Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection after second preseason game

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 20: Justin Jackson #42 of Detroit Lions runs the ball after the catch as Forrest Rhyne #49 of Indianapolis Colts hangs on for the stop during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 20: Justin Jackson #42 of Detroit Lions runs the ball after the catch as Forrest Rhyne #49 of Indianapolis Colts hangs on for the stop during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Credit: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Credit: Justin Casterline/Getty Images /

Cornerbacks, Safeties and Specialists

Cornerbacks (6): Amani Oruwariye, Jeff Okudah, Will Harris, AJ Parker, Mike Hughes, Chase Lucas

PUP: Jerry Jacobs

The starting outside corner opposite Oruwariye seems yet to be determined. While Harris had a couple bad plays gainst the Colts, Okudah was steadier. Hughes seemed to be trending the wrong way, but then he started against Indianapolis. Parker appears locked in as primarily a slot guy, and I gave the rookie Lucas the last spot.

Safeties (5): Tracy Walker, DeShon Elliott, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, C.J. Moore

Joseph has seen a lot of action in the first two preseason games, as he gets acclimated to the NFL still early in his run as a full-time safety (he started his college career as a wide receiver). There have been ups and downs, and it appears the lowlight play from the game against the Colts–a 50-yard touchdown–wasn’t his fault.

Melifonwu made the move to safety this offseason, but he could surely play some corner if needed. Moore was a core special teamer last year, and he’s now healthy.

Specialists (3): P Jack Fox, LS Scott Daly, PK Riley Patterson

Austin Seibert took a step back in the kicking battle against the Colts, as he battles what appears to be, in the parlance of golf, a bit of a slice. Patterson doesn’t have the same leg strength, but he  is reliable (as he showed late last season as the Lions’ kicker).

Final Roster Count: 53

Must Read. 5 Detroit Lions who could be sneaky fantasy options this year. light