Detroit Lions: 53-man roster projection prior to preseason finale
Specialists
In: (3) Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach
Out: Ryan Santoso
Rationale: One of the most stable units on the team, and in the entire division for that matter, the Lions’ specialists continue to be a pillar of strength. The versatile Santoso, who has seen opportunities as both a placekicker and a punter this summer, could have a chance with another team should he hit some solid kicks in the preseason finale today.
Prater continues to have one of the strongest legs in the NFL, drilling a 61-yard field goal against the Buffalo Bills last week. With a number of kicking uncertainties around the league (including within the NFC North), the Lions should count their lucky stars that Number 5 is still going strong for them.
Martin seems fully recovered from a mysterious foot injury that hurt his power and accuracy at times over the last two seasons. He also smoothly snagged a high snap from Don Muhlbach on Prater’s 61-yard bomb.
Speaking of the longest tenured current Lion, the fact that he snapped it high is so unusual, that it may give some pause about the steady veteran. However, it was undoubtedly an aberration, as Muhlbach seems like a sure bet to laser the ball to Martin, laces out, 99 times 100, in year 16. The Lions remain so confident in Muhlbach, that they again have no other long snapper on the roster challenging him.
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Did we leave anyone out? What changes would you make to our latest version of the Lions’ initial 53-man roster? Let us know in the comments section below.
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