Is Tom Kennedy the Dark Horse in Detroit’s WR Room? Coaches Are Taking Notice

He’s flown under the radar for years — but that might be about to change.

Tom Kennedy, the unassuming wide receiver who's bounced on and off the Lions roster, is suddenly turning heads again at training camp. With a receiver room packed with young talent and big names, few expected Kennedy to make waves… but that’s exactly what he’s doing.

In recent practices, Kennedy has become a quiet standout, consistently hauling in contested catches and finding soft spots in coverage. During red zone drills this week, he caught back-to-back touchdowns, drawing a rare smile and fist pump from Head Coach Dan Campbell.

One Lions assistant coach reportedly said:
“Every year we test him — and every year, he answers. He’s just tough to cut.”

What’s fueling the Kennedy buzz?

• Sharp, precise route running that’s giving DBs trouble

• Strong chemistry with backup QBs, especially in hurry-up drills

• Veteran presence and mental toughness that coaches trust

As roster battles heat up, Tom Kennedy isn’t just hanging around — he’s forcing the conversation. With his performance trending upward, the question becomes:

Is Detroit ready to give the underdog his moment — or risk losing him to another team?