By Blessing 
As the Detroit Lions gear up for the start of training camp this weekend, the team has officially finalized a wave of roster moves.
On Friday afternoon, the Lions took to social media to confirm the signing of rookie offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, effectively filling out their roster ahead of camp. This announcement came after a string of adjustments, including placing nine players on injury lists and parting ways with undrafted rookie running back Anthony Tyus.
To compensate for the roster shake-up, Detroit made three fresh additions. The team brought in running back Jabari Small, along with two defensive backs—one of whom adds valuable veteran experience to the secondary.
That veteran is DiCaprio Bootle, a 27-year-old defensive back who brings championship pedigree with him. A former standout at Nebraska, Bootle joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and later earned a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning roster in 2022. Since then, he’s also spent time with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers.
Bootle’s scouting profile sheds light on what he brings to the table. According to the league’s official site:
“Bootle has played outside as a three-year starter but will need to prove himself inside for a chance to play in the league. He has good speed and is fluid enough to compete in man coverage on the first two levels. He’s more effective from press than off-man coverage but becomes a target once he is matched up with size down the field. He lacks the length and size for jump-ball situations but has the footwork and aggression to make it tough on 50-50 catches underneath. His speed and athleticism give him a shot even if he goes undrafted, but scheme fit will matter.”
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With these latest signings, the Lions have now filled 91 roster spots, taking advantage of an extra spot granted through the International Player Pathway program, which applies to offensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein.
With camp just around the corner, the roster is now set—and the competition is about to heat up in Detroit.