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Detroit Lions’ early 53-man roster projections: Quarterback

By Forrester Solmen

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 28: A helmet for the Detroit Lions sits on the sidelines during the second half of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on August 28, 2014 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Michael Adamucci/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 28: A helmet for the Detroit Lions sits on the sidelines during the second half of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on August 28, 2014 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Michael Adamucci/Getty Images) /
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No surprises here, but a lot is riding on the health of this position to keep the 2017 season afloat. The Detroit Lions are one injury from being in serious trouble.

Currently, quarterback is the easiest position to project on the Detroit Lions’ roster. It’s the most insecure position outside of their starter. The Lions are taking a huge risk moving forward with the backups they have.

IN

No doubts about who the starter and backup will be. Both quarterbacks are the most experienced on the roster and the only ones returning from last years’ squad.

Matthew Stafford

Atop the list is Stafford. No question he is the starter, and is expected be the highest paid player in the NFL. He is a top 10 quarterback and is anticipated to ascend even higher this season.

Jake Rudock

The backup at this point is Rudock and it’s not even close. Mostly a practice squad player the year before, he enters 2017 having spent a full year learning the Lions’ offense. Only problem is he has never played a single down in the regular season.

Essentially, the former sixth round pick out of the University of Michigan in last years’ draft will be a rookie all over again after redshirting his first season in the league. Adding some much-needed muscle to his 6-foot-3, 205 pound frame in the offseason only helped his cause. By all accounts, the backup spot is one that doesn’t provide a ton of security.

OUT

Being a rookie is never easy, especially being one taken in the sixth round. A lot will have to change in order for the Lions to carry three quarterbacks on the roster.

Brad Kaaya

Up until this point, Kaaya has been nothing but practice squad material. He set all sorts of records at the University of Miami (FL.) during his three years on campus so he does deserve some consideration for the backup job.

Next: NFC North Position Rankings - Safeties

The former Hurricane could storm his way on the roster, but that is highly unlikely to happen this season. The rookie has limited arm strength and athleticism, something the top two quarterbacks are not lacking. It’s looking like he needs a redshirt year to acclimate himself to the NFL.

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