Detroit Lions' Roster Bubble Watch: Offense
With the preseason opener less than a week away, the Detroit Lions are looking to evaluate the fringes of their final 53-man roster.
Training camp is pivotal in roster construction. While starters and stars alike have their spots guaranteed, there are plenty of other players set to battle for their places on the roster.
The roster won't be finalized until August 29, meaning players on the bubble have plenty of time to stake their claims. Here is an early look at who is on the roster bubble at each position on offense.
Quarterback
- Adrian Martinez
The Lions seem set with Nate Sudfeld as the backup option behind Jared Goff. With Hendon Hooker drafted in the third round and rehabbing his injury, Martinez will have to put together a superb performance in the preseason to make a case at pushing Sudfeld.
Detroit has also been in contact with Teddy Bridgewater, so dissatisfaction with Sudfeld could lead the team to pursue other options.
Running back
- Craig Reynolds
- Jermar Jefferson
- Mohamed Ibrahim
Justin Jackson has played well enough to warrant being the team's third running back, and his production last season adds credence.
Reynolds has made the roster in years past, but now faces an uphill battle. Jefferson and Ibrahim both have potential, but they too will have to outperform those above them to solidify their chances.
Wide receiver
- Dylan Drummond
- Trinity Benson
- Maurice Alexander
- Trey Quinn
- Chase Cota
Drummond's emergence warranted praise from Campbell, and a strong preseason would make him a tough cut. Benson has yet to realize the potential that was billed when he was acquired.
Alexander was limited to special teams contributions last year, but the Lions have other options in the return game. Quinn and Cota provide good depth, but will have to wow the staff to warrant consideration.
Tight end
- Darrell Daniels
- Daniel Helm
When both were signed, Campbell said one was to bolster depth and the other was to create more competition, without specifying who fit where.
Daniels has spent six years as a pro, and is likely the front-runner of the two. However, the Lions have three tight ends they feel good about already on roster, and fullback Jason Cabinda can serve as a fourth.
Offensive lineman
- Kayode Awosika
- Ross Pierschbacher
- Logan Stenberg
- Germain Ifedi
- Obinna Eze
- Darrin Paulo
- Max Pircher
- Ryan Swoboda
- Brad Cecil
- Connor Galvin
The Lions have to feel good about what they have in their starting five, as well as whoever doesn't crack the starting lineup out of Graham Glasgow and Halapoulivaati Vaitai.
Rookie Colby Sorsdal will be safe, thanks to his versatility and potential. Additionally, Matt Nelson has served well as the team's backup tackle and extra offensive lineman in jumbo packages.
This could potentially leave one spot for those on this list. Ifedi is a veteran presence, but hasn't separated himself from the rest of the pack.
Awosika and Stenberg both started games last year. Stenberg was a fourth-round pick in 2020, but hasn't found consistent success. Eze is also an intriguing player, given his size and raw ability.
Swoboda, Cecil and Galvin are undrafted rookies who could warrant extended looks, based on their potential. Pircher and Paulo, meanwhile, are journeymen who have yet to make a solid impact.
