Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason showcased a fresh wave of rookies proving their fantasy upside via elite PFF grades. Andrew Mukuba dominated the safety grade leaderboard with a 95.7 overall mark after a 75-yard pick-six and a fumble recovery, plus a 94.2 coverage grade. Jackson Meeks flashed out wide for Detroit, snagging seven targets for 93 yards and a touchdown while operating as a zone-coverage mismatch. A handful of other first-year standouts joined them in the top 10, including Josh Priebe, Makari Paige, and Efton Chism III, who posted strong multielement performances in pass protection, run-blocking, and target efficiency. The list spans positions from guard to linebacker to receiver, all logging at least 25 snaps to qualify, underscoring how quickly rookies are earning roles and how PFF grades can translate into real fantasy value.

These Week 2 performances helped to sharpen a clearer picture of true rookie potential for 2025 fantasy drafts. Mukuba’s ball skills and instant impact in Cleveland pale beside Meeks’s consistent target volume and big-play ability for Detroit. The others—Priebe, Paige, Chism III, Clark, Wease, Harris, Campbell and Mascarenas-Arnold—demonstrated a mix of immediate contributions and development curves that fantasy managers should monitor. With the Commanders-Bengals game still on the slate for grading release, the rookie landscape remains dynamic, and these graded showings give a concrete basis for rostering or fading in early fantasy lineups.

Jackson Meeks is turning heads for Detroit in their preseason Week 2 clash with Miami. Undrafted and signed by the Lions, Meeks snagged an 11-yard TD on a clutch 4th down in the second, and he danced through a 27-yard middle grab before halftime, pairing with Kyle Allen on several early connections. His speed and reliable handssthe kind of playmaking spark that can push him into the 2025 roster mix. Detroit’s coaching staff will be watching this surge closely as camp narrows.

Meeks’ early chemistry with Allen hints at a potential late-season role if top receivers are limited or when injuries crop up. The Lions will value a quicker, versatile option who can contribute in the red zone and stretch the field. While this is preseason, the performance provides a concrete blueprint for his training-camp momentum and a real shot at earning a depth role and fantasy relevance if he sticks on the final roster.

Detroit’s 17-10 win over Atlanta in the preseason produced a strong grade sheet from Pro Football Focus, with Kyle Allen leading the offense at 86.5 and Ronnie Bell, Jackson Meeks each cracking 83+ as reliable playmakers. Kingsley Eguakun joined the top group up front, while Morice Norris’ injury pause drew attention to the team’s health depth. On defense, Nate Lynn led the way with an elite 89.9, Zach Cunningham at 86.5 and Rock Ya-Sin at 78.1, complemented by Nick Whiteside at 84.6 and Trevor Nowaske at 75.2. The bottom five on offense featured Kayode Awosika, Mason Miller, Kenny Yeboah, Giovanni Manu and Shane Zylstra, while the defense sank with Chris Smith, Isaac Ukwu, Mitchell Agude, Erick Hallett and Ezekiel Turner. Overall tops were Lynn, Allen, Cunningham, Whiteside and Meeks, and the top units highlighted Tackling, Pass Game, Receiving, Offense and Coverage in that order. The night also included a scare for Norris, who later received a positive update, underlining the real stakes of the showcase. This grading snapshot helps fantasy managers gauge depth and potential breakout players from Detroit’s sophomore-heavy depth chart.

The Detroit Lions' rookie minicamp is approaching, and while the focus is primarily on the drafted players, undrafted free agents (UDFAs) will also be vying for attention. The challenge this year is significant; due to a more stacked roster after the draft, competition for a spot on the 53-man roster will be fierce. Last year's UDFAs like Isaiah Williams and Loren Strickland made the team, but those opportunities are fewer this year. Among the hopefuls is Caden Prieskorn, a tight end from Ole Miss, who showcases size and catching ability, alongside Jackson Meeks, a wide receiver known for his possession skills and special teams contributions. Mason Miller, an offensive lineman, and running back Anthony Tyus also bring unique attributes that could make them valuable additions.

Prieskorn, who transitioned from quarterback, offers potential with his 6-foot-5 frame and receiving skills, while Meeks, a solid special teams performer, is looking to leverage family connections (as Za'Darius Smith's nephew) to his advantage. Miller's experience under the Lions' new tight ends coach might give him an edge, whereas Tyus's powerful running style could secure him a practice squad role. Overall, it's a make-or-break moment for these undrafted players as they begin their NFL journeys.