Detroit Lions post-minicamp 53-man roster projection

Defensive Line (EDGE and DT)-9

Aidan Hutchinson
Alim McNeill
DJ Reader
Marcus Davenport
Josh Paschal
Mehki Wingo
James Houston
Mathieu Betts
Brodric Martin

There are a couple tough cuts here. One is John Cominsky, whose role was reduced late last season. He could become preseason trade bait as the Lions sort out their defensive line. The second is Levi Onwuzurike, who clearly made a strong impression during OTAs as he looks to get his career on track.

If the 53-man roster ultimately only includes two quarterbacks, this is where that extra spot would be primed to come from.

Roster count: 35

Linebackers-5

Alex Anzalone
Jack Campbell
Derrick Barnes
Malcolm Rodriguez
Jalen Reeves-Maybin

The Lions look pretty good at linebacker right now, with five guys locked in. Rodriguez still feels like someone who other teams wouldn't mind giving an opportunity to start, and thus he's a trade candidate before Week 1. The loss of Anthony Pittman opens up the idea of keeping six linebackers, so that may be a change to this 53-man roster projection that will come.

Roster count: 40

Secondary-10

Carlton Davis (CB)
Terrion Arnold (CB)
Brian Branch (CB/S)
Amik Robertson (CB)
Ennis Rakestraw (CB)
Emmanuel Moseley (CB)
Kerby Joseph (S)
Ifeatu Melifonwu (S)
C.J. Moore (S)
Brandon Joseph (S)

Branch seems to be moving to safety some this year, which would likely impact the makeup of roster spots here. Brandon Joseph made himself into a tough player to cut during OTAs, and it's fair to assume an attempt to try to slip him through waivers and back on the practice squad would fail.

Roster count: 50

Specialists-3

PK James Turner
P Jack Fox
LS Scott Daly

By all accounts Turner outdid Michael Badgley during minicamp, leaving a positive impression heading toward training camp. The Lions have never appeared very serious about replacing Badgley, but the undrafted rookie out of Michigan has forced their hand into having a legit competition during camp.

Roster count: 53