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Throughout training camp and preseason, two Detroit Lions defenders in particular stood out as potential pass rushers who could make the 53-man roster. Mitchell Agude and Isaac Ukwu each impressed enough to merit serious consideration to make the team.
Ultimately, neither Agude nor Ukwu landed on the active roster. Both have spent the season thus far on Detroit’s practice squad. Based on how head coach Dan Campbell talked them up in a press conference, it sure sounds like Agude and Ukwu are still competing hard to get playing time.
“Yeah, I think both of them very nicely,” Campbell said on Friday. “I think both of those guys because they’ve been here the longest. Talk about these D-ends, edge guys, and both of those guys have done a really good job for us and honestly, I would have no problem playing either one of those guys if we need them.”
Agude is now in his second season in Detroit. He’s played both EDGE and also some SAM backer, and the latter role has a need for depth with the loss of starter Derrick Barnes. Ukwu, an undrafted rookie from Ole Miss, offers speed and bend on the edge–something the team lacks opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
We might not see them in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, but it’s good to hear Campbell remains high on both Agude and Ukwu.