Detroit Lions: Post 2019 NFL Draft 53-man roster predictions
Quarterback:
Players In Camp- Matthew Stafford, Tom Savage, Connor Cook, Jalen McClendon, Tanner Magnum
It’s no question who the starting quarterback of this team is going to be this year and rightfully so. Stafford is the unquestioned starter and at this point the only competition is who is going to get to back him up on game-day.
The Lions signed Savage and Cook in free agency and invited McClendon (from Baylor) and Magnum (from BYU) to camp this offseason. Really, this competition is only between the two veterans they signed in free agency, and Savage has the favorable position as of right now. This is because he has shown he can win games in a spot start and brings more of a veteran feel than Cook to the position room, which the Lions seem to like in their back-up quarterbacks.
Makes The Roster (2)- Matthew Stafford, Tom Savage
Running Back/Fullback:
Players In Camp- C.J. Anderson, Kerryon Johnson, Ty Johnson, Theo Riddick, Mark Thompson, Zach Zenner, Nick Bawden
This is a spot that I expect to see a pretty big competition in overall. While the top two spots are locked in by Anderson and Kerryon, all other spots are up for grabs as far as I can tell. I would expect everyone except for maybe Thompson to be in the running for the other spots available.
Ty Johnson should make the roster as a sixth round pick that brings elite speed (~4.3 40 time) out of the backfield as a runner and pass-catcher, and a good option to return kick-offs as he averaged 27.2 yards per return in college and returned multiple kicks for touchdowns in his career.
Riddick could be in trouble as a possible trade candidate or cap casualty this offseason, but his ability to be used everywhere on offense could save him, and Zenner will have to see if the Lions still have room for him after signing a bigger running back in free agency. Also, Baldwin may find the Lions don’t feel the need to keep him after drafting a potential H-back this year.