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Detroit Lions: Roster predictions on offense, numbers only

By Forrester Solmen

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interlock arms with his players during the National Anthem prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interlock arms with his players during the National Anthem prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions offense can go in a few different directions in 2018 under a new head coach. It might end up being the strength of this team again.

Everyone in the NFL knows the Detroit Lions have a potent passing attack. They also know the run game is lacking. 2018 might be the year they establish some balance.

Positionally, I’m taking the number of individuals I think will fill up each position on offense. Preseason roster predictions are fun and all but so much can change the outcome of your educated guesses.

Quarterback (2)

It’s no secret the Lions have one of the best quarterbacks in the league. On the flip side, their backups are the opposite There’s no point in keeping more than two when it’s the weakest position on offense based on overall depth.

Wide Receivers (5)

I’m tempted to go with less but it wouldn’t make sense. The amount of snaps the Lions spend in three-receiver sets spells it out perfectly.

If it were a stronger group, six would be realistic. There’s a wide-open competition for what’s likely one last spot. It’ll be exciting to watch it play out.

Tight Ends (3)

Another position group that isn’t a strength of this offense. Talks have circulated amongst fans and experts entertaining the idea of an extra tight end. Three is the norm and I think it’ll stay that way.

Offensive Line (9)

Detroit needs the depth given the recent injury bug that still lingers around. Certainly a step up from last season’s core, it still has its disappointments.

Such versatile lineman makes it harder to get a bead on who’s on the final roster. Overall, it’s a mixed bag of guys that’s peaking the interest of many One Priders. Five starters and another two interior and two exterior backups will round them out.

Next. The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team. dark

Running Backs (6)

Surprise, surprise. Not only is this an abnormally large amount of spots to reserve at this position, they’re the most fun to watch.

A surplus of runners with surplus skill sets arguably makes them the strength of the offense believe it or not.

Whether or not a fullback makes the cut could really throw the numbers for a loop. In the end, with players that have much to offer outside of running the ball, it’s understandable if this many stick around.

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