Detroit Lions Roster Prediction: More Defense than Offense
By Erik Schlitt
Detroit Jock City Senior Staff Writer Erik Schlitt makes his 53-man roster prediction for the Detroit Lions 2016 season.
This Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction is one of three prediction pieces on Detroit Jock City this morning. Site co-editor Zac Snyder and senior staff writer Colton Wesley, each have written their own take on the Lions roster.
Be sure to check back later this week, as we will be discussing the differences in our predictions and posting the results.
Quarterbacks (2): Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky. (Cut: Jake Rudock)
With the depth on this roster, I see the Lions only carrying two quarterbacks this season. Ruddock’s value this year will be in the film room and I think the Lions can safely pass him through waivers so that he’ll end up on their practice squad.
Running backs (5): Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner, Mike Burton, Stevan Ridley. (Cut: Dwayne Washington, George Winn)
How healthy is Ridley? If the ACL is still lingering Washington has the upside to take his spot.
Wide Receivers (5): Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, TJ Jones, Jeremy Kerley, Jay Lee. (Cut: Andre Roberts, Corey Fuller, Andre Caldwell, Jace Billingsley, Ryan Spadola, Damian Copeland, Quinshad Davis)
The Lions could easily carry six receivers based on recent quotes from Bob Quinn, but I think versatility at other offensive skill positions allows them to only carry five guys. If they do keep a sixth receiver I’d give the edge to Andre Roberts, who will be pushing Kerley for a roster spot regardless.
Tight Ends (3): Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Cole Wick. (Cut: Matthew Mulligan, Orson Charles, Adam Fuhene, Ben McCord)
The fact that Quinn didn’t address this position in the draft or free agency tells me that the Lions have confidence that Pettigrew will be ready for the season.
Offensive Line (9): Taylor Decker, Riley Reiff, Larry Warford, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Graham Glasgow, Geoff Schwartz, Joe Dahl, Michael Ola. (Cut: Cornelius Lucas, Corey Robinson, Chase Farris, Gabe Ikard)
Versatility is key here as all four reserves can play multiple roles which gives them the edge over guys with limited range or experience.
Defensive Line (10): Haloti Ngata, A’Shawn Robinson, Tyrunn Walker, Caraun Reid, Stefan Charles, Ezekiel Ansah, Devin Taylor, Wallace Gilberry, Anthony Zettel, Brandon Copeland. (Cut: Gabe Wright, Khyri Thornton, Deonte Gibson, Kerry Hyder, Louis Palmer)
Even with a large amount of defensive linemen kept on the roster, Gabe Wright still finds himself on the outs for me. Still practice squad eligible, I think Wright could benefit from another year of development.
Linebackers (6): DeAndre Levy, Tahir Whitehead, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Bynes, Antwione Williams, Jon Bostic. (Cut: Zaviar Gooden, Jerry Franklin, Khaseem Greene)
There was a reason Quinn traded for Bostic, so I see him having an edge to land on the roster, but he is the player I have the least amount of confidence in placing on my roster.
Defensive Backs (10): Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, Alex Carter, Darrin Walls, John Bademosi, Glover Quin, Rafael Bush, Miles Killebrew, Tavon Wilson. (Cut: Isaiah Johnson, Don Carey, Crezdon Butler, Adairius Barnes, Ian Wells, Charles Washington, Keith Lewis)
If Bostic doesn’t make the team, Isaiah Wilson is the most likely candidate to take his spot. Walls holds off Butler for me, but I could also see them flipping roles.
Specialists (3): Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Jimmy Landes. (Cut: Don Muhlbach, Devon Bell)
I doubt Muhlbach beats out Landes after Quinn used a draft pick on him, but I’m not entirely ruling it out just yet.
Next: Check out Zac Snyder's 53-man roster prediction
Be sure to read Zac’s and Colton’s prediction posts and look for our discussion piece later this week.