13 Detroit Lions Likely to be Cut Next Week

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Ness, Defensive Back

Ness has tried for two seasons to unseat incumbent Don Carey from the swing defensive back position on the roster. It all boiled down to special teams, and despite Carey shooting for a penalty every time he sees the field on teams, Ness was unable to beat him out. Nate Ness showed some flashes in 2014 but failed to build on any of them and looked bad even in a talentless special teams unit like the Lions have.

Al Bond, Guard

Did anyone even remember that Bond was on the roster? With no position versatility he isn’t going to challenge for an immediate role. With other players looking better at guard, Bond isn’t going to make it on his own talents either. The Lions still like the potential of Torrian Wilson, who remains my most likely practice squad candidate for this present squad. The Lions won’t risk Wilson on the streets for a week, so Bond’s time is up.

Erik Williams, Defensive End

A little known prospect out of Bethune-Cookman, there was never really a spot on the roster for Williams. The top few defensive ends are pretty much locked in and despite poor showings along the defensive line, there are plenty of players ahead of Williams.

Jocquel Skinner, Cornerback

An intriguing physical prospect, which is likely why he was signed in the first place, it’s not probable that Martin Mayhew can swing another baffling trade. It’s possible Skinner is brought back to the practice squad, but I don’t think his chances are good enough that the team keeps him around for another week.

Justin Cherocci, Linebacker

As much of a Chippewa fan as I am, the next couple are going to be painful. Justin Cherocci isn’t an NFL quality player and frankly I’m surprised he’s made it this far. Good for him, but this is probably it for the Detroit Lions. Linebacker is the Lions’ deepest position, and barring a surprise callback to the practice squad I don’t see any way he lasts another week with the team.

Deon Butler, Tight End

One day I’ll get around to writing about the Detroit Lions weird obsession with Hback type tight ends, a position they haven’t even carried on their roster (With the exception of injury fill ins) since 2012, and even then it was a converted base TE in Will Heller. Butler, another Chippewa, fills that role but does so behind Jacob Maxwell and Casey Pierce who are likely to get a continued look.

Chris Owens, Cornerback

Another veteran cut, Chris Owens hasn’t done anything to put his name in the hat for a roster spot, even in case of injury. Cornerback is a tough position to break into on the Detroit Lions this season anyway due to recent drafting, but Owens hasn’t even looked better than castoff guys like R.J. Stanford, Josh Wilson or Crezdon Butler.

Next: The Fringe, Honorable Mentions

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