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Detroit Lions: 4 dark horses who could make the roster

By Forrester Solmen

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 15: Running back Zach Zenner of the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits gives his acceptance speech after winning the Mickey Charles Award during the Sports Network's 28th Annual FCS Awards Presentation at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel on December 15, 2014, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 15: Running back Zach Zenner of the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits gives his acceptance speech after winning the Mickey Charles Award during the Sports Network's 28th Annual FCS Awards Presentation at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel on December 15, 2014, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Here are my best guesses of four dark horse candidates that could possibly crack the Detroit Lions final 53-man roster later this summer.

Guessing the entire 53-man roster correctly for the Detroit Lions is highly unlikely. Minus injuries, predicting how the chips fall is all a crap shoot.

It’s typical to see a surprise player or two earn a roster spot. Disregarding any undrafted free agents, here are four players with a good shot to stick with the Lions.

Cam Johnson, DE

Prior to joining the Lions, Johnson was a productive 3-4 outside linebacker with the Clevland Browns. In 2016, he racked up 32 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 12 games and nine starts.

If not for injuries, Johnson would’ve been on a roster last season. The tools are there as well as the production to contribute as a situational pass rusher. Detroit is in need of experienced standup rushers, and he fits the bill.

Christian Ringo, DT

Six games are all Ringo got to prove himself in 2017. His three-tackle effort resulted in a new contract. The Lions are thin at defensive tackle.

If given a fair shot, he could end up being the most disruptive interior pass rusher. Incredibly productive entering the NFL, there’s a possibility is abilities finally translate over to the pros.

Dan Skipper, OT

You can’t put a price on versatility. Skipper is one of those offensive linemen you don’t find often. His height is very impressive at 6-foot-10 inches.

What tops that is the ability to play either tackle spot with some experience at left guard. Throw him in on special teams and he can block field goals too. After a year of Lions weight room training, he could make the roster.

Next: Lions 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time

Zach Zenner, RB

No Detroit running back is more complete than Zenner. Combining running, catching and blocking, he checks off all the boxes. Everything he’s asked to do is done at an above-average level.

Special teams are something underappreciated by the common fan. He’s arguably the best coverage guy for the Lions. Based on all the factors, his likelihood of making the team four years in a row is high.

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