Detroit Lions: For some, roster bubble is about to pop

Linebacker

Jarrad Davis, Tahir Whitehead, Antwione Williams, Paul Worrilow, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin will all make the 53 man roster. Davis was the Lions first round pick in 2017. He will start at middle linebacker. Whitehead was the team’s leading tackler in 2016, and has thrived in a move to the weak side linebacker position. Williams and Worrilow may be jockeying for a starting spot all season on the strong side. Worrilow will be the team’s primary back up at both strong and weak side linebacker if he loses out.

Jalen Reeves Maybin has been electric in his ability to stop screens dead in their tracks. He will undoubtedly get an opportunity in nickel situations as the year goes on. He may be the team’s best coverage linebacker as a rookie.

On the Detroit Lions roster bubble at linebacker are Steve Longa and Nick Bellore. Longa has seen reps higher up the depth chart on defense than Bellore, occasionally spelling Williams with the ones, and Worrilow with the twos. Bellore is the special teams ace of the pair though, and capable of backing up more positions on defense.

Neither player is one that you would like to see getting extended snaps on defense. They are always in the frame, if not making the tackle, on kick coverage. They may prove themselves more valuable than the final few players at weaker position groups on the Lions roster.

Specialists

Sam Martin, Don Mulbach, and Matt Prater will be on he Detroit Lions roster. All three are pro bowl level performers and there is no danger to their jobs. Kasey Redfern is making a strong case to be on someone’s roster though. Redfern has shown NFL ability, and will also make the 53 man roster if Sam Martin’s ankle injury keeps him out of action for week one or longer.

Next: An early look at the Lions week one opponents

The Lions fourth preseason game is unlikely to feature many of the team’s starters. Unless the coaches feel that a player needs some reps against their opponent’s back ups as a confidence booster, they rarely play. These players on the Detroit Lions roster bubble are the ones fighting for their professional lives tonight. Whether they make it here, or are picked up somewhere else, this is the game where they get to show what they can do.