Post Draft Prediction for the Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster
By Justin Simon
Offensive Line
Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) lines up behind his offensive lineman on a play against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Currently on the roster: Riley Reiff, Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola, Larry Warford, LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas, Travis Swanson, Rodney Austin, Corey Hilliard, J.B. Shugarts, Alex Bullard, Darren Keyton, and DJ Morrell
The Lions look to go into the 2014 season with the same group they ended with in 2013. That’s good news. The bottom of the roster is where you’ll find guys like Corey Hilliard on the bubble. I think Rodney Austin will also have a hard time sticking around because of some of the younger guys they added in this year’s draft.
The Lions are clearly hoping to strike gold with an undrafted free agent again this year. Martin Mayhew made it clear that they targeted him early and expect him to compete for a roster spot via the team’s website:
"“He might be a guy, like Waddle, who not a lot of people were really on, but we’re excited about this kid,” Mayhew said. “He’s not doing much right now. He’s waiting on his foot to get healthy, but he’s definitely got a chance to make our team.”"
Fellow rookie Travis Swanson will back up Dominic Raiola and should be able to move out to guard as well if needed.
My Guess: Riley Reiff, Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola, Larry Warford, LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas, Travis Swanson (7)