The beauty of the preseason is the different backstories for each player that is fighting for their spot on the 53-man roster of an NFL team. From first-round draft picks to undrafted rookies, there’s so much intrigue with it all.
For the Detroit Lions, there have been a few intriguing names that have stood out for the team. But currently, nobody has been grabbing more attention than undrafted rookie Chase Cota. He’s a 6-foot-4, 200-pound wide receiver out of Oregon. Prior to posting 36 receptions for 497 yards with the Ducks, Cota played at UCLA for four seasons.
His father, Chad, played at Oregon and was in the NFL from 1995 to 2002 with the Panthers, Rams, Colts and Saints. Also, Chase is first cousins with his Lions teammate Brady Breeze.
Nate Sudfeld to Chase Cota puts the Lions on the board
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For Chase Cota, he’s taken advantage of every chance he’s been given so far for the Detroit Lions. In the first preseason game, he was the most productive Lions player on offense with 4 receptions for 60 yards against the Giants. He was tied for the team lead with 7 targets in that game.
In week two of the preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cota saw his production totals slip from where they were a week ago. However, he still was able to produce a touchdown and he had an impressive 28-yard punt return after the Jaguars opening drive stalled due to a holding penalty. More importantly, Cota is seeing the field more than just about any receiver on the roster.
Looking at the graphic above from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Cota played 17 snaps, and he had 11 routes run. As you can see, the only player who had more snaps than him at receiver was 7th-round pick Antoine Green. Regardless, the consecutive weeks of production is a promising sign for the undrafted receiver out of Oregon.
During training camp, head coach Dan Campbell has been asked frequently about the wide receiver room in Detroit. He’s been very upfront about anyone and everyone in that room. He’s even said, “the wide receiver room is wide open. If you want a spot, go get it.”
Players such as Dylan Drummond, Trinity Benson and Chase Cota have all been players that have been named as guys that can go get a spot. After two weeks of the preseason, Lions fans may want to get familiar with Cota. He’s continued to impress from offense to special teams. He’ll get one last chance this Friday against the Carolina Panthers to earn his spot on the Lions’ 53-man roster. No matter the outcome, it sure looks like Chase Cota is taking advantage of every opportunity he’s gotten with the Detroit Lions.
