Lions plug roster openings, signing two corners and a running back
Allen Park — After Thursday’s injury updates, the Detroit Lions found themselves with three open roster spots. The team plugged those holes a day later, signing cornerbacks Tyson Russell and DiCaprio Bootle, as well as running back Jabari Small.
Russell, the son of a former NFL linebacker, participated in Detroit’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. The 5-foot-10, 184-pounder went undrafted out of Vanderbilt after appearing in 44 games for the school across the past four seasons.
Russell primarily played out wide for the Commodores and contributed on multiple special teams units. During his college career, he tallied 92 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception. During the pre-draft process, he showcased above-average athleticism, particularly his easy acceleration during the 40-yard dash, where he posted elite 10- and 20-yard splits for the position.
Bootle is a more experienced defensive back, entering the league in 2021 after going undrafted out of the University of Nebraska. He’s appeared in 21 games for the Chiefs, Panthers and Chargers the past four seasons, including a pair of starts in Carolina during the 2023 campaign.
The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder has logged more snaps outside than in the slot, but has experience playing both alignments. And like Russell, Bootle has seen action with multiple special teams groups.
Small rounds out Detroit’s backfield depth chart after the team waived injured rookie Anthony Tyus on Thursday. Undrafted out of the University of Tennessee last year, Small stayed in state, spending his rookie season on the Titans’ practice squad.
In four seasons with the Volunteers, Small racked up 2,369 yards from scrimmage, averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored 26 touchdowns. Measuring in at 5-foot-8, 198 pounds during the pre-draft process in 2024, he posted strong results in the vertical jump and the 10-yard split of his 40-yard dash.
I need DiCaprio Bootle to make the team. My enjoyment will be elevated if the announcers say his name.
Small is interesting. Not that he is going to challenge for a roster spot and even a PS spot is a long shot, it's more about what kind of runner he is and why they would want him.
With the ages of Montgomery and Reynolds it makes sense they want to be taking a look at young power runners, but that's not Small, he is more in the Gibbs and Vaki lane and those two are not going anywhere any time soon. This says they like what they have seen in the power runner Kye so far, he might have a PS spot locked up.
But what Small can give you are some practice reps testing the LB depth in coverage.
90-man roster construction is much more than just finding players that can challenge for spots. You want to develop players and developing LBs coverage skills is pretty critical for this team.