Detroit Lions’ early 53-man roster projections: Offensive tackle
Injuries at offensive tackle is a big hurdle the Detroit Lions are facing early this offseason. Will 2017 be sink or swim?
Things looked promising across the entire offensive line until injury struck the tackle position. It might be a long season for the Detroit Lions if the fill-in starter at left tackle or depth players can’t play well or get hurt themselves. Trouble could come sooner than later.
IN
The starting right tackle is a lone bright spot in a group full of question marks. Whether it is talent issues or health concerns, the rest of offensive tackles are perplexing to say the least. The weight of the season could very well rest on the three offensive tackles competing to replace the injured starter on the blindside.
Greg Robinson (NFI)
Traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions for only a sixth round pick. He was penciled in to be the starter at left tackle and can play left guard if need be. Being on the non-football injury list won’t keep him off the roster, but when does he return and how serious is the injury?
Ricky Wagner
The Baltimore Ravens will miss him badly. Upgrading last season’s starting right tackle is the only good news for the Lions’ offensive tackles this offseason. He will be counted on even more now that the options at left tackle are expected to struggle.
Cyrus Kouandjio
Signing the best reserve offensive tackle free agency had to offer was an astounding move by the Lions. Being and remaining healthy is this swing tackles biggest concern. He might be the best option to start at left tackle, so he stays in Detroit for the 2017 season.
Corey Robinson (PUP)
Last season’s swing tackle had a good mix of solid play and struggles. Starting off training camp on the physically unable to perform list does him no favors in earning a roster spot or competing to start at left tackle. His upside makes him the next best depth option to stash on the final roster.
Taylor Decker (PUP)
No one stood out more than this second year pro on the Lions’ offensive line in 2016. Starting at left tackle straight out the gate as a rookie from Ohio State was a major accomplishment. He will be sorely missed, but surely welcomed back upon his return from shoulder surgery.
OUT
No offensive tackle is further than the other in the race to start at left tackle. We could see more surprises here than another roster position come the final cut day. The best of the rest could get their shot with how bad the injury-bug is plaguing the Lions.
Cornelius Lucas
Staying healthy is his biggest ally. This mammoth of a swing tackle (6 foot, 9 inches, 330 pounds) makes a lot of sense to stay in Detroit. What makes more sense is to move on from his overpriced contract of $1.797 million dollars and save that money for more important matters.
Tony Hills
A Christopher Columbus of the NFL. The Lions are his 11th team in the past nine seasons. Failing to stay healthy and stick with any team means the journeyman should continue to sail the high seas of free agency when he is cut once again.
Next: Detroit Lions - Problems cutting down to a 53-Man roster
Storm Norton
Being undrafted only means the battle to a roster spot is as steep as they come. The Lions were impressed early on in OTAs with their own undrafted rookie out of Toledo. Transitioning from the Mid-American Conference to the NFL could be too hard for him to conquer, meaning the practice squad is the most logical destination for year one.