The Detroit Lions have climbed to the top tier of the NFC, thanks largely to a strong foundation of drafted talent. Players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, and Penei Sewell have become key contributors, helping position the Lions as serious contenders for a title next season.

 Because of that strong draft foundation, Detroit hasn’t had to search far and wide for help. Still, when they do bring in new faces, it’s often hard for them to make the cut—leading one offseason acquisition to fall short of expectations during minicamp.

The Lions brought in Roy Lopez this offseason to boost their depth at defensive tackle. The interior line became a concern after Alim McNeill’s ACL injury last December, and with DJ Reader’s disappointing first year and Levi Onwuzurike’s unclear status due to upcoming free agency, depth was needed.

Lopez also came aboard with plans to eventually join the coaching ranks under Dan Campbell, though he had a real opportunity to contribute on the field as well. With good feedback from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, Lopez appeared to be a smart, low-risk addition.

But that opportunity has faded since Onwuzurike re-signed and the team further addressed the position by drafting Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams. Though McNeill is still recovering, it gives Lopez little margin to secure a spot, and so far, there’s been little buzz about the 27-year-old as minicamp nears.

Williams has missed time nursing a hamstring injury but is expected to be ready for training camp. Lopez might still make the cut if McNeill isn’t back by Week 1, but the chances of him making a real impact seem to be dwindling since his spring arrival.