This is the Detroit Lions predicted depth chart and 53-man roster as of right after the draft and before any undrafted free agent signings have been announced. Every year, the Detroit Lions usually keep one or two undrafted free agents on the active roster. At this time, this is my best prediction of the team that will hit the field week one for the Detroit Lions.
Note: Players with a strike through their name are not predicted to make the final 53-man roster\
3. Backfield
| QB |
RB |
FB |
| 1 |
9 Matthew Stafford |
1 |
?? Kerryon Johnson |
1 |
?? Nick Bawden |
| 2 |
14 Jake Rudock |
2 |
29 LeGarrette Blount |
|
|
| 3 |
8 Matt Cassel |
3 |
25 Theo Riddick |
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|
4 |
21 Ameer Abdullah |
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5 |
34 Zach Zenner |
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6 |
36 Dwayne Washington |
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7 |
38 Tion Green |
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- I am predicting that the Detroit Lions will keep only two Quarterbacks and they will be the same two that were on the roster to begin the 2017 season. Veteran Matt Cassel was brought in for not only a camp arm, but to challenge/tutor young backup Jake Rudock.
- The Detroit Lions invested two draft picks in their Running Back Corps and also made a signing on the free agent market. Former UDFA’s Zach Zenner and Tion Green will likely be cut due to their lack of explosiveness. Dwayne Washington has been a disappointment during his tenure in Detroit, however, expectations shouldn’t have been very high on him as a former seventh round pick. He will be cut as well. Ameer Abdullah will hold on to his roster spot as of now, but will likely be inactive if all other players are healthy.
- I expect Nick Bawden to have a UDFA or veteran brought in to challenge him in training camp if the team is serious about keeping a Fullback. However, Bawden is the odds on favorite to win the Fullback job, if they decide to keep one at all.
2. Wideouts
| WR1 |
WR2 |
WR3 |
TE |
| 1 |
11 Marvin Jones Jr. |
1 |
15 Golden Tate |
1 |
19 Kenny Golladay |
1 |
82 Luke Willson |
| 2 |
13 TJ Jones |
2 |
16 Jace Billingsley |
2 |
83 Dontez Ford |
2 |
80 Michael Roberts |
| 3 |
12 Bradley Marquez |
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|
3 |
17 Andy Jones |
3 |
87 Levine Toilolo |
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4 |
84 Hakeem Valles |
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5 |
85 Brandon Barnes |
- I fully expect the Detroit Lions to keep five Wide Receivers and three Tight Ends after final cuts. I however do not believe the fifth Receiver is on the roster right now and will be a veteran, late in camp signing, or a UDFA that thrives during training camp.
- The Detroit Lions will roll with the same core group of Wide Receivers that they did to start last year. Although I show Jace Billingsley making the final roster, I think he’s the odd man out when it comes to adding a veteran.
- The Detroit Lions lost two of their three Tight Ends from last season and are returning all of four receptions from the position for 2018. Free Agent signings Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo will make the final roster, Toilolo fulfilling the Blocking Tight End role occupied by Darren Fells in 2017. Michael Roberts will see his action increase, but will probably see split duty with Willson.
1. Offensive Line
| Left Tackle |
Left Guard |
Center |
Right Guard |
Right Tackle |
| 1 |
68 Taylor Decker |
1 |
60 Graham Glasgow |
1 |
?? Frank Ragnow |
1 |
76 T.J. Lang |
1 |
71 Rick Wagner |
| 2 |
70 Corey Robinson |
2 |
79 Kenny Wiggins |
2 |
73 Wesley Johnson |
2 |
66 Joe Dahl |
2 |
?? Tyrell Crosby |
| 3 |
72 Brian Mihalik |
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|
3 |
75 Leo Koloamatangi |
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3 |
74 Dan Skipper |
- The Detroit Lions invested heavily for a third consecutive off-season in the Offensive Line, again taking two draft picks, including their first rounder. This position group has no excuse to be anything but elite. Bob Quinn also added two veteran free agent depth pieces (Wiggins and Johnson) who will compete for jobs.
- I currently have the Lions keeping nine offensive lineman. The usual number is eight, with seven being active on game day.
- The starters are essentially set, with the only decision being between Graham Glasgow and Frank Ragnow. Who will line up at Center and who will line up at Left Guard?
- If the Lions decide only to keep eight Offensive Lineman to open the regular season, I expect Corey Robinson to be the odd man out. While he can play four of the five positions, he is the least expensive to release. I would say he is more talented than Kenny Wiggins, but the Lions made a 2-year commitment to Wiggins this off-season with guaranteed money. Cutting Wiggins in 2018 would result in $2.0 million in dead money.
- I fully expect that 2018 fifth round pick Tyrell Crosby will be the first off the bench in the case of any injury. Joe Dahl could challenge for the primary backup guard spot as well. Wiggins is your healthy scratch if all goes according to plan.
