Final Detroit Lions 2023 53-man roster projection before Week 1

Defensive Line (10)
Aidan Hutchinson
Alim McNeill (DT)
James Houston (Edge)
Charles Harris (Edge)
Josh Pashal
Isaiah Buggs (DT)
John Cominsky
Romeo Okwara (Edge)
Brodric Martin (DT)
Levi Onwuzurike (DT)

The depth the Lions have in their front-seven is the best they've had in memory. But at the same time, the notable cut here (Julian Okwara) is obvious. Romeo Okwara does linger as a potential trade candidate, such that any offers will come. Onwuzurike has been healthy, and he made some plays this preseason.

Linebackers (5)
Alex Anzalone
Jack Campbell
Derrick Barnes
Malcolm Rodriguez
Jalen Reeves-Maybin

The Lions have four linebackers who could start for a lot of teams. Campbell has been very good this preseason, but Barnes' performance all offseason may get him the starting job next to Anzalone over the rookie going into the season.

Secondary (10)
Cameron Sutton
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Jerry Jacobs
Brian Branch
Kerby Joseph
Tracy Walker
Will Harris
Starling Thomas
Steven Gilmore
Chase Lucas
Emmanuel Moseley (PUP)

Gilmore followed a resilient showing against Jacksonville in the second preseason game with an even better showing against Carolina. He was physical when an opportunity came, sticky in coverage (four pass breakups) and he made the play that sealed the win for the Lions.

Lucas also had a good outing against the Panthers, highlighted by a fabulous interception in the end zone. His late push for a roster spot gets completed here.

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

A 53-yard field goal miss against the Panthers, off the crossbar, showed the limitations of Patterson's range. He also missed an extra point, to show how iffy the Lions' kicker situation still is. A close monitoring of kickers who become available feels likely, but without a firm name to put in his place Patterson gets the gig for now.