Booher: Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Prediction

Predicting the Detroit Lions' final 53-man roster at the conclusion of the preseason.

Here is a prediction for the Detroit Lions' final 53-man roster, following the conclusion of the preseason. 

Quarterbacks (2)

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

An injury to Nate Sudfeld hurts the likelihood, slim as it was, of the Lions keeping three quarterbacks on the roster. The signing of Bridgewater looms even larger now.

Adrian Martinez won't make the final roster, but could be a worthwhile add to the practice squad. His mobility would give the defense a good look on scout team.

Running backs (4)

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

Reynolds was the best of the bunch on Friday, strengthening his case to be the team's No. 3 running back. Though Benny Snell is intriguing, given his past production, Reynolds' familiarity with the scheme should give him the inside track to the job. 

Wide receivers (6)

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

Green and Drummond seemed to separate themselves from the rest of the bubble receivers Friday. Both did what they do best, with Green hauling in a long touchdown and Drummond reliably converting third downs.

Chase Cota narrowly misses the cut, with Friday's struggles looming large in this decision. 

Tight ends (3)

• Sam LaPorta
• Brock Wright
• James Mitchell

This position has been set rather firmly since Shane Zylstra went down with a knee injury in camp. Darrell Daniels has experience, but the potential of Mitchell and steadiness of Wright should make them safe. 

Offensive line (9)

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

Sometimes the smallest factors can be the difference in deciding the final roster. 

Nelson and Germain Ifedi were both much better in Friday's game, but Ifedi committed a crucial false start that forced the Lions to kick a field goal rather than go for it on fourth-and-goal. 

As a result, Nelson gets the final nod here. Awosika and Sorsdal give the team solid depth at guard.

Defensive line (5)

• Alim McNeill
• Isaiah Buggs
• Levi Onwuzurike
• Brodric Martin
• John Cominsky

The defensive line rotation seems set. Onwuzurike had an encouraging preseason, after missing all of last season, and should be a rotational contributor.

EDGE (6)

• Aidan Hutchinson
• James Houston
• Charles Harris
• Romeo Okwara
• Josh Paschal
• Julian Okwara

Okwara should have a roster spot, barring a trade. If he is on the move, the Lions could opt to keep an extra defensive tackle, such as Christian Covington or undrafted rookie Cory Durden.

Linebacker (6)

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

Both Reeves-Maybin and Pittman are on the final roster because both can anchor the team's special teams. Reeves-Maybin also had a strong preseason as a linebacker and could work into the rotation in special situations. 

Cornerback (5)

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

Will Harris has struggled throughout his appearances in the preseason. With all the young talent performing strongly, the Lions elect to keep a trio of Gilmore, Thomas and Lucas.

Gilmore had two interceptions including a pick-six Friday. Lucas added an interception in the end zone and has come on strong in recent practices. 

Safety (4)

• C.J. Gardner-Johnson
• Kerby Joseph
• Brian Branch
• Tracy Walker III

Ifeatu Melifonwu has struggled with injuries in his career, with this training camp being no exception. He was held out of the preseason finale and the week leading up to it with another setback. 

As a result, the Lions roll with what they have and rely on Lucas for depth at nickel. 

Specialists (3)

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

Despite missing a field goal and an extra point Friday, Patterson seems safe. Campbell told reporters postgame that he's not worried about the third-year kicker.