The Lions have stated they feel like they got away from themselves as a team recently, so look for heavy competition for roster spots this summer.
Quarterback (2)
Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater came out of a brief retirement to sign with the Buccaneers last year, and now he’s back with Detroit—who he was with in 2023 and 2024. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer should get plenty of opportunities in preseason action, but he probably needs to be lights out to stick on the 53-man roster as the No. 3 quarterback.
Running back (3)
Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki
David Montgomery was traded to the Texans this offseason, so Isiah Pacheco—with a running style that Dan Campbell surely loves—was signed to fill the change-of-pace role behind Jahmyr Gibbs. Despite just one offensive snap last year, I don’t think Sione Vaki is in danger from Jabari Smalls and Jacob Saylors for the final spot at running back.
Wide receiver (5)
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Fifth-round pick Kendrick Law unfortunately tore his ACL during OTAs, so there could be room for Tom Kennedy or Dominic Lovett to make the team if they still decide to keep six wideouts. I have them opting for a fifth safety instead, so Greg Dortch and Cedrick Wilson Jr. will be the clear backups to the starting trio of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa.
Tight end (3)
Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin
We are expected to see increased 12 personnel from new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing this season, and having a healthy Sam LaPorta would go a long way to taking the offense to another level. Still, I’m projecting just three players to make it at tight end with unproven depth like undrafted rookie Miles Kitselman behind LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin as an established group.
Offensive tackle (4)
Penei Sewell, Blake Miller (R), Larry Borom, Giovanni Manu
Penei Sewell should have no issues moving to the blindside this year, and first-round pick Blake Miller brings the exact mindset that Detroit wants up front. Look for Larry Borom to be the swing tackle with 2024 fourth-round pick Giovanni Manu likely getting another year to develop—as offensive depth (and in turn, challengers for roster spots) is arguably the weakness for the Lions.
Guard (4)
Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier, Ben Bartch
Christian Mahogany and Miles Fraizer will be battling for the starting job at left guard, and Tate Ratledge is set on the right side entering his second season. The battle here will be between Ben Bartch and former fifth-rounder Colby Sorsdal, but Sorsdal is coming off a serious leg injury suffered last August and has made just one appearance since his rookie campaign in 2023.
Center (2)
Cade Mays, Juice Scruggs
Detroit signed Cade Mays to be the starter at center, and they also added Juice Scruggs—who could factor in at guard—as a solid backup. There probably isn’t room for Michael Niese or undrafted rookie Seth McLaughlin to make the 53-man roster.
Interior defensive line (5)
Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, Skyler Gill-Howard (R)
Levi Onwuzurike is expected to be healthy for Week 1 to slot in behind Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams, so the numbers game—whether two or three others are kept—will determine who else makes it on the interior. I’d give the edge to Mekhi Wingo and rookie Skyler Gill-Howard as sixth-round selections by Detroit, but Jay Tufele came over on a cheap deal from the Jets and will make his case to earn a spot.
Edge defender (5)
Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Derrick Moore (R), Payton Turner, Tyler Lacy
The Lions hope their edge rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson is solved by second-round pick Derrick Moore and a couple of bigger defenders in DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner—so the top four appears set if everyone stays healthy this summer. Behind them, all of Tyler Lacy, seventh-round pick Tyre West, Ahmed Hassanein, and undrafted rookie Anthony Lucas should have a realistic shot, but Lacy made four starts last year after being claimed from Jacksonville during final cuts.
Linebacker (6)
Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Damone Clark, Jimmy Rolder (R), Joe Bachie
Linebacker will also have a competition for the final spot if six are kept—as Joe Bachie is hoping to beat out Trevor Nowaske primarily based on special teams value. Maybe Damone Clark will be in some danger if he doesn’t have a good camp, but I think he’s an ideal backup to Jack Campbell in the middle, and Jimmy Rolder was just taken in the fourth round.
Cornerback (6)
D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Roger McCreary, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Keith Abney II, Rock Ya-Sin
Roger McCreary is one of the players I’m most excited to watch this summer and into the fall—as he showed great promise to begin his career in Tennessee before dysfunction there seemed to impact the entire roster. Last year, he didn’t get much of a shot with the Rams after a midseason trade, but he projects to start in the slot after signing with Detroit. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is another player who I’m very high on if he can finally stay healthy following two lost seasons, and fifth-round rookie Keith Abney II is likely safe. I have Rock Ya-Sin making it over Nick Whiteside based on his experience, so Whiteside would be a name to watch on waivers after showing well in limited action last year.
Safety (5)
Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox, Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, Dan Jackson
Again, the season-ending injury to Kendrick Law—along with Brian Branch (Achilles) being a longshot for Week 1—opens the door for another safety to start the year on the 53-man roster, so Dan Jackson will try to make a strong impression after a broken leg suffered last summer. Kerby Joseph (knee) is also a bit of a wild card right now, but I assume he’ll be healthy by September.
Special teams (3)
Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Hogan Hatten
No change for the Lions on special teams, as they have one of the game’s best kickers in Jake Bates and a former All-Pro punter in Jack Fox.
Injured (1)
S Brian Branch