Detroit Lions Roster Bubble Watch: Defense

Evaluating the defensive players on the Detroit Lions' roster bubble.

The Detroit Lions' defense has plenty of flashy additions. 

Sure, Aaron Glenn's defense has the same youth serving as infrastructure. Yet, there are multiple new faces that promise to improve the Lions' defensive moving into 2023. 

With these new players, it will make the final cuts a challenge. The defense has plenty of returners, so there will be tough decisions to make for the coaching staff. 

Here's a look at the defensive players who are on the Lions' roster bubble: 

Defensive line

• Benito Jones
• Christian Covington
• Corey Durden
• Chris Smith

The Lions have gotten deeper on the defensive line. Levi Onwuzurike appearing healthy and productive is an excellent sign heading into the season. 

Jones and Covington could be left battling for a final spot on the roster. A waiver pick up last season, Jones was a steady member of the interior rotation, while Covington has veteran savvy. 

Detroit is set on the edge led by Aidan Hutchinson. Undrafted rookies Durden and Smith may struggle to make waves given the depth the Lions have at EDGE rusher. 

Linebacker

• Anthony Pittman
• Julian Okwara
• Trevor Nowaske

Okwara is facing pressure after the emergence of James Houston during the last half of last season. With Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara also healthy, Julian is in a tough position heading into the preseason. 

Dan Campbell sounded optimistic about the veteran linebacker, praising his ability to make plays in spurts. However, consistency is a must for him moving forward. 

Pittman has been a special teams contributor in previous seasons, but depth at linebacker could lead to Malcolm Rodriguez taking some of those snaps in that facet of the game. 

The undrafted Nowaske is a physical player but must be consistent to warrant serious consideration from the coaching staff. 

Cornerback

• Starling Thomas V
• Khalil Dorsey
• Steven Gilmore
• Saivion Smith
• Tae Hayes

Dorsey hurt his stock with a low-hit that injured Shane Zylstra. Gilmore has been solid, but Thomas seems to have the upper hand as far as the undrafted free agents go. 

If Thomas can play well in preseason opportunities, his skills on special teams will be more than enough to help him get on the roster. 

Smith is another fringe player. He has had strong camps in the past and could very well make a late charge. 

Hayes was signed for depth reasons after Jarren Williams was waived with an injury designation. 

Safety

• Ifeatu Melifonwu
• Brandon Joseph
• Brady Breeze

Melifonwu finds himself on the bubble heading into his third season. Thanks to injuries and inconsistent performances, he's struggled to make it all come together early in his career. 

Depth at safety will make it difficult for the likes of Joseph and Breeze to make it through. Kerby Joseph and Tracy Walker will anchor the position, while C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Brian Branch have the versatility to play both corner and safety as well as nickel.