Detroit Lions camp quandary 2019: Sorting out the bubble players

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 30: Zach Zenner #34 of the Detroit Lions gets tackled by Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers and Tony Brown #28 during the first half of a game at Lambeau Field on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 30: Zach Zenner #34 of the Detroit Lions gets tackled by Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers and Tony Brown #28 during the first half of a game at Lambeau Field on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions backups
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Identifying the Backups

You probably did some math as soon as we told you what the total was and you figured out that it leaves sixteen roster spots open. That is quite a few spots and we aren’t going to go over sixteen players. The point here is that we’re trying to discuss the last few players who should make the team.

Let’s list about ten players that are likely to make the roster but that aren’t a lock to make it.

These players are mostly top backups and drafted players in key positions.

On offense: Joe Dahl and Oday Aboushi, offensive linemen, Nick Bawden (assuming he’s healthy), fullback, rookie Travis Fulgham, wide receiver

On defense: rookie Austin Bryant, defensive end, rookie P.J. Johnson, tackle, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Steve Longa, linebackers

That’s eight more players bringing the total to forty-five. That brings us up to a number where we can make a few logical assertions about the last few roster spots.

Schedule