Ask any Lions fan how much they care about the preseason and they will point you to the 2008 4-0 preseason record. While it sure left a bad taste in the mouth, the preseason is our first glimpse of the offseason acquisitions and overall look at the new roster. Coming off an impressive finish to the 2015 season, the Lions have filled holes, rearranged some roles, and brought in young explosive talent that look to make their names known in the four short games. Lets take a peak at five Detroit Lions who can be preseason studs and improve their resume for the 53 man roster.

1. Dwayne Washington, RB #12

Drafted in the 7th round, Washington flew under the radar at UW but possesses a big play ability that is quite unique. Clocking a 4.44 40 yard dash, 21 reps of 225lbs, and a 37 inch vertical, Washington possesses excellent athleticism and sprinter speed. Did I mention he is 6ft2 and 220lbs? A former receiver who made the switch the running back, Washington has huge big play ability and great hands out of the back field. With home run potential every touch look for him to make a few flashes of that speed and even line up out in the slot. Production is a down side as he isn’t a bell cow back and college left him with some injury problems, but he can be a gadget back for Jim Bob Cooter who loves utilizing his backs out of the back field.

2. Jay Lee, WR #14

The UDFA WR from Baylor put up excellent numbers along side 1st round selection Corey Coleman. Lee had 758 yards on 38 receptions as well as 8 touchdowns at Baylor in 2015. Fighting for the 5th WR spot, Lee has great size/speed with a big frame which will be valuable on those third down slant routes. He is a great hands catcher who high points the ball extremely well. At 6ft1 he isn’t quite Megatron size in stature but he does have red zone value and is comfortable in pass heavy offenses.

3. Miles Killebrew, SS #35

Killebrew brings the “it” factor in terms of run stopping safeties. A box safety who is not only a bowling ball of muscle, but an excellent form tackler who hits with authority. Decent enough in coverage, look for Killebrew to open some eyes as he lays some hits down on crossing receivers and make a statement in the run game. I’m expecting the type of hype Duke Ihenacho had in the Denver preseason a few years back…though no one will here will understand that comparison so lets just go with “hits really hard”.

4. Brandon Copeland, DE #95

Copeland made an impact last season on special teams, but lacks the coverage ability to be a 4-3 Linebacker. This offseason Copeland made the change to DE where he will contribute as a pass rusher. With a lanky frame at 6ft3 Copeland can really apply his strengths here and exploit those second string lineman. While I see Copeland as a reserve pass rusher and special teamer, the 25 year old is slimmer and faster than when he left Penn University and could grab a couple of sacks in the preseason if he plays well.

5. Cole Wick, TE #89

The TE #2 spot is wide open. Tim Wright is on IR, Pettigrew is coming off his third major injury, Orson Charles was signed this June but only has 9 career receptions. Meanwhile, Cole Wick has already made his impact at camp. The big guy listed at 6ft6 has solid explosion with a 36 inch vertical and has been praised already for his catching ability in camp. The UDFA will have to adjust to the size and speed difference of the NFL, but it can’t hurt that he is already taking first team snaps and turning heads. Finding consistency at the TE position is of high priority as even Ebron himself has struggled in his first two seasons. The Jim Bob Cooter offense relies on those TE Bunch formations and Wick/Ebron could make for a dangerous red zone duo.