The Detroit Lions took yet another step closer to final cuts and the start of the 2024 season after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in preseason Week 2. They will play their final preseason contest on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With two preseason games in the books, it's time to take a look at an updated 53-man roster projection for the Lions that is based on what we've seen over the course of the offseason and first two preseason games.
But bear in mind, things can definitely change between now and Tuesday, Aug. 27, when teams cut their rosters down to 53. For now, here's how we project things to shake out in Detroit.
Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction
Quarterbacks (2)
Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker
Hooker has been the better quarterback over Nate Sudfeld through the first two preseason games. It's possible the Lions keep Sudfeld, anyway, but Hooker has done enough thus far to be Goff's backup. Sudfeld would be a candidate for the practice squad if cut.
Running backs (4)
David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Vaki has shown impressive versatility over the first two preseason games, with the rookie shining as a pass-catcher and rusher. Reynolds has been quiet in exhibition play, but his history with the team secures him a spot. The only question here is if Gibbs will recover from his injury in time for Week 1. That is expected to be the case, though.
Wide receivers (6)
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Isaiah Williams, Kaden Davis
Head coach Dan Campbell said Williams might face a roadblock in making the initial 53-man roster because he's a slot receiver, but the rookie has been the best of the bunch among the team's depth options in preseason play and deserves a spot.
Peoples-Jones has been mostly disappointing but offers veteran depth and another option on the boundary. Davis rounds out the group after imrpessing in practice and making a big play in preseason Week 2, but he's nowhere near a lock.
It's very possible the Lions add someone before the start of the season, and they probably should.
Tight ends (4)
Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, James Mitchell
I'm fairly confident in the first three, but Mitchell hasn't done much this offseason to lock himself in. Don't be surprised if Parker Hesse, who has stood out in practice and offers a blocking option at the position, crashes this group and leaves Mitchell without a roster spot.
Offensive linemen (10)
Taylor Decker, Kevin Zeitler, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Penei Sewell, Dan Skipper, Jamarco Jones, Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu, Christian Mahogany
After missing so much time due to an illness, Mahogany is in danger of not making the roster, but we'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now. The Lions carry 10 here because of the uncertainty surrounding both Manu and Mahogany, neither of whom are guaranteed to contribute anything in Year 1.
Sorsdal and Jones offer inside/outside versatility, and Skipper is the top backup at tackle. Kayode Awosika is someone to keep an eye on to take the place of either Mahogany, Jones or Sorsdal.
Interior defensive linemen (5)
Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Kyle Peko, Brodric Martin
Onwuzurike has been having an outstanding offseason and is in line to have a top depth role. Peko has worked with the first-team defense over Martin in practice, putting him on track to make the cut. Martin has shown flashes during the preseason, though. Reader remains a question mark for Week 1.
Edge rushers (4)
Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, James Houston
Not a ton of depth with just four being kept, which is particularly troublesome with Davenport's injury history. However, the Lions have been giving Onwuzurike reps at defensive end, so he could serve as a backup there. Undrafted free agent Isaac Ukwu could make the cut if the Lions carry a fifth here.
Linebackers (5)
Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
No surprises here. Anzalone and Campbell will be the starters, and Barnes will play when Detroit needs a third. Rodriguez is a quality backup, and Reeves-Maybin is a special teams stud.
Cornerback (6)
Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey, Kindle Vildor
The Lions may carry Moseley on the initial 53-man roster before placing him on injured reserve so he can return later this season. Dorsey was excellent in preseason Week 2 and Vildor benefits from Moseley's injury.
I expect Davis and Arnold to man the boundary spots, and Robertson to be the primary slot corner with Brian Branch moving to safety. Rakestraw will be the Lions' top backup option on the outside and in the slot.
Safeties (4)
Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph
With Branch expected to play more safety, the Lions can carry four here. But it wouldn't be shocking if C.J. Moore is kept for special teams purposes.
Specialists (3)
Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Scott Daly
Bates has come on strong of late after struggling a bit in training camp. It's his job to lose, as the Lions still haven't added any form of competition after Michael Badgley's injury. Fox and Daly are locked-in.
