout this summer
A Stacked Roster with Room for One More Story
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season as one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. Their 2024 campaign saw dominance across both sides of the ball, and if not for a wave of late-season injuries, it’s fair to wonder if they would’ve battled the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship.
One glaring vulnerability was the pass rush, which suffered after star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson went down with a fractured fibula. Detroit addressed that void by drafting Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams, but on the other side of the ball, another quiet move may pay huge dividends—this time at wide receiver.
Enter Jackson Meeks: The Lions’ Undrafted “Dawg”
Among the Lions’ haul of undrafted free agents, one name stands out: Jackson Meeks. The former Georgia and Syracuse receiver may not have had the fanfare of a Day 1 or Day 2 pick, but his film and physicality tell a different story.
Described as a “dawg who will do anything to help his team win,” Meeks brings a gritty, blue-collar mentality that head coach Dan Campbell famously reveres. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Meeks has the frame to compete with NFL defensive backs—and he doesn’t back down. He caught 78 passes for 1,021 yards and seven touchdowns in his lone season at Syracuse, after barely being used at Georgia.
Most impressively, he recorded 21 contested catches in 2024—second-most in the entire FBS. That kind of toughness and concentration in traffic makes him an ideal weapon for quarterback Jared Goff, especially on third downs and in red zone situations.
Betting on Work Ethic and Grit
Meeks lacks elite speed, which explains his absence from the draft board. But Detroit still made a clear financial statement by giving him a $200,000 guarantee, a rare sum for an undrafted player.
That investment suggests something bigger than just a camp body. The Lions see something. Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have built a culture around heart, grit, and unselfish play. Meeks—who scratched and clawed his way from obscurity to Syracuse standout—fits that mold perfectly.
Other UDFA Names to Watch
While Meeks is the most likely to crack the 53-man roster, the Lions’ undrafted class features other intriguing names. Running back Kye Robichaux (Boston College), tight end Caden Prieskorn (Ole Miss), safety Ian Kennelly (Grand Valley State), and edge rusher Keith Cooper (Houston) are all legitimate candidates for the practice squad or more.
Final Word
In a league built on parity and precision, players like Jackson Meeks don’t just slip through the cracks—they smash through expectations. His mindset, physicality, and tape speak volumes, and he’s already earned the attention of Detroit’s staff and quarterback.
If Meeks keeps doing what he’s always done—fight, catch, and compete—there’s little doubt he’ll be more than just a camp story. He could be the next undrafted gem to shine under the Motor City lights.