By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s depth takes center stage as opportunity knocks in preseason opener
A Night for New Names to Shine
As the Detroit Lions gear up to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game this Thursday, most of the team’s regular season starters and top rookies will be watching from the sidelines. But for the next wave of hopefuls, this nationally televised showdown is more than just another preseason matchup—it’s a stage to prove they belong.
With first- and second-round picks Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge sitting out, along with the rest of Detroit’s starting lineup, the spotlight shifts to late-round selections and overlooked talents fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster. Among them, four breakout candidates have already begun turning heads in camp—and they’ll be worth watching when the lights come on in Canton.
1. Ahmed Hassanein – The Raw Rusher with Relentless Energy
A sixth-round pick out of Boise State, Ahmed Hassanein is a former soccer player turned edge rusher who’s making noise in camp with his athleticism and eagerness to learn. Despite his limited football background, Hassanein has already earned second-team reps and is quickly adapting to the NFL grind.
“He’s flying off the edge,” one coach reportedly said during a recent practice. His ability to bend around tackles and pressure the quarterback is exactly what Detroit wants to see against the Chargers. Keep your eyes on No. 61 when Trey Lance drops back—he could be the one crashing the pocket.
2. Isaac TeSlaa – The Physical Receiver Poised for a Leap
Drafted in the third round, Isaac TeSlaa came out of Arkansas with limited production but eye-catching tools. At 6-foot-4, with excellent catch radius and strength through contact, he’s a prototype possession receiver.
With Detroit’s top wideouts sitting this one out, TeSlaa should see significant action—and quarterback Hendon Hooker is likely to look his way often. This game could be his first real opportunity to show fans why the Lions bet on his upside. If he can find chemistry early, TeSlaa might go from “project” to “problem” for opposing defenses sooner than expected.
3. Kyle Allen – The Battle-Tested Backup
Don’t forget about Kyle Allen, the experienced veteran in the quarterback room. With 19 career starts to his name, Allen knows what it takes to command an NFL huddle. His competition with Hooker for the QB2 job is one of the more underrated camp storylines.
“Keep it simple. Move the chains. Don’t try to do too much,” Allen said when asked about his approach. With crisp reads and composure under pressure, he has a chance to remind everyone he’s more than just a camp arm.
4. Nick Whiteside – Underrated Corner Earning Quiet Praise
A recent addition from the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, Nick Whiteside has stepped into the cornerback rotation after the Lions waived Stantley Thomas-Oliver III. Whiteside brings a physical edge and veteran savvy from his time in spring football—and he’ll likely see extended snaps on Thursday night.
He’s a dark horse to watch in the secondary, especially as the Lions search for depth behind their starting corners. A solid performance in coverage could fast-track his case for a roster spot or practice squad invite.
A Sneak Peek Into Detroit’s Future
The Hall of Fame Game won’t reveal much about the Lions’ regular-season outlook—but it will be a telling moment for these four breakout candidates. Whether it’s a sack, a sideline grab, or a poised two-minute drill, performances on this preseason stage can reshape careers. Detroit’s stars might be resting, but the show must go on—and Thursday night, it belongs to the dreamers.