Rookie minicamp offers certain other players the chance to try out in addition to giving incoming rookies the chance to participate in their first NFL sessions. Two players who were tryouts at rookie minicamp were formally signed by the Detroit Lions on Monday. According to earlier rumors, tight end Parker Hesse and wide receiver Kaden Davis had both signed contracts to be included on the 90-man roster.
#Lions have signed WR Kaden Davis and TE Parker Hesse.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 13, 2024
In 2022, Davis did not receive a draft selection from Division II Northwest Missouri State. He played both on and off the practice squad for the Denver Broncos during his first campaign. With eight receptions and a touchdown in the preseason, he played for the Arizona Cardinals the previous season. For one regular season game, he was added to the Cardinals’ active roster (albeit he did not play).
In the interim, Davis participated in the 2023 USFL season with the Michigan Panthers. With 311 kickoff return yards in five games, he was the main return man for the Panthers. With more returns possible thanks to the NFL’s new kickoff regulation, the Lions might see his potential there.
Lions add two players after rookie minicamp tryouts
Over the last three seasons, Hesse has been part of the Atlanta Falcons, appearing in a total of 28 games and making 14 career catches for 132 yards. In 2022, he played in all 17 games, starting seven, and scored a touchdown against the Lions in a preseason match.
Initially entering the league as an undrafted free agent from Iowa in 2019, Hesse spent his first two years with theDetroi Tennessee Titans. Despite not fitting the typical mold of an “Iowa tight end” due to his background as a linebacker and defensive lineman in college, the Titans transitioned him to the offensive side of the ball. There might be some potential for him to contribute on defense as well.
While Hesse’s skill set leans towards that of a fullback, the Lions have uncertainties in their tight end depth chart beyond Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. Like Davis, he presents enough intrigue to warrant a closer evaluation following rookie minicamp.