Maakaron: Final Detroit Lions 2023 53-Man Roster Prediction

After preseason has concluded, All Lions delivers its final 2023 roster prediction.

Here is All Lions' final prediction for the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster, following training camp and the conclusion of the preseason schedule.

Quarterbacks (2)

• Jared Goff
• Teddy Bridgewater
• Hendon Hooker (Injured)

It's unfortunate Nate Sudfeld suffered an injury during the preseason finale. Dan Campbell indicated the injury could result in the backup quarterback missing extended time. Throughout the preseason, Sudfeld was inconsistent and battled turnovers in joint practices, plus in the two preseason games prior to the finale. 

Detroit should be comfortable entering the season with two veteran quarterbacks. 

Running backs (4)

• David Montgomery
• Jahmyr Gibbs
• Craig Reynolds
• Jason Cabinda (FB)

Reynolds did enough to earn the position in a tough battle for the third running back spot. He is the best option to play behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, heading into the start of the 2023 season. 

Wide receivers (6)

• Amon-Ra St. Brown
• Marvin Jones Jr.
• Josh Reynolds
• Kalif Raymond
• Antoine Green
• Dylan Drummond
• Jameson Williams (Suspended)

It will be interesting to see if Chase Cota is able to clear waivers, as he had a solid training camp and made the competition with Dylan Drummond close and competitive. In the end, Drummond was more consistent, and will have the opportunity to contribute early in his NFL career. If Cota remains on the Lions' practice squad, he could end up on the active roster at some point this season. 

Tight ends (3) 

• Sam LaPorta
• Brock Wright 
• James Mitchell 

The tight end battle did not end up being all that competitive in training camp, as an injury to Shane Zylstra made Detroit's picks at the tight end position academic. 

Offensive line (8)

• Frank Ragnow
• Halapoulivaati Vaitai
• Jonah Jackson
• Taylor Decker
• Penei Sewell
• Graham Glasgow
• Colby Sorsdal
• Matt Nelson

There are growing concerns regarding the depth along the offensive line. This initial group could end up changing quickly. Brad Holmes may add offensive line talent from the waiver wire, when other teams make decisions on their linemen. 

Related: Christian Booher's Final 53-Man Roster Prediction

Defensive line (5)

• Alim McNeill
• Isaiah Buggs
• Levi Onwuzurike
• Brodric Martin
• Benito Jones

Benito Jones emerged as a consistent contributor throughout the preseason. Detroit's defensive line is expected to take a step forward this season, and should become one of the strengths of the team. 

EDGE (6)

• Aidan Hutchinson
• James Houston
• Charles Harris
• John Cominsky
• Josh Paschal
• Julian Okwara

In a surprise decision, the team keeps Julian Okwara on the roster, while parting ways with Romeo Okwara. Despite valiant efforts to return from a serious injury, the veteran defensive lineman has slowed down. With added defensive line depth and a variety of EDGE rushers who can pressure the quarterback, a tough decision is likely made. 

Linebacker (5)

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

Detroit's linebackers unit is ready to take the next step in Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme. Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell are poised to have solid 2023 seasons. 

Cornerback (6)

• Cameron Sutton
• Jerry Jacobs
• Starling Thomas V
• Steven Gilmore
• Chase Lucas
• Will Harris
• Emmanuel Moseley (Injured)

Among the toughest decisions the coaching staff will make, the team decides to keep both Starling Thomas V and Steven Gilmore on the roster. Will Harris is a player the coaching staff values, as he has been put in several different positions. Despite supporters wanting him off the roster, he will again be a versatile player in Glenn's secondary. 

Safety (5)

• C.J. Gardner-Johnson
• Kerby Joseph
• Brian Branch
• Tracy Walker II
• Ifeatu Melifonwu

Detroit's secondary is vastly improved. The decision was made to keep 11 defensive backs, due to the solid contributions of undrafted free agents. The safety position is emerging with young talent that is expected to force turnovers and make plays. 

Led by Gardner-Johnson, this unit has the potential to emerge as being more valuable than the offensive line. 

Specialists (3) 

• Riley Patterson (K)
• Jack Fox (P)
• Scott Daly (LS)

Despite the shaky performance against the Panthers, Patterson wins the kicking competition coming out of training camp. But, do not be surprised if the team quickly pivots, especially if he starts the season with rocky performances.