Latest news with #TimTwentyman
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Lions UDFA taking first-team reps at training camp
Detroit Lions UDFA taking first-team reps at training camp originally appeared on The Sporting News The Detroit Lions are continuing training camp as they prepare for their second preseason game versus the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, and one undrafted free agent is standing out. According to Tim Twentyman of undrafted free agent defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. has had an impressive camp and has a legitimate shot of making the 53-man roster. Cooper has been taking first-teams reps at practice and has the versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive line. "Keep an eye on rookie defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. out of Houston," Twentyman wrote. "He's gone from tryout player to getting some first-team reps along Detroit's defensive front." "He's lined up at just about every position along the defensive line during camp and has made his fair share of plays. Detroit loves versatile players and Cooper's versatility could ultimately land him a job on the on the initial 53-man roster out of camp." Cooper played three seasons at Tulane from 2021 to 2023 before transferring to Houston for his senior season in 2024. In his four-year college career, Cooper tallied 14 sacks and played multiple positions, including defensive tackle, outside linebacker, and edge rusher. During the Lions' Hall of Fame game loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last Thursday, Cooper posted two tackles and two defensive stops in 38 defensive snaps. Due to his versatility and size at 6-foot-5 and nearly 300 pounds, Cooper has a solid chance of making Detroit's roster and earning some playing time on special teams. The 22-year-old could also eventually find his way into the defensive line rotation, as the unit could use extra depth. MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS Detroit Lions draft pick threatening to take struggling veteran's role Teddy Bridgewater career timeline: How Buccaneers become latest team on veteran QB's lengthy NFL resume Lions no longer have Teddy Bridgewater as fallback option for backup quarterback
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lions' Sneaky Offseason Addition Could Fix Biggest Weakness on Defense
Lions' Sneaky Offseason Addition Could Fix Biggest Weakness on Defense originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Detroit Lions fell to the Washington Commanders in the playoffs last season after their secondary was decimated by injuries, including the in-game loss of Amik Robertson, who shut down Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson the previous game. Advertisement The Lions' secondary's lack of depth and experience have come back to bite the team several years running as the franchise always seems to lose its secondary's key cogs at unexpected times, culminating in last season's disaster. On Wednesday, Lions insider Tim Twentyman spoke of a player who could help Detroit to shore up and put an end to what has been its biggest weaknesses for several years running. Deshea Townsend of the Lions. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Twentyman shared big faith in the Lions' secondary trio of DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold and Robertson, adding that offseason free agent signing Avonte Maddox, who came over from the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles, could make a big difference in the team's play throughout the season. Advertisement "Maddox will enter camp as the backup nickel and No. 3 safety, and it's comforting to know the Lions have some veteran experience in a backup role at each spot," Twentyman added to "It's a veteran (secondary) group with versatility and experience. It's one of the position groups I expect to see big gains from in 2025." Maddox stands 5 feet, 9 inches and weighs 184 pounds, giving him the type of size usually reserved for nickelbacks. A 2018 fourth round draft pick (#125 overall) from the Pittsburgh Panthers, Maddox had 20 total tackles last season and broke up 5 passes for Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker's team in Philly. Advertisement His best season came in 2021 when he compiled 73 tackles and forced two fumbles with the Eagles while playing in 16 games with the NFC East Division team. Related: Jared Goff Admits he Felt 'Betrayed' by Sean McVay, Rams After Trade to Lions This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
