Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection after the first preseason game
Running Backs (4)
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- David Montgomery
- Sione Vaki
- Craig Reynolds
Vaki was one of the offensive bright spots for the Lions against New York, showing raw instincts as a runner. Reynolds started the game, and his all-around utility pushes off whatever previous roster bubble conversation there might have been before.
Wide Receivers (5)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Jameson Williams
- Kalif Raymond
- Daurice Fountain
- Isaiah Williams
Donovan Peoples-Jones has faded big time here, following a lackluster run all offseason with basically only seeing action late against the Giants. The undrafted rookie Williams made an impression in the game, even highlighted by Dan Campbell as someone who stood out, with four catches for 35 yards and averaging 28 yards per return on two kickoff returns.
Depth here beyond the top three is iffy, if only from an experience perspective. An addition of some sort could come, and it seems certain Brad Holmes has his eyes open for who is or may eventually be available.
Tight Ends (4)
- Sam LaPorta
- Brock Wright
- Shane Zylstra
- Parker Hesse
Hesse has made a good impression so far, and according to Pro Football Focus he lined up in the backfield for eight snaps against the Giants. James Mitchell is a tough cut here, but the Lions can't wait on his perceived potential very much longer.
Offensive Line (10)
- Penei Sewell
- Taylor Decker
- Frank Ragnow
- Kevin Zeitler
- Graham Glasgow
- Colby Sorsdal
- Giovanni Manu
- Dan Skipper
- Kayode Awosika
- Christian Mahogany
A couple season-ending injuries (Netane Muni, Connor Galvin) have thinned the depth options here. Headed for a redshirt rookie season, Manu will make the 53-man roster. Fellow rookie Mahogany has been on the NFI list with an illness, so his status is tenuous with an uphill climb to get acclimated. Michael Niese, with center and guard utility, is a dark horse here but I just couldn't quite get to keeping him.