Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Prediction: Kellen Moore Misses the Cut
By Zac Snyder
Aug 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the huddle in the first quarter of a preseason game against the New York Jets at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions will have some difficult decisions to make later in training camp when cuts start having to be made. However, the first preseason game helped to bring some clarity to the situation. Here is my attempt at constructing the Lions 53-man roster based on where we are today.
Quarterbacks (2)
Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill
The first big decision comes at quarterback where the Lions will have to decide if they would rather continue to carry three or use the roster spot elsewhere. With what Kellen Moore showed in his first preseason game of year two, the roster spot is better used elsewhere.
Running backs (4)
Reggie Bush, Joique Bell, Mikel Leshoure, Montell Owens
Montell Owens playing a big role on special teams should surprise no one but the fact that he got looks in a couple multiple-back offensive sets Friday night tells me his role on this team could be even bigger.
Wide Receivers (6)
Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Ryan Broyles, Patrick Edwards, Matt Willis, Micheal Spurlock
The top four are set, it’s just a matter of sorting out who fills the last two spots on the wide receiver depth chart. Matt Willis gets the nod for his very good performance against the Jets and special teams ability, Spurlock gets the nod as the team’s return man.
Tight Ends (3)
Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler, Michael Williams
I like Joseph Fauria as a prospect but there just wasn’t room. Hopefully the Lions can retain him on the practice squad in case of injury and for the future but leaving him unprotected is a risk the Lions have to take.
Offensive linemen (9)
Riley Reiff, Jason Fox, Corey Hilliard, LaAdrian Waddle
Rob Sims, Larry Warford, Dylan Gandy, Jake Scott
Dominic Raiola
Dylan Gandy serves as the backup center, Jake Scott may be interchangeable with another guard on the training camp roster.
Defensive linemen (10)
Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones, Willie Young, Devin Taylor, Israel Idonije
Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley, Jimmy Saddler-McQueen
The Lions’ depth on the defensive line may lead to the team carrying one additional player than usual. If they don’t go in that direction, Ronnell Lewis may be very disappointed on cut day.
Linebackers (6)
DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Ashlee Palmer, Tahir Whitehead, Travis Lewis, Cory Greenwood
Six linebackers is a little thin but the Lions might roll with it if they are confident in whoever doesn’t win the starting job between Palmer and Whitehead. Lewis can play inside and outside, the versatility helps the Lions stay lean at linebacker to keep an extra defensive end.
Defensive backs (11)
Chris Houston, Darius Slay, Bill Bentley, Ron Bartell, Jonte Green, Chris Greenwood
Glover Quin, Louis Delmas, Don Carey, Amari Spievey, John Wendling
Roster spots at corner could be up for grabs depending on health, particularly as it relates to Greenwood. The Lions knew it would be a slow process with him but the nagging injuries are starting to really cut into his development.
Kicker
David Akers
Rugland is a great story but Akers is the man unless he falls apart in the last three preseason games.
Punter
Sam Martin
Long-snapper
Don Muhlbach