Despite the fact that the Detroit Lions have until Tuesday, August 26 at 4 p.m. EST to determine their final 53-man roster, there are several conclusions that can be drawn regarding the team’s future course of action following another preseason defeat.
The Lions were defeated by the Houston Texans in their final preseason contest, with a final score of 26-7. Kyle Allen and Isaac TeSlaa scored the sole goal of the day. The offense, which was primarily guided by Hendon Hooker after the first quarter, was unable to generate any offense against the Texans’ pass rush.
Furthermore, it was akin to yanking teeth to secure stops against the Texans. The Lions’ “on the bubble” EDGE players, such as Mitchell Agude and Isaac Ukwu, did not demonstrate enough to merit an additional examination prior to roster reductions. Additionally, the Miami Dolphins’ secondary was unable to prevent the ball from reaching them, resulting in a dearth of pass breakups.
The final game was relatively unremarkable in anticipation of these significant roster reductions; however, it served to resolve numerous inquiries regarding players who were genuinely a 50-50 proposition for Detroit prior to the roster deadline. The presence of an asterisk next to a player’s name in this prediction denotes that they are a novice.
Prediction of the 53-man roster in the wake of the Lions’ final preseason game Quarterbacks (2)
Jared Goff
Kyle Allen
In contrast, this was the third game in a succession that Hooker was completely outmatched by Allen, marking his inability to purchase yards. Allen had five touchdowns and no turnovers in his last three preseason games, while Hooker had three interceptions and zero touchdowns during the same period. This is a stark statistic.
The team genuinely believed that this would be the year in which Hooker would finally earn the QB2 role, particularly after a healthy training camp and preseason. Therefore, it is always difficult to announce that the 3rd round pick’s tenure ends. Instead, Allen thoroughly outplayed him, and Hooker is currently under consideration for termination.
Jackson Meeks also manages to secure a position over his fellow freshman, Dominic Lovett, in this instance. Meeks will serve as a gunner alongside Kalif Raymond to commence the year. If Lovett is available, anticipate that he will immediately join the practice squad.
Four running backs
Jahmyr Gibbs
David Montgomery
Craig Reynolds
Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki is included in this list; however, Jacob Saylors is a running back who would not be unexpected to reach the final roster. The former UFL product had an exceptional preseason, accumulating 80 yards on 24 total carries.
It is evident that he possesses explosiveness in his back pocket; however, his inability to refrain from racing directly into defenders at times hindered him.
However, Vaki should be awarded that position instead of him. The Lions must evaluate the potential of their 2024 fourth-round pick when he is fully recovered. He is a reliable running back in the fourth position, following Craig Reynolds, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Tight extremities (3)
Brock Wright Sam LaPorta
Shane Zylstra
The Lions were unable to maintain their present TE1 through TE3 order due to a lack of sufficient production from either Steven Stilianos or Gunnar Oakes. LaPorta will resume his position as the leader of his group, while Wright and Zylstra will provide the room with a strong depth of blocking.
Line that is offensive (10)
Penei Sewell
Taylor Decker
Graham Glasgow Tate Ratledge*
Christian Mahogany
Dan Skipper
Giovanni Manu Netane Muti
Jamarco Jones
Kayode Awosika
Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Tate Ratledge, Graham Glasgow, and Christian Mahogany comprise the Lions’ starting line, which remains formidable in spite of the absence of Frank Ragnow. Nevertheless, Giovanni Muti and Dan Skipper, their understudies, have demonstrated exceptional performance in preseason and training camp.
EDGE (4)
Aidan Hutchinson
Marcus Davenport
Al-Quadin Muhammad Nate Lynn
It appears that Hutchinson and Davenport have performed exceptionally well in training camp, despite the fact that they did not experience any burns during the preseason. During the game against the Texans, the Lions’ broadcast crew discussed Davenport’s commitment to improving his durability this offseason. This is advantageous for Hutchinson, who is in search of reliable assistance in the pass rush.
Detroit’s most effective EDGE players during their preseason matchup with the Texans were Al-Quadin Muhammed and Nate Lynn, as anticipated. They were able to collaborate on a single sack during the competition, and they both appeared to possess a significant amount of energy in comparison to the other members of the chamber.
Line of defense (5)
Tyleik Williams* Keith Cooper Jr.* Roy Lopez
Pat O’Connor
As an additional 2023 draft decision who is still competing for a position with Detroit, Brodric Martin was required to perform exceptionally during the preseason and training camp in order to guarantee his status on this roster. Regrettably, his performance was inadequate. He has adopted a relaxed stance during this year’s camp; however, newcomer Keith Cooper Jr. has significantly outperformed him.
Linebackers: six
Alex Anzalone
Jack Campbell
Derrick Barnes
Grant Stuard
Zachary Cunningham
Anthony Pittman
No disappointments here, with the exception of Nowaske’s potential absence from the Lions’ linebacker room. Anzalone is currently in action following a peculiarly minuscule modification to his contract with the Lions. Campbell has been designated as the defense’s commander, and Barnes returns as one of Detroit’s more underrated defenders.
Cornerbacks (6)
Territory Arnold Amik Robertson
D.J. Reed
Nick Whiteside ** Rock Ya-Sin Kahlil Dorsey
This represents the point at which matters become perplexing. Luq Barcoo and Tyson Russell, despite their impressive preseasons, are sacrificed in order to create room for Kahlil Dorsey, Rock Ya-Sin, and Nick Whiteside on the depth chart. These are reliable substitutes for the mainstays, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and D.J. Reed. This chamber is difficult to allocate due to the exceptional talent that has been demonstrated in both the preseason and this year’s camp.
After contracting with the team from the XFL this offseason, Whiteside makes the cut, which is why the double asterisk is present.
Safety (4)
Kerby Joseph
Brian Branch Ian Kennelly*
Avonte Maddox
Ian Kennelly is added to the Lions’ final roster as a final touch to one of their most compelling narratives from training camp. The Michigan native made his debut in two preseason contests and recorded a total of 11 tackles. He has been absorbing as much information as possible from veterans Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, and his appearance has improved as camp has progressed.
In this scenario, he surpasses Loren Strickland and Erick Hallett.
(3) Specialized squads
Jake Bates
Jack Fox Hogan Hatten
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