Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions have three preseason games in the books after previously facing off against the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, and, most recently, the Miami Dolphins. That means it’s time for another installment of our 53-man roster projection.
As has become tradition, Jeremy Reisman and I collaborate on this projection in an attempt to give you a balanced look at where the roster sits coming out of the summer break. We come together to debate the roster, fight for our favorites, and compromise when possible. We will publish updated collaborative editions of the 53-man projection throughout training camp. Then, at cutdowns, we will each publish our own projections.
Let’s get started.
Note: An asterisk (*) denotes the player is a rookie
Jared Goff
Kyle Allen
Hendon Hooker
Jeremy:
Dan Campbell ensured there was no question about who the current leader for the backup job is, but now the question is whether the Lions will keep Hooker around as a third. The best case I can make for it is that he’s still on a cost-controlled rookie contract, and I’m not putting further development out of the question. However, this is a championship-level ballclub right now, and roster spots are too valuable. Keeping only two quarterbacks likely means adding one after cutdowns, because Hooker is unlikely to clear waivers. A brand-new practice squad QB is far from ideal, but it’s the hand Detroit has been given.
Jahmyr Gibbs
David Montgomery
Craig Reynolds
Sione Vaki
Jacob Saylors
Deon Jackson
Erik:
With Vaki returning from a hamstring injury and shining in the preseason game against the Dolphins, he likely put to rest any lingering thoughts of the Lions needing to make adjustments to this group. The top four backs look set, and the final preseason game against the Falcons will likely focus on Saylors and Jackson battling for a spot on the practice squad.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Jameson Williams
Tim Patrick
Kalif Raymond
Isaac TeSlaa*
Jackson Meeks*
Dominic Lovett*
Tom Kennedy
Ronnie Bell
Jakobie Keeney-James*
Malik Taylor
Jeremy:
Jackson Meeks has done everything right to earn a spot. He’s been productive, he blocks his ass off, he plays special teams, and per Dan Campbell, he’s “improved every day, every week.”
Erik and I debated for a long time whether Meeks had become WR6 or if he had warranted keeping a seventh receiver. While I was initially against the idea, Lovett is Detroit’s best option to back up Kalif Raymond for both this year and the future. With a shortened offseason due to injury, I think the Lions will want to keep Lovett around to see his development through. In the meantime, he can still contribute on special teams.
Meeks could also make an argument for Patrick’s spot, but we think Brad Holmes will value the experience and trustworthiness Patrick brings.
Sam LaPorta
Brock Wright
Shane Zylstra
Zach Horton*
Steven Stilianos
Gunnar Oakes
Erik:
One of the positions...
