Detroit Lions Roster Projection: All Of The Linemen

As the Detroit Lions prepare for the preseason, here is a look at what the Week One 53-man roster might look like.

With the preseason about a month away, it is not too early to start looking at what the 53-man roster might look like for the Detroit Lions come Week One.

This projection is one of three from us at Detroit Jock City as Zac Snyder and Erik Schlitt have their own ideas, all of which we will be discussing in a fourth post in a couple of days. You can read Zac’s prediction here and Erik’s prediction here.

This projection is based on the current roster and does not include any potential signings that might occur between now and the season. Italics indicate that I think the player is a lock for the 53-man roster, and any player named in parenthesis is a potential practice squad selection.

Quarterback (2)

Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, (Jake Rudock)

The only question at quarterback is whether or not sixth-round pick Jake Rudock makes the 53-man roster or ends up on the practice squad. He seems like a likely candidate for the practice squad, especially because Stafford’s durability is not a question mark, so carrying a third quarterback is probably unnecessary.

Running Back/Fullback (5)

Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Michael Burton, Stevan Ridley, Zach Zenner, (Dwayne Washington)

Ridley and Zenner will square off for the role of power back. I think they will both make the roster, although more for lack of depth at the position than for any other reason. Seventh-round rookie Dwayne Washington will likely end up on the practice squad.

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Wide Receiver (5)

Outside receivers: Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Jay Lee, (Corey Fuller, Quinshad Davis)

Slot receivers: TJ Jones, Jeremy Kerley

Jeremy Kerley and Andre Roberts will duke it out for the last slot receiver position. I’m giving the nod to Kerley right now, as the Lions seem more invested in him, but it should be close. UDFA Jay Lee seems to be more popular than Corey Fuller in camp, so I think the Lions give him a shot and try to put Fuller on the practice squad. UDFA Quinshad Davis might make the practice squad as well. Of course, the Lions also hosted Anquan Boldin a few weeks ago, so if the Lions signed him, that would change a lot.

Tight End (3)

Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Cole Wick

Ebron and Pettigrew are both locks at this point, despite Ebron’s intermittent struggles and Pettigrew’s injuries. UDFA Wick has impressed in camp and seems to have the inside track for the number three spot. Matthew Mulligan is still in the conversation as a blocking tight end, depending on Pettigrew’s health.

Offensive Line (9)

Taylor Decker, Riley Reiff, Larry Warford, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Graham Glasgow, Geoff Schwartz, Michael Ola, Joe Dahl, (Chase Farris)

The Lions return four of last year’s starters on the offensive line in 2016 and added four more over the weekend of the draft. Fifth-round rookie Joe Dahl’s versatility will land him a spot while developmental UDFA Chase Farris, who has been guaranteed $20,000, seems like a good choice for the practice squad.