New Lions arrival caught Dan Campbell's eye vs. Bengals

After taking a look back at the film, one recent Lions addition grabbed Dan Campbell's attention from Detroit's NFL preseason opener at the Cincinnati Bengals. Ryan Cooper Jr., a recent training camp signing, popped Cincinnati receiver Dohnte Meyers early in the fourth quarter on a pass from Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson. Cooper's hit knocked the football loose and prompted the red challenge flag from Campbell. The play was upheld as an incompletion, but Cooper's play stuck with coach Campbell. "One guy—I just bring it up because of the play that he made—you know, he just stepped in the door. It’s like, who is this guy? Cooper, you know, that was a hell of a hit he made over there. I know it was one play, but it’s like, I know who he is now. He got a ball out," Campbell said. Cooper spent the spring with the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL, registering 25 tackles, four pass breakups, one tackle for loss and one interception. An Oregon State product, Cooper has spent time on the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks' practice squads and in the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets' organizations. Cooper appeared in one game, logging six special teams snaps with the Ravens during Week 8 of the 2024 season against the Cleveland Browns. "But, there was a number of guys I thought played really well and it was good to see. I think more than anything, especially for the young guys, you just want to know it’s not too much for them. And for the guys that it is, OK, now let’s see how they respond. Was that a one-time deal? Or, it is a lot? But, it was good for the first outing," Campbell said of the Lions' preseason opener. For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: New Lions arrival caught Dan Campbell's eye vs. Bengals