BobbyLayne
Footballguy
MLive's projected final 53:
Kyle Meinke's 53-man roster projection
Quarterbacks (3) -- Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Kellen Moore
Change: None
Analysis: There's been a lot of speculation about whether the Lions will carry a third quarterback, given some of the injuries that have popped up at other positions. But at the end of the day, I think Detroit feels most comfortable with three guys in that room and isn't willing to give up on Moore just months after inking him to a two-year deal that guaranteed him more money than Orlovsky.
Tailbacks (5) -- Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner, Michael Burton
Out: George Winn, Emil Igwenagu
Change: None
Analysis: Only two of Zenner's seven first-half carries gained positive yardage against Buffalo. He finished with 10 carries and just 21 yards for the game. But his roster spot should still be safe. His struggles -- just like anyone else who tried to carry the football, or throw it -- were a product of terrible offensive line play. The bottom line is this: Zenner would never make it to the practice squad, and the Lions aren't prepared to lose him. So he should have no problem sticking as the fourth tailback.
Receivers (5) -- Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Corey Fuller, Lance Moore, Jeremy Ross
Out: TJ Jones, Greg Salas
Change: None
Analysis: I gave Jones strong consideration, just like I suspect the Lions will. He has higher upside than Jeremy Ross as a receiver, and there's a possibility he won't make it to the practice squad. But you must also consider that most of his production came against second- and third-stringers.
Tight ends (3) -- Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Timothy Wright
Out: Joseph Fauria, Casey Pierce
Change: Wright in/ Fauria out
Analysis: I always thought Fauria would be on the ropes if the Lions had a viable alternative. But they never did -- until this week. Detroit traded for Wright, and I think it did so intending to keep him. Why else acquire him, knowing you wouldn't get much of a look at him before cut day? Wright does a lot of the same things as Fauria, as a pass-catching tight end who can work out of the slot or split out wide. But unlike Fauria, he can play the whole field and doesn't have an injury issues. Fauria's ankle has bothered him longer than anyone expected, and there are fears it could pose future problems as well.
Offensive line (8) -- Riley Reiff, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Larry Warford, Cornelius Lucas, Manny Ramirez, LaAdrian Waddle, Taylor Boggs
Out: Corey Robinson, Xavier Proctor, Al Bond, Torrian Wilson, Braxton Cave
Change: None.
Analysis: Larry Warford's high ankle sprain is the only uncertainty at this position. If it lingers, Detroit could carry a guy like Boggs to bolster the depth. Boggs has impressed coaches enough, he might make the 53 regardless.
Defensive line (10) -- Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp, Phillip Hunt, Haloti Ngata, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker, Gabe Wright, Jermelle Cudjo
Out: Larry Webster, Corey Wootten, Kerry Hyder, Jerel Worthy
Change: None
Analysis: The Lions wanted Larry Webster to step up this offseason, with George Johnson out of the picture. But he has not been extant as a pass-rusher, both in practices and games. Phillip Hunt, meantime, continues to produce. That includes another sack against Buffalo. Here's betting Detroit cuts its losses with Webster, a boom-or-bust guy who is looking more like the latter all the time.
Linebackers (6) -- DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes, Kyle Van Noy, Travis Lewis
Out: Brandon Copeland, Julian Stanford
Change: None
Analysis: Copeland is a tough cut, because he's shown a lot of versatility as a pass-rusher. But he and Hunt can't both make it, and Hunt provides the Lions with a little more depth at a position that needs it with Webster not working out.
Defensive backs (10) -- Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Josh Wilson, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, Alex Carter, Glover Quin, James Ihedigbo, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Don Carey
Out: Crezdon Butler, Isaiah Johnson, Nate Ness, Brian Suite
Change: None
Analysis: Carter's stubborn ankle injury could force Detroit to roll 10-deep at cornerback. The only variable is whether he gets put on injured reserve, possibly with a designation to return. That would cost Carter at least half the season, but also free up a roster spot (although not until next week, when that list becomes available).
Specialists (3) -- Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach
Out: None.
Change: None
Analysis: Don Muhlbach. Rinse. Repeat.
Justin Rogers' 53-man roster projection
Quarterbacks (3) -- Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Kellen Moore
Out: None
Change: None
Analysis: Injury concerns on both the offensive and defensive lines could force the Lions' hand with Moore, but I have to believe the fourth-year quarterback showed enough in the preseason finale -- completing 16 of 22 passes behind a patchwork offensive line -- to justify another year of development.
Offensive line (8) -- Riley Reiff, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Larry Warford, LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas, Manny Ramirez, Taylor Boggs
Out: Corey Robinson, Xavier Proctor, Al Bond, Braxton Cave, Torrian Wilson, Joe Madsen
Change: Robinson out
Change: None
Analysis: My prediction hinges on Larry Warford's health. If he's good to go for Week 1, the Lions are more likely to keep a fourth tackle (Robinson) and let Boggs go, despite a quality preseason performance.
Running backs (5) -- Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Michael Burton, Zach Zenner
Out: George Winn, Emil Igwenagu
Analysis: Zenner didn't have a strong finish to the preseason, but that can largely be blamed on poor blocking up front. He was hit in the backfield almost every time he touched the ball against Buffalo. Fortunately for him, he did enough in the first three exhibition contests to earn his spot.
Tight ends (3) -- Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Tim Wright
Out: Casey Pierce, Deon Butler, Joseph Fauria
Change: Fauria out/Wright in
Analysis: I have a difficult time suggesting the Lions let Fauria go with no compensation, but it takes two to tango when it comes to making a trade. The Lions have long had their eye on Wright, and even though they gave up little to get him, the acquisition was made with a purpose.
Wide receivers (5) -- Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Lance Moore, Corey Fuller, Jeremy Ross
Out: TJ Jones, Greg Salas
Change: None
Analysis: Jones made a strong bid for a job, and it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Lions ultimately choose to go that direction, but his preseason performances came against a lower level of competition and should be viewed through that lens.
Defensive line (10) -- Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp, Phillip Hunt, Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker, Caraun Reid, Gabe Wright, Jermelle Cudjo
Out: Corey Wootton, Larry Webster, Jerel Worthy, Kerry Hyder, Roy Philon
Change: Cudjo in
Analysis: The Lions could get away with carrying just four defensive ends, but how do you justify cutting Hunt? He's been the team's best pass rusher this preseason. As for Cudjo, he also shined in the preseason, and with Reid not likely to be ready for the opener, Detroit will need to carry an extra interior lineman.
Linebackers (6) -- DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Bynes, Travis Lewis
Out: Julian Stanford, Brandon Copeland
Change: None
Analysis: Van Noy played and played well in the preseason finale, alleviating concerns he could need another IR stint. Bynes and Lewis have positional flexibility and offer plenty of special teams. Stanford is right in the mix as well.
Defensive backs (10) -- Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Alex Carter, Nevin Lawson, Josh Wilson, Quandre Diggs, Glover Quin, James Ihedigbo, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Don Carey
Out: Crezdon Butler, Jocquel Skinner, Nate Ness, Isaiah Johnson and Brian Suite
Change: None
Analysis: Nevin Lawson struggled during the preseason with his physicality leading to penalties, but you can see the potential just in his proximity to the receiver when the ball arrives. Isaiah Johnson is a no-brainer for the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Specialists (3) -- Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach
Out: None
Change: None
Analysis: Well, there are no other options on the roster.
each other. If behind, panic and try and come back in the last minute.
