Rookies and selected veterans have already started to report to Allen Park, and training camp will open in earnest in just a few days. Which makes this a perfect time to take another look at the Detroit Lions roster, and take a stab at projecting who will cash in those 53 golden tickets when camp comes to a close.

The Lions currently have 89 players on their roster — one short of the maximum of 90. And the salary cap remains in good shape with just over $23 million in space according to OverTheCap. Don’t be surprised if the Lions use some of that space to sign some of their key veterans to much-needed extensions this summer.

Heading into camp, there remain at least 12-15 spots across the board that are too close to call. Let’s take a look at how those battles shape up as training camp begins.

Quarterback

Lock: Matthew Stafford

Likely safe: Tom Savage

Work to do: David Fales

Changes: Waived Connor Cook; signed David Fales

Projection (2): Matthew Stafford, Tom Savage

The Connor Cook experiment did not last long. The Lions waived the former Michigan State Spartan after he was outplayed in OTAs by veteran Tom Savage. The Lions then brought in David Fales to act as the third-stringer, but it would be a mighty upset if anyone other than Savage was this year’s backup quarterback.

Running back

Locks: Kerryon Johnson, C.J. Anderson

Cap casualty watch: Theo Riddick

In the fight: Zach Zenner, Ty Johnson, Nick Bawden (FB)

Work to do: Mark Thompson

Projection (5): Kerryon Johnson, C.J. Anderson, Theo Riddick, Ty Johnson, Nick Bawden

Not much has changed here since after the draft. Kerryon Johnson and C.J. Anderson remain the team’s 1-2 punch, and there will be heavy competition for the remaining 2-to-3 spots. Will Nick Bawden be healthy after tearing his ACL last year? Will the team even keep a fullback? How does Theo Riddick’s significant cap hit impact his chances of making the final roster? This will be one of the more interesting battles to watch in camp.

Wide Receiver

Locks: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola

Likely safe: Jermaine Kearse

In the fight: Andy Jones, Tommylee Lewis, Brandon Powell, Travis Fulgham

Work to do: Deontez Alexander, Chris Lacy, Jonathan Duhart, Andre Wilson, Tom Kennedy, Brandon Reilly

Changes: Signed Jermaine Kearse to a one-year contract; Signed Brandon Reilly to a one-year contract

Projection (6): Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, Jermaine Kearse, Travis Fulgham, Andy Jones

The Lions signaled that they weren’t thrilled with their depth at wide receiver when they signed former Seattle Seahawk Jermaine Kearse to a one-year deal back in June. Kearse has experience with Darrell Bevell’s offense and can play both inside and outside. If he makes the team, it’s possible the Lions go short at the position and only keep four wide receivers. But they could also keep as many as six, especially given the value that Andy Jones brings on special teams. This is another one to watch throughout camp.

Tight end

Locks: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James

Likely safe: Logan Thomas

In the fight: Isaac Nauta

Work to do: Jerome Cunningham

Changes: Traded, then waived, Michael Roberts; Waived Nate Becker and Donald Parham

Projection (3): T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James, Logan Thomas

The release of Michael Roberts (after a failed trade to New England) means that the Lions will have an entirely new tight-end room come September. And they needed it. T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James will be the primary options, but athletic and raw Logan Thomas impressed during OTAs. Seventh-round draft pick Isaac Nauta may have a chance to make the team as an H-back.

Offensive line

Locks: Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Rick Wagner, Tyrell Crosby

Cap casualty watch: Kenny Wiggins

In the fight: Oday Aboushi, Joe Dahl, Leo Koloamatangi, Andrew Donnal, Ryan Pope, Beau Benzschawel, Luke Bowanko

Work to do: Micah St. Andrew, Matt Nelson

Changes: Signed Luke Bowanko to a one-year contract

Projection (9): Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Tyrell Crosby, Oday Aboushi, Rick Wanger, Beau Benzschawel, Ryan Pope, Joe Dahl

The top five offensive linemen on the Lions are locked in, but Frank Ragnow appears to be your new starting center, and even if Tyrell Crosby is considered one of the team’s top five linemen, it does not appear that he’ll be starting at guard this fall (it looks likely that he’ll be back as the top reserve tackle). Kenny Wiggins, Oday Aboushi, Joe Dahl, Beau Benzschawel and even newcomer Luke Bowanko (who has starting experience) will fight it out for both the starting and depth spots.