Roundtable: Lions' Depth Concerns

Latest All Lions Roundtable takes a look at the Lions players who are making a strong case to make the team out of training camp.

1.) How concerned are you about the Lions' reserve offensive linemen?

Christian Booher: I think Saturday's performance gave plenty of reason for legit concern. It seems as though there are plenty of roster spots up for grab in this position group. Detroit will need to find reliable depth soon. 

Given the fact that the Lions' starting five hasn't played a single snap together in two seasons, history says that the Lions will need to turn to a reserve at some point. As of now, it's hard to say who could reliably fill a role outside of veteran Graham Glasgow.

Vito Chirco: I'm very concerned, because they clearly weren't very good Saturday. Teddy Bridgewater was constantly under duress in his first snaps of the preseason, and Nate Sudfeld dealt with similarly poor protection when he entered the contest.

Headed into the final week of the preseason, Matt Nelson, Bobby Hart, Brad Cecil, Colby Sorsdal and Germain Ifedi each need to step up their respective games.

2.) Has your mind been made up about Nate Sudfeld?

Booher: Yes. I think Sudfeld has failed to capitalize on his opportunity to prove his mettle as the team's backup to Jared Goff. Teddy Bridgewater's signing offered a tough battle that Sudfeld has failed to win. 

There is a chance that Sudfeld could make the final roster, if Detroit wants to carry three QBs as Hendon Hooker recovers. However, his performance in the preseason hasn't helped his chances. 

Chirco: Yes. On Saturday, he showcased again why he's not cut-out to be Detroit's No. 2 or even No. 3 quarterback. Most notably, he air-mailed a pass, which led to an interception, while he was leading a two-minute drill to end the first half.

Time and time again, he's made mistakes in key situations. And, he's reinforced my belief that he doesn't have either the poise or the makeup to be a quality NFL backup passer.

3.) What impressed you about the Lions' defense against the Jaguars?

Booher: How aggressive the defensive line is. Even without standouts like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, the Lions have little trouble getting to the quarterback. 

James Houston played really well, and continues to develop as a SAM linebacker. While he may not start, he should still play a big role in the defense. His ability to get four tackles for loss Saturday is a significant reason for optimism. 

Chirco: I'll give you one name: Jack Campbell. Just like last week against New York, he was constantly around the ball and in position to make plays. And, he did a solid job of stifling Jacksonville's ground attack. It seemed like whenever Jaguars ball-caller Tank Bigsby was in Campbell's vicinity, the former Iowa standout was bringing Bigsby to the Ford Field turf.

The Lions have to love what they saw out of Campbell yesterday. And, at this juncture, it wouldn't surprise me whatsoever if Campbell started Week 1 against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

4.) Who is making a strong case to make the Lions this year out of camp?

Booher: I really like what I've seen from cornerbacks Steven Gilmore and Starling Thomas. They've held their own in practice, and have showed versatility on special teams. 

Gilmore's interception after giving up an early long ball was impressive. Thomas looked comfortable as a returner. 

Also, wide receivers Chase Cota and Dylan Drummond have made strong cases. Cota was featured on special teams as a returner, and nearly broke for a score on his lone attempt. The Lions did well with this crop of UDFAs.

Chirco: To me (and probably a lot of Lions fans and pundits alike), it's undrafted free-agent receiver Chase Cota.

He started off the exhibition season with a four-catch, 60-yard performance against the Giants last Friday. And then, he followed that up by making an impact as both a pass-catcher and a punt returner Saturday against Jacksonville. He not only was on the receiving end of Detroit's only touchdown of the afternoon, but he also delivered a 28-yard punt return.

As the days and weeks go by, I think Cota is making a stronger and stronger case to make Detroit's season-opening roster.

5.) What are you watching for this week at training camp?

Booher: How much the starters do. They have yet to play a snap together during the preseason, and I'd like to see the starters in a small amount of live game reps before the regular season starts. 

Practice reps tend to be a direct correlation to preseason work with Dan Campbell. As a result, the rep count in practice will likely indicate how much we see of Jared Goff and company before the season opens in Kansas City. 

Chirco: I'll be on the lookout for a couple things.

First off, I'll be closely watching how undrafted defensive backs Starling Thomas V, Steven Gilmore and Brandon Joseph perform in camp this week. They're all on the bubble, and likely need a strong week of practice plus a solid performance against the Panthers to earn a roster spot.

Second, I'll be closely monitoring wide receiver Dylan Drummond's week of camp. I believe he needs to put together a solid week of reps, in order to come anywhere close to cracking the Lions' 53-man roster out of camp.