The Detroit Lions wrapped up their three-day mandatory minicamp last week and the sessions saw some players stand out, which has created a few changes in our 53-man roster projection.
Of course, it's important to note that nobody should put too much stock into this part of the offseason, as the final roster decisions will be made based on what happens at training camp when the pads come on.
However, to shake things up a bit, we're going to base our latest projection on what went on during minicamp last week by favoring those players who stood out the most.
Using that method, we have three new additions to our 53-man projection after our pre-minicamp version. New additions are denoted by an asterisk, and rookies are in bold.
Lions 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Jared Goff
Backup: Hendon Hooker
Analysis: Hooker had an up-and-down minicamp and there's clearly still work to be done here, but he's going to make the roster. Nate Sudfeld's place on the initial 53-man roster will depend upon how much trust Detroit has in its second-year signal-caller, who is basically a rookie after a lost first season.
Running back (4)
Starters: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery
Backups: Sione Vaki, Craig Reynolds
Analysis: The only change here is moving Vaki up one in the pecking order. While the rest of the backup running back options have been quiet, Vaki has stood out in practice as a pass-catcher and is making the case for RB3 on the depth chart.
Wide receiver (6):
Starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond
Backups: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Antoine Green, Kaden Davis*
Analysis: As we stated earlier, this projection is based on who stood out the most during minicamp, and Davis certainly qualifies after being listed on two of our biggest standouts articles. Davis record multiple touchdowns and displayed impressive hands with some nice catches over the three-day event.
Who was replaced: Tre'Quan Smith
Tight end (3)
Starter: Sam LaPorta
Backups: Brock Wright, James Mitchell
Analysis: Things have been quiet at tight end this offseason, so nothing has changed here since our last projection. LaPorta and Wright are roster locks but Mitchell's spot is anything but secure. Carrying a fourth here is possible, also.
Offensive line (10)
Starters: LT Taylor Decker, LG Kevin Zeitler, C Frank Ragnow, RG Graham Glasgow, RT Penei Sewell
Backups: OT Dan Skipper, G/T Colby Sorsdal, OT Giovanni Manu, G Christian Mahogany, G Kayode Awosika
Analysis: News about the offensive line was sparse during minicamp, thus we did not see enough to make any changes here. We still have the Lions carrying 10 because of the inexperience of some of the depth options.
Interior defensive line (5)
Starters: D.J. Reader, Alim McNeill
Backups: Levi Onwuzurike, Brodric Martin, Mekhi Wingo
Analysis: Another position that goes unchanged. It is important to note, however, that Onwuzurike was one of the bigger standouts at minicamp after notching a handful of pressures/sacks over the course of the three days. Head coach Dan Campbell gave Onwuzurike a shoutout, as well.
Edge rusher (5)
Starters: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport
Backups: John Cominsky, Josh Paschal, James Houston
Analysis: Nothing new here other than to say that Paschal had a standout day on Day 2 and received a shoutout from Campbell for his work this offseason.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell
Backups: Derrick Barnes, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Malcolm Rodriguez
Analysis: This stellar group remains unchanged. Campbell did have an excellent showing, though.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch (slot)
Backups: Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khalil Dorsey*
Analysis: Dorsey was one of the bigger standouts at minicamp thanks to the pair of pick-sixes he recorded on back-to-back days. Unfortunately, his camp was cut short due to an ankle injury that is thankfully not considered serious.
Who was replaced: Emmanuel Moseley
Safety (4)
Starters: Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu
Backups: Brandon Joseph, C.J. Moore
Analysis: Brandon Joseph certainly wasn't perfect but he did get some praise from Campbell and notched an interception during an 11-on-11 drill on Day 1. He was expected to make the roster before that, but he only strengthened his case.
Specialists (3)
Starters: K James Turner*, P Jack Fox, LS Scott Daly
Analysis: Things have heated up in the kicker competition after Turner got the best of Michael Badgley during one of the sessions. By all accounts, we haven't seen Badgley get the better of the rookie yet, so the Michigan product is in a great position to grab the job ahead of training camp.
That said, things are about to get interesting if the Lions can sign UFL star kicker Jake Bates, who the team has reportedly requested a visit with.
Who was replaced: Michael Badgley
