Reviewing Lions' Roster Strengths and Weaknesses
The Detroit Lions finalized their active roster Tuesday afternoon, revealing Dan Campbell's and Brad Holmes' initial plans for the regular season.
More moves are expected in the coming days, but the Lions have the base of the roster completed. There were some surprise cuts, as well as many expected moves.
Here is an early evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the Lions' roster.
Strength: Proven talent in the secondary
Perhaps the biggest news Tuesday was the fact that the Lions activated cornerback Emmanuel Moseley off the PUP list. Though Moseley may not be in game shape by the time the Lions kick off a week from Thursday, activating him prevents him from having to miss the first four games of the season.
Detroit may not have to rush him into action, either. Jerry Jacobs looked more than capable during training camp, working opposite Cam Sutton. The safety position, meanwhile, is full of talent.
At any given time, Aaron Glenn can roll out a combination of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker and Brian Branch among the two safety and nickel spots.
The secondary is one of the most proven areas on the Lions' roster.
Weakness: Running back depth
The Lions kept only two running backs on their initial 53-man roster. It's hard to imagine that they enter the opener against Kansas City with only Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Justin Jackson's presence on special teams and in the backfield last season showed the importance of having a solid third running back on the roster. Expect the Lions to address this by making a move at the position in the coming days.
Montgomery and Gibbs give the Lions a solid one-two punch, but durability can be difficult over the course of the season. As a result, the Lions need to bring in a solid third option to shore up the depth in this area.
Strength: EDGE rushers
The Lions kept seven EDGE rushers, including Julian Okwara, who was long considered a player on the roster bubble. Though there may be some moves coming, the team has a strong foundation in this position group.
Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal and James Houston are all second-year players who are poised for breakout campaigns. Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara give the team established veterans, while John Cominsky and Julian Okwara have high upside.
The Lions can mix and match at this position. Hutchinson will be the team's starter on the edge, while Harris, Romeo Okwara and Cominsky all could be the team's top defensive end.
Houston and Julian Okwara have been working as SAM linebackers, in an effort to bring a change of pace to the defense. Watching how Campbell and company use this group will be fascinating.
Weakness: Kicking game
The Lions were reported to be in the market for a kicker prior to the roster deadline. They wound up keeping Riley Patterson over Parker Romo, but it remains to be seen whether they keep the third-year kicker.
Several kickers were moved yesterday via trade, but the Lions elected to stand pat at the position. Time will tell if they elect to keep Patterson or explore a new option.
The Memphis product had been the leader throughout camp, but raised concerns by missing an extra point and a field goal in the preseason finale. Given the Lions' history at the position in Campbell's tenure, a kicker will likely be added via the practice squad to compete with Patterson throughout the year.
With the Lions' high aspirations for the season, they can't afford to have an inconsistent option at place kicker. Patterson is safe for now, but expect the Lions to explore other options in an effort to strengthen the position.
Strength: Veteran depth
The Lions brought in several veterans through free agency in the offseason. These players are capable of being big contributors, despite potentially not being in starting roles.
Graham Glasgow has been competing with Halapoulivaati Vaitai for the starting right guard spot. Whoever loses the competition will still be a key contributor up front.
Additionally, the Lions brought in Teddy Bridgewater to give Jared Goff one of the league's most proven backup options.
Detroit also kept six linebackers, with Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Anthony Pittman providing experience that should be an asset to the team's special teams units.
Weakness: Production on defensive interior
Alim McNeill is poised for a breakout year, but there are questions on the defensive interior behind him. Isaiah Buggs and Benito Jones must prove they are capable of consistency, after relatively steady seasons in 2022.
Additionally, the Lions will get Levi Onwuzurike back after missing all of last season with an injury. If this group can be at its best, there's a lot to like. However, there's little proven consistency amongst the young group.
