Predicting Lions' Initial 2023 Practice Squad
Tuesday is a pivotal day on the NFL calender
Each team must have their training camp rosters whittled down 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m.
The hours leading up to that time will be filled with meticulous discussion regarding how each team will compile their best versions of rosters.
The Detroit Lions have made several moves but must continue to make cuts ahead of Tuesday's deadline. One option for them is to take cut players and place them on their practice squad.
Tough roster decisions also take into account the assembling of a 16-man practice squad.
"I think it's, not that it doesn't happen at times because you're always looking to see if you can upgrade. As much as you can, there's a reason you want those guys back and it's because they understand our system," Campbell said. "But also, we've built a rapport with these guys, too, so there is a level of trust. You feel pretty good about that relatively to somebody you bring in off the street that you don't really know about or from another team. Because even then, it's gonna take a minute to get them acclimated to how we go about our business, our terminology. All that.
"So I just think, as much as you can, keep those guys intact too," Campbell continued. "They're very much a part of our team and they need to think that way and I want them to think that way. It's a 53-man roster but it's really not. It's a 60-man team, it's a 69-man team and that's kind of how we view it. These guys are all on the same team, we all help each other out and every one of those guys, there's a good chance they're going to play for us."
The practice squad allows teams to keep players without having them count against the active roster. These players are available to be called up on game days in the event of an injury or need for depth.
"It's hard to look them in the eye and say, 'Hey, this is as far as it goes for now.' But there'll be a number of guys too that, yeah, you didn't make it on the 53 but we want you back here," Campbell explained. "If it doesn't work out somewhere else, or someone else isn't willing to claim you, there's a reason we want you back. Because we feel like you can help us. Our practice squad, players play. They play during the year, whether it's injury or special teams. There's a good chance you're gonna end up playing at some point this year if you're with us. But it's tough, there's nothing fun about this."
Here is a prediction of who the team could keep from the current roster on their practice squad:
WR Chase Cota
Cota's struggles in the preseason finale hurt his roster chances. If he doesn't make the cut and no other team takes a chance on him, the Lions would benefit from retaining him based on his size and potential.
LB Trevor Nowaske
Nowaske looked comfortable on special teams. While buried currently on the depth chart, he would be a reliable call-up when the team is in need of a player on one of their coverage units.
DL Corey Durden
Durden displayed versatility against Carolina, using his bullrush to lead to a sack while playing out of position. There's a lot to like about his potential.
OL Obinna Eze
Eze is another player brimming with potential and could benefit from sticking around on the practice squad.
QB Adrian Martinez
Detroit would be wise to retain Martinez. His mobility would be an asset in a practice setting to give the defense a good look while leading the scout team.
RB Benny Snell
Last season, Justin Jackson appeared in 16 games despite not making the roster initially. Injuries happen at this position, so it's important for the Lions to bring back a player like Snell who can contribute in a pinch.
K Parker Romo
The Lions have dealt with a kicker roulette of sorts since Campbell took over. Romo's leg strength should push Riley Patterson in practice.
CB Colby Richardson
Richardson is an intriguing player who joined the Lions' roster late in the preseason. He offers good depth on special teams as well.
DL Chris Smith
Similar to Durden, Smith has been a contributor in the trenches. He could give the team a reliable presence if needed due to injury.
OL Connor Galvin
Galvin has been among the Lions' highest-graded players throughout the preseason by Pro Football Focus.
S Brandon Joseph
Joseph was among the Lions' first UDFA signings and would benefit from developing in a practice squad setting.
S Brady Breeze
A special teams ace, Breeze is a player who would always be ready to go in a pinch. He's versatile and could help on the defensive back-end as well.
WR Maurice Alexander
A punt return score against the Giants showed what Alexander is capable of as a returner. He's another player who would likely see plenty of game action even if he begins the year at this level.
C Brad Cecil
Given the injury history of the Lions' front line, it wouldn't hurt to keep an extra center around. Cecil has seen limited time in the preseason but his UDFA status makes him intriguing from a development perspective.
CB Khalil Dorsey
Dorsey was trending up at the end of the preseason and could very well make the final 53-man roster. If not, he should be one of the first players brought back.
OL Germain Ifedi
Each team is allowed six players with no limit on NFL experience. If Ifedi goes unsigned through Wednesday, the Lions could wind up with an advantage if they can retain him in the organization for depth purposes.
