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Detroit Lions: 5 Returning Players With Roster Spots in Doubt

By Zac Snyder

Sep 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions strong safety Don Carey (26) leads the team onto the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions beat the Bills 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions strong safety Don Carey (26) leads the team onto the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions beat the Bills 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2015; Chandler
Oct 30, 2015; Chandler /

3. Brandon Copeland

Most players in this list find themselves in situations that hurt their chances of making the roster but that’s not necessarily the case for Brandon Copeland. He is now officially listed as a defensive end after being listed as an outside linebacker last season and the move should help Copeland’s chances to stay on the 53-man roster.

Defensive end is an area that wasn’t heavily addressed in free agency or the draft but there will be competition for Copeland to face nonetheless. Ziggy Ansah isn’t going anywhere and Devin Taylor can be penciled in as the starter opposite him. Wallace Gilberry gives the Lions a veteran presence in the rotation and 2016 draft pick Anthony Zettel projects as a defensive end in the Lions system.

If you take those four as givens, which may or may not be correct, that leaves Copeland on the outside looking in.

Copeland’s biggest contributions were on special teams but he could get squeezed out there too. While a little smaller than Copeland, rookies Antwione Williams and Miles Killebrew are 2016 draft picks expected to contribute on special teams early as they develop into the defensive rotation.

Next: Number 2

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