Detroit Lions 3.0 53-player roster prediction

This is the third iteration of my screening of the Detroit Lions’ 53-player roster, and fans looking for more changes than we saw between my first and second posts will (probably?) Be happy with it. this update.

I should have noted this in my previous drafts, but my projections are based on what I think the organization will do as opposed to my personal preferences.

With that in mind, I didn’t think there was a lot of movement in the roster after their first preseason game, as the coaches were getting their first glimpse of the players in live action. But now, after the second preseason game, things seem to be working out and changes are likely on the horizon.

“There are guys who may have been left out and who have a chance to be part of this team. And then there are some that maybe everyone thought they were going to do and they won’t, “Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said at his press conference. post-game, by Chris Burke of The Athletic.

Let’s get started.

Note: Asterisks indicate recruits

Quarters (3)

Jared goff
Tim boyle
david blough

Changes: Blough IN

I’ve been on the verge of pressing that trigger for some time now and with the COVID-19 rules currently in place in the league, it makes sense to keep three options at the quarterback. Additionally, Boyle struggled through the preseason, and while the coaching staff clearly gave him every chance of winning the replacement job, Blough appeared to be the better option.

Running backs (4)

By André Swift
Jamaal williams
Jermar Jefferson *
Jason Cabinda (FB)
Dedrick Mills *
Godwin Igwebuike
Craig reynolds
Javon’s escape

Changes: none

Jefferson started in the last game with Swift and Williams at rest and I still think he has the inside track for RB3 work. Mills, Igwebuike and Reynolds are giving Jefferson a run for his money, but I think Mills – despite being the only one in the group not to score a touchdown this preseason – still has a slight advantage if they decide to keep an RB4.

Wide receivers (5)

Tyrell williams
Amon-Ra St. Brown *
Breshad Perriman
Kalif Raymond
Quintez Cephus
Tom kennedy
Victor bolden
Geronimo Allison
Damion ratley
Javon McKinley *
Surratt sage *
Darius jennings

Change: Bolden OUT

After lighting up the spring and the early parts of camp, Bolden has fallen out of favor for the past two weeks and turned down the depths chart. At this point Kennedy seems to have a clearer path to the roster, but even he faces an uphill battle with the addition of a third quarterback.

With two running backs catching passes and an elite tight end option, the Lions can afford to go lighter in a weaker positional group like the catcher.

Tight ends (3)

TJ Hockenson
Darren fells
Alize Mack
Brock Wright *

Changes: none

Mack and Wright continue to fight for TE3 but neither have taken the opportunity to lock the position. Lions coaches continue to put Mack on the field ahead of Wright, so he gets the green light for the job, but it’s still a wide open race.

Offensive tackles (4)

Taylor Decker – LT
Penei Sewell * – RT
Tyrell Crosby – OT3 / G Swing
Matt Nelson – OT4 / G Swing
Dan Skipper
Darrin paulo

Changes: none

If Crosby can’t regain his health before the first game, that could open the door for Skipper to land on the roster. To make that happen, here’s how it would likely work. Crosby is expected to be part of the initial 53-man squad and then be placed in the injured reserve. This would force him to miss (at least) the first three weeks of the season, but he would be eligible to return (Note: if he moved to IR before making the 53-man squad, he not be eligible for return). This move would create an open list space that could be used on Skipper.

Guards / Centers (5)

Frank Ragnow – C
Jonah Jackson – LG
Halapoulivaati Vaitai – RG
Logan Stenberg – reserve G
Evan Brown – Reserve C / G
Tommy Kraemer *
Evan heim

Changes: Evan Boehm at IR

If the Lions think Nelson can keep the OT3 reserve role and the Lions have chosen to take the IR route above with Crosby, that could open the door to adding an inside player in place of Skipper. . In that scenario, it could be an opportunity for Kraemer – or Stenberg if Kraemer defeats him, which is an unresolved battle.

Inside defensive line (7)

Michael brockers
Nick williams
Alim McNeill * (NT)
Da’Shawn Main
Levi Onwuzurike *
John’s penis (NT)
Kevin Fort
Jashon Cornell (suspended)
Bruce hector
Miles brown
PJ Johnson

Changes: Strong EN

Brockers veterans rest lingers, Williams got banged in his only practice since returning from the COVID-19 list, Onwuzurike works slowly due to a back injury in college, while Hand and Penisini are both currently injured. With injuries and plenty of talent to choose from, the Lions play it safe and open the season with seven defensive linemen.

Even though the Lions were healthier, Strong and Hector looked great in the preseason and each earned a legitimate chance to make the roster. I’m leaning Strong for a DL7 spot, but even if they only keep six defensive linemen, he could still make a run for Penisini. Hector could also, by the way. This group of positions continues to present difficult choices for Lions decision-makers.

EDGE (4)

Trey Flowers
Romeo Okwara
Julien okwara
Charles harris
Austin bryant
Robert mccray
Rachid berry

Changes: none

I’m still between Harris and Bryant but I don’t think there is room for both. Unfortunately, neither has separated from the other at this point.

Linebackers (4)

Jamie collins
Alex Anzalone
Derrick Barnes *
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Jahlani Tavai
Anthony pittman
Tavante Beckett *

Changes: Tavai OUT, Shaun Dion Hamilton to IR

With the additional defensive linemen added, the linebacker squad takes a hit, but after the two preseason performances it shouldn’t be surprising. Special teams are sure to come into play, which is why Reeves-Maybin lands the role of LB4 against Tavai, despite the two defensive struggles.

Coaches went out of their way to give Tavai opportunities, rave about his physical build and work ethic, but it just didn’t translate on the pitch. At all. Don’t be surprised if the Lions are currently buying Tavai, but if other teams have seen the Lions preseason games, his value likely won’t produce much in a trade.

Corners (7)

Jeff Okudah
Amani Oruwariye
Mike Ford (NB / CB)
Ifetu Melifonwu *
AJ Parker * (NB)
Nickell Robey-Coleman (NB)
Bobby Prize (DB)
Corn elderberry (NB)
Jerry Jacobs *

Changes: Parker IN, Elder OUT

What about the rise of AJ Parker? After being absolutely toasted outside in the first week of training camp, he moved inside and got better with every opportunity. Parker was arguably one of the Lions’ best players in the last game and not only does appear to have a solid shot at making the 53, but he might even be in line to start nickel.

A victim of the injury virus, Elder could be a priority option for the practice squad.

Safeties (4)

Tracy walker
Does Harris
Dean Marlowe
CJ Moore
Jalen Elliott
Alijah Holder

Changes: Bobby Price moved from security around the corner

For better or for worse, not much has changed here.

Special teams (3)

Jack fox

K Randy Bullock
K Zane Gonzalez

Matc Scott Daly

Changes: Daly IN, Don Muhlbach OUT

Gonzalez has been on the Lions roster for both preseason games, but has yet to attempt a field goal. It’s Bullock’s job to lose.

Daly is in charge after Muhl leaves (yes, it still hurts to write), and with no competition to speak of, it would be surprising if he didn’t make the 53-player roster.