Detroit Lions: 53-man roster projection prior to preseason finale

Tight Ends

In: (4) T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James, Logan Thomas, Isaac Nauta

Out: Jerome Cunningham, Austin Traylor

Rationale: The Lions kept four tight ends on the roster to open 2018, and this projection has them following suit this year. The difference is that now they may keep that number because the last two players are both too valuable to cut loose. Last season, keeping four tight ends was a matter of hoping that at least one of them could contribute something. We all know how that worked out.

Hockenson has looked the part of a high draft pick all summer, and his seam-stretching ability should pair nicely with James’ short area reliability. They also figure to be a handful in the red zone.

Thomas has been lauded for his special teams prowess and quick-study nature (he is a former quarterback). However, he has made little impact in three preseason games. Does he need a standout performance tonight to secure a roster spot?

Nauta has looked impressive at times this summer and raw on other occasions. He doesn’t figure to contribute much this year. But, he is another player that is unlikely to slip through waivers on the way to the practice squad. Here, we have all four making it, though this position is a prime group to get downsized should a need pop up elsewhere on the roster. Nauta could even surpass Thomas on the depth chart with a strong showing against the Browns.

Cunningham and the recently arrived Traylor figure to get all the snaps they could want in tonight’s game. They could be in competition for one spot on the practice squad.