As the preseason comes to an end, so does the employment of 37 players on the Detroit Lions. With one final game before roster cuts begin, these players will be trying to secure one of the final spots on this roster or at the very least get consideration for the practice squad. The Lions have a lot of question marks on their depth chart right now as some positions have their lineup locked and others don’t have a clear starter yet. With that, here is my best guess at what the Detroit Lions roster will look like for the 2018 season.

Offense (24)

Quarterback (2)

In: Matt Stafford, Jake Rudock

Out: Matt Cassel

This was one of the tougher decisions to be made. If I were Bob Quinn, neither backup would make this team and I would be looking to Pittsburgh to pickup their leftovers. But for the sake of this prediction, I went with Rudock. The 2016 6th round pick has a little bit more upside and has showed some flashes of improvement in the preseason.

Running Back (4)

In: LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson, Theo Riddick, Ameer Abdullah

Out: Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington

Three of the four running backs that make this team are locks, and Abdullah is not far from securing his spot on the gameday roster as well. Zenner and Washington have not done enough this offseason and during the preseason to show that they have earned a place on the final roster. Special teams is what will define that fourth spot, and Abdullah’s ability as a returner will help him. Zenner has also been a strong contributor on special teams, but he is not irreplaceable.

Fullback (1)

In: Nick Bellore

Out: –

Nick Bellore was serviceable in his limited action as a fullback last season. Though I am still holding out hope that Detroit uses Zenner in the fullback role, Bellore brings more versatility to this team. The way Nick Bellore earns a spot on this roster is through his ability to not only play fullback, but add to the depth at linebacker as well. He may have not practiced with the defense that much this offseason, but his seven years of linebacker experience in the NFL will still be beneficial if injuries hit this team.

Tight End (4)

In: Luke Willson, Hakeem Valles, Michael Roberts, Levine Toilolo

Out: Marcus Lucas, Sean McGrath

Hakeem Valles has been one of the biggest surprises of this offseason. A player that I thought would be stashed on the practice squad has worked hard enough to earn a place on the team. Roberts, on the other hand, is not living up to the reputation he had at Toledo as a redzone threat and strong blocker. I give him a spot in the tight end room just because it is too early to give up on the 2017 fourth round pick. Toilolo can come in and play the role Darren Fells had last season. He has the size and blocking ability, which is a skill set that makes him valuable for this team.

Wide Receiver (4)

In: Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, Kenny Golladay, TJ Jones

Out: Brandon Powell, Teo Redding, Jace Billingsley, Bradley Marquez, Dontez Ford, Brian Brown, Chris Lacy

The Detroit Lions receiving corps hasn’t had this much talent in a while. The decision to keep four receivers is a tough one, but none of the players in the ‘out’ section have a skillset that is unique. Powell, Billingsley, Redding, and Marquez have had strong campaigns throughout camp and the preseason but I do not see Detroit spending a roster spot on them. Expect to see a few of those guys on the practice squad though.

Offensive Line (9)

In: Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, T.J. Lang, Rick Wagner, Tyrell Crosby, Joe Dahl, Corey Robinson, Wesley Johnson

Out: Kenny Wiggins, Leo Koloamatangi, Brian Mihalik, Dan Skipper, Jamar McGloster, Beau Nunn, John Montelus

To be honest, most of the depth guys in this position group haven’t stood out. Crosby, Robinson, and Dahl seem like the best bets for our backups on the offensive line. Versatility is the name of the game and Dahl is able to play almost anywhere on the line and both Crosby and Robinson could fill in at tackle or guard. I give Johnson the final nod because the Lions could use a veteran lineman with starting experience on their depth chart. His play hasn’t been the best, but it was down to him or Wiggins for that last spot.

Defense (26)

Defensive Tackle (5)

In: A’Shawn Robinson, Ricky Jean Francois, Sylvester Williams, Da’Shawn Hand, Jeremiah Ledbetter

Out: Christian Ringo, Toby Johnson, Josh Fatu

The interior of this defensive line is set. Unfortunately, Detroit didn’t bring in many depth players to compete for these spots, and the guys who they did bring in didn’t stand out. Robinson and Jean Francois will most likely be our starters, playing the 3T role. Williams will serve as our nose tackle, which has been a need on this defensive line for a while now. Hand and Ledbetter are versatile enough to swing out to the edge if needed.

Defensive End/Edge Rusher (7)

In: Ziggy Ansah, Devon Kennard, Kerry Hyder, Anthony Zettel, Robert Ayers, Eli Harold, Alex Barrett

Out: Chad Meredith, Cam Johnson, Jeremiah Valoaga, Freddie Bishop

This is the unit that has the most to prove in 2018. Throughout the last few seasons, rushing the passer and setting the edge have been the two biggest issues for the Lions’ defense. In other words, the edge rushers have to do better. This offseason, pass-rushing linebackers such as Kennard and Harold have been added to the roster, showing that there are big changes coming to this defense. This group’s play hasn’t been the best so far this preseason, but hopefully Patricia’s new defensive playbook looks better when the games matter.

Linebacker (4)

In: Jarrad Davis, Jalen-Reeves Maybin, Christian Jones, Miles Killebrew (Also see: Bellore, Kennard, Harold, Barrett)

Out: Darnell Sankey, Trevor Bates, Jonathan Freeny

The starting linebackers seem to be set in stone. Detroit’s linebacker depth will be spread out over multiple position groups, which is good for them as far as versatility goes. Killebrew has been seeing more and more time and success with this unit, so I think this is where he’ll find his role with the team this season.

Cornerback (5)

In: Darius Slay, DeShawn Shead, Teez Tabor, Jamal Agnew, Nevin Lawson

Out: Sterling Moore, Dexter McDougle, Chris Jones, Mike Ford

This is another position group that has no tough cuts to make. The only question here is who starts opposite of Slay. Shead, Tabor, and Lawson have all had reps there, but we won’t know until week one. I’d expect to see Jones and Ford on the practice squad.

Safety (5)

In: Glover Quin, Quandre Diggs, Tavon Wilson, Tracy Walker, Charles Washington

Out: Marcus Cromartie, Rolan Milligan

I expect Quandre Diggs to pick up from where he left off last season and start at strong safety. The final spot in this group comes down to Washington or Milligan, and it’s clear who wins their place on the roster. I’ve been a fan of Milligan throughout his career at Toledo and in the NFL, but his play this preseason has been abysmal to say the least.

Special Teams (3)

In: Matt Prater, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach

Out: Ryan Santoso

Nothing to say here. One of the best special teams units in the league returns for another season. Santoso has looked good throughout his time in Detroit, and I hope he gets picked up by another team soon.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, comments, or criticism, find me on Twitter @TheHonoluluBlue!