Kenny Yeboah's Unexpected Edge: Why the Lions’ Most Overlooked Veteran Might Just Lock Up a Roster Spot
When training camp rolls around, most eyes will be locked on the big names—the flashy rookies, the star veterans, and the key position battles. But while everyone’s watching the spotlight positions, tight end Kenny Yeboah might be quietly carving his path to the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster. He’s not the sexiest name on the depth chart, but make no mistake: this guy might just snag that TE3 spot when all is said and done.
Let’s be real—Yeboah isn’t going to wow you with crazy receiving numbers. In fact, even in college, his stats were more about impact than volume. After transferring from Temple to Ole Miss for his final season in 2020, he put up just 27 catches—but six of those went for touchdowns. That kind of efficiency turned a few heads and hinted at his red-zone potential.
👉 Key Takeaway: Yeboah doesn’t need a ton of touches to make a statement.
What separates Yeboah from the pack right now isn’t necessarily his hands or his route running—it’s what he brings on special teams. That might not get fans fired up, but in the NFL, special teams contributions can make or break a guy’s roster chances. Just ask Parker Hesse, who made the team last year in large part because he excelled in that overlooked but crucial phase of the game.
Yeboah has already played 33 games over four years with the New York Jets—a nice chunk of experience for someone still fighting for depth chart footing. But in those appearances, he only logged nine catches on 15 targets, covering just over 300 offensive snaps. He wasn’t exactly stretching the field or racking up fantasy points. Still, he was doing the dirty work—and coaches notice that.
📌 Underrated Skill Set: Run-blocking, inline stability, and head-down hustle.
Now, before you assume the third tight end spot is automatically his, let's be clear—the competition is legit. Shane Zylstra, for one, brings a whole different flavor to the table. He’s more athletic, more agile in the slot, and has been in Detroit’s offensive system for the past four seasons. If the coaching staff prioritizes familiarity and receiving upside, Zylstra might get the nod.
There’s also Zach Horton, the undrafted rookie from James Madison and Indiana. He’s got the quick first step and more experience operating from the slot—traits that make him an intriguing long-shot. He's the kind of guy who could pop in the preseason if he finds chemistry with the backup QBs.
🆚 Position Battle Alert: Yeboah vs. Zylstra vs. Horton for TE3.
And still—Yeboah just might have the upper hand. His experience in special teams gives him a solid edge in a competition that, let’s face it, won’t be won in the stat sheet. With the Lions leaning toward special teams value at the TE3 slot—like they did with Hesse—it wouldn’t be surprising at all if Yeboah emerges as the guy they trust to grind out key blocks and chip in where needed.
The TE3 role in Detroit isn’t about flashy plays—it’s about utility. If you can block, contribute on special teams, and catch a pass or two without blowing an assignment, you’re golden. And Yeboah checks those boxes with calm consistency.
It’s worth mentioning that Yeboah’s college journey wasn’t exactly conventional. He played four seasons at Temple, then transferred to Ole Miss for his final collegiate year. The difference in production between the two schools was eye-opening. At Temple, he was a role player. At Ole Miss, he started showing flashes of something more—especially in the red zone. That 2020 season proved he wasn’t just a run blocker who occasionally chipped out to the flat.
🎯 2020 Breakout: 27 catches, 6 touchdowns at Ole Miss.
And even though his NFL career so far hasn’t mirrored that production, there’s something to be said for surviving four seasons in the league while under the radar. It’s hard enough to make an NFL roster. Sticking around—especially when you’re not putting up gaudy numbers—shows you’re doing something right behind the scenes.
One of the biggest misconceptions with Yeboah is that he’s just a body at tight end. In reality, he’s an inline blocker with high football IQ who’s carved out a role thanks to effort, versatility, and dependability. That kind of role player doesn’t grab headlines, but it’s exactly what teams like the Lions need when depth starts to matter midway through the season.
💪 Physical Profile: 6'4", 250 lbs. – built for the grind.
Detroit is clearly not lacking receiving tight ends. Between Sam LaPorta’s emergence as TE1 and Zylstra’s ability to play off coverage in space, they’ve got the aerial side handled. That opens the door for someone like Yeboah to make the team by doing all the non-glamorous stuff—like covering punts, sealing the edge on stretch runs, or being the emergency check-down guy on 3rd-and-forever.
And guess what? That’s exactly the kind of guy Dan Campbell—former tight end himself—loves to coach.
If you're trying to make predictions ahead of Lions training camp, don’t be surprised if Yeboah emerges as a quiet camp standout. He’s not going to make the highlight reel every day, but by the end of August, the coaching staff might look around and say, “You know what? We trust Kenny.”
🚨 Prediction: If special teams matter most, Yeboah makes the roster.
In a room where flashier players might be battling it out for highlight-worthy reps, Yeboah’s grinding, team-first mentality could be exactly what earns him a helmet on Sundays this fall.
So while fans debate the ceiling of LaPorta or the upside of Zylstra, keep an eye on the guy just doing the work. Kenny Yeboah may not be the story now—but come Week 1, don’t be shocked if he’s the one still standing.
✅ Summary Highlights:
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Yeboah played 4 seasons with the Jets, totaling 33 games.
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He’s a strong inline blocker with special teams experience.
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Had a 2020 college breakout year at Ole Miss: 27 catches, 6 TDs.
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Faces stiff competition from Zylstra and Horton for TE3.
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Special teams could be the key to locking in his roster spot.
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