As we head into the last preseason game on the docket for the Detroit Lions, they still have some question marks on the roster that might not be answered by anyone necessarily already in the building. Center, guard, and safety are the biggest areas of need for the Lions.
There's still a battle at left guard going on, which doesn't bode well for Christian Mahogany headed into the regular season.
If he hasn't locked that job down by now, that might mean the team is just not fully convinced of his ability to start there long-term. At center, of course, the loss of Cade Mays for the first chunk of the season has left them with Juice Scruggs to work in, although early returns on him at center are positive.
At safety, we're still waiting on a timeline for return from either Brian Branch or Kerby Joseph, but positive estimates would have them out until the end of October. So, again, there's some help to be had there.
Cuts are happening by August 30, this coming Sunday, which gives Detroit the ability to survey that field for any potential developmental talent to bring into the fold.
3 surprise cut candidates that the Lions could consider
C Sedrick van Pran-Granger
The Buffalo Bills, bless their hearts, have their center room figured out. Must be nice.
As a result of having a sure-thing starter in Connor McGovern and Lloyd Cushenberry, former 2024 draft pick Sedrick van Pran-Granger is suddenly a potential cut candidate. According to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, Pran-Granger is one of the tougher roster bubble decisions the team likely has this offseason. He's a solid developmental talent worth investing in, but Buffalo clearly doesn't have the space for him.
Buscaglia mentions that the Bills may just hide him on the IR, preventing another team from benefitting off their draft gold. But, if they do cut him, Detroit should try to snag him as they're looking a little thin at center behind Scruggs at the moment. The Washington Commanders, who are very center-needy right now, are above the Lions in the waiver order, so Detroit could get leapfrogged here.
S Mark Perry
Perry, currently with the Green Bay Packers, has had a nice preseason so far and could be a good depth piece for the Lions to add off the waiver wire. From Lombardi Ave.'s site expert Freddie Boston on Perry's chances of making the 53-man roster in a crowded Packers safety room:
"Mark Perry is in the mix after impressing in the preseason, but he may have to settle for a practice squad spot. With Hadden proving he can play in the slot, the Packers can comfortably keep four safeties on their initial 53-man roster."
Perry has some versatility on special teams, as well, so that's another area where he could contribute for Detroit. They're still seeking a consistent gunners, and Perry could compete for one of those roles. Perry's had a takeaway and a pass deflection so far in preseason for Green Bay, and turnovers are something the Lions are looking to really exploit and generate this year.
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G Trevor Penning
Penning has been deep into a left guard battle for the Los Angeles Chargers, and like Mahogany, has yet to be given a definite role one way or the other. This feels like it'd be trading one issue for another at left guard, though, with Penning also unable to firmly grasp the starting job from Logan Taylor or Alex Harkey, two rookies. Not a great look.
Still, Penning could be worth the investment if the team is out on Miles Frazier's development so far this offseason, and if Ben Bartch cannot take advantage of these last few days of training camp to show that he's capable of backing Mahogany up.
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