Two former UFL St. Louis Battlehawks are making a strong case for a spot on the Detroit Lions roster. Battlehawks’ cornerback Nick Whiteside and All-UFL running back Jacob Saylors both looked impressive in the Lions-Falcons game Friday night.
However, the individual player highlights were almost forgotten following the horrific collision early in the 4th quarter that resulted in Lions safety Morice Norris being taken off the field by ambulance. The remainder of the game was suspended as the teams allowed the clock to run out. Thankfully, Norris avoided any serious lasting injury and is already back at the Lions’ practice in concussion protocol.
Nick Whiteside -Cornerback
At 6’1” and 200 lbs., Whiteside previously played in the NFL. He signed with the Washington Commanders as a UDFA in 2023 before signing with St. Louis earlier this year.
After signing with the Lions only days earlier, the Auburn Hills, Michigan native appeared briefly in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game, where he recorded one tackle. In the Falcons game, Whiteside played a total of 16 snaps, with 9 on special teams. He recorded two tackles and one pass defense. PFF.com gave him an 84.6 grade, which was the highest grade awarded to the unit.
In addition, Whiteside is impressing the Lions coaching staff with his energy and dedication. Soaking up the instruction he receives from Passing Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach, Deshea Townsend, Whiteside is taking advantage of every opportunity.
His effort and enthusiasm haven’t gone unnoticed. Dan Campbell praised him on Monday at the press conference. Describing him as a sponge, he enthused, “…I like Whiteside, man. Just the fact that he comes in, he competes, he’s a pro. He jumps into every drill, even if he’s not supposed to be in there; he wants it, and he’s a sponge, and he likes to compete. Are there things he’s got to get better at? Yeah, of course he does, but he just got here too, so there’s something to work with here. You know, Deshea (Townsend) is doing a great job with him, too.
Assuming that Whiteside continues to perform, he has a good chance to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. Following the season-ending injury to second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw and the current PUP status of Khalil Dorsey, there is a solid opportunity backing up veterans D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and second-year standout Terrion Arnold. At the very least, Whiteside’s obvious hunger and willingness to improve should secure him a spot on the practice squad to start the season.
Jacob Saylors -Running Back
The most prolific running back in the UFL, Saylors, poses a threat both as a rusher and pass catcher. He led the league in 2024 as the highest-ranked non-quarterback scorer with 54 points. The Two-time All-UFL Team running back rushed for 499 yards and five touchdowns last season. In addition, he had another 245 yards on 22 catches.
In college at East Tennessee State, the talented 5’10” 199 lb. standout appeared in 51 games, recording 3,851 rushing yards on 608 carries with 33 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 91 passes for 781 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Saylors is no stranger to the NFL. Signed by the New York Giants immediately following the end of the UFL inaugural season, Saylors was one of the first UFL players recruited. Although he was later released by the Giants, Saylors went on to have brief stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.
On Friday night, Saylors played a total of 17 snaps, including one on special teams. Rushing for 35 yards on nine carries, he added another 14 yards receiving. If given the ball, Saylors is the type of player to make things happen. While he faces an uphill battle to make the Lions roster in an overcrowded running backs unit, featuring the elite talents of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Saylors is still a player worth rostering.
His competition includes Lions’ veteran Craig Reynolds and second-year talent Sione Vaki. He also faces competition from DC Defenders running back Deon Jackson, who was just signed by Detroit on August 10th.
Reynolds has been the primary ball carrier this preseason, with utility man Vaki especially well suited to special teams. Vaki played both defense and wide receiver in college, as well as running back. However, he is currently on the PUP list, which may open a spot for Saylors.
Saylors has the benefit of working with a supremely talented running backs coach in Tashard Choice. He is the man who coached Gibbs in college at Georgia Tech. Saylors also has the benefit of having an advocate in Bruce Gradkowski, the Lions’ Special Offensive Assistant. The former offensive coordinator for the Battlehawks, Gradkowski, is well acquainted with Saylors’ talent and the value he brings.
It’s always a long shot for a UDFA talent to make a team’s 53-man roster. However, Campbell and the Lions have already benefited from signing former Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates last year. For Whiteside and Saylors, there’s no better landing spot in the NFL. They have an opportunity to play for one of the premier teams in the league if they make the Lions roster.
