Safeties
In: (5) Quandre Diggs, Tracy Walker, Will Harris, Andrew Adams, C.J. Moore
Out: Tavon Wilson, Charles Washington
Rationale: Diggs has played sparingly this preseason, while the Lions attempt to quickly acclimate his young protegés. Walker seems primed for a breakout campaign, and he will be depended upon significantly in year two.
Harris has taken some strides in the preseason, including a 19-yard fumble recovery touchdown against the Houston Texans. As with most rookie defensive backs, the Lions are likely to be patient with his development, though he could play a significant role on special teams and in nickel and dime packages in 2019.
The Lions struggled to generate turnovers in 2018, hence the inclusion of Adams. He has been a ballhawk all summer, including a first half interception against the Houston Texans in Week 2 of the preseason. Adams is not a particularly good run defender, a trait valued by Patricia in his safeties. However, on a team starved for takeaways, Adams makes the cut here.
Then it gets complicated. It would be little surprise if Wilson, long a favorite of Patricia from their time with the New England Patriots, is retained for a fourth year in Detroit. However, he was asked to take a pay cut earlier this year, and will be in competition with Washington and Moore, two younger players, likely for one spot.
Washington played only on special teams last year, and Moore is likely ticketed for a similar role this year. We make the tricky choice of going with Moore, thanks to a crushing special teams hit that forced a turnover against the Buffalo Bills. Wilson is a potential trade candidate.