3 biggest takeaways from the Detroit Lions 53-man roster

Aug 28, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) is blocked by Detroit Lions guard Logan Stenberg (71) while pressuring quarterback David Blough (10) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) is blocked by Detroit Lions guard Logan Stenberg (71) while pressuring quarterback David Blough (10) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Credit: Justin Casterline/Getty Images /

2. 9 Offensive Lineman

The Lions’ offensive line depth was tested last year, as the projected five never played a snap together. If those guys are together this year, they will assert themselves as one of the best offensive lines in the league. But depth is a concern.

Guard Logan Stenberg, easy to set aside as a failed draft pick of the previous regime in Detroit (fourth round in 2020) who wouldn’t make the roster again, made his case in the Lions’ last two preseason games after a couple bad plays in the preseason opener. He was a force in the run game, and quite good in pass protection.

Stenberg played his way onto the Lions’ roster, or put enough good things on film against the Colts and the Steelers to assure another team would add him quickly. Alas, he made it as the ninth offensive lineman Detroit kept.

The last few roster spots for the Lions, say No. 49-53 if you were ranking them, could have gone any direction. But last year’s experience, even if it’s not likely to be repeated, seemed to inform the idea of keeping an extra offensive lineman.