The Lions’ 53-man roster is officially set, but Dan Campbell made several surprising decisions. Three players I expected to make the team were left off including one I almost guaranteed would make it.
It’s official: The Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster is set, and to say the least, I was shocked by a few of Dan Campbell’s roster decisions.
There were three players in particular who stood out to me as players I fully expected to make the team, including one I almost guaranteed would make the roster.
Lions Cut Greg Dortch
The first player who came as a shock to me was wide receiver Greg Dortch.
Dortch was viewed as a potential WR3 or WR4 heading into roster cuts. He also had a strong connection with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing after playing under him for two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. On top of that, Dortch was viewed as a strong candidate to become Detroit’s primary return man.
However, the Lions had other plans and decided to move on from him.
Even more surprisingly, Detroit kept just four wide receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Tay Martin. It appears the Lions ultimately chose to take a shot on Martin over Dortch.
That was certainly not a decision I expected.
Nick Whiteside Misses the Cut
Needless to say, this was the most shocking cut to me.
I thought Nick Whiteside looked as good as anyone during training camp and the preseason. At one point, I even thought he could potentially emerge as Detroit’s CB3 behind D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin.
But the Lions had other plans.
I have to imagine the decision came down to the wire between Whiteside and Ennis Rakestraw. Detroit ultimately chose to keep Rakestraw, while also retaining D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Keith Abney, Roger McCreary and Khalil Dorsey.
Fortunately, Whiteside cleared waivers after going unclaimed and is now eligible to return to Detroit’s practice squad.
Considering the uncertainty surrounding the health of the Lions’ cornerback room, I would be very surprised if Detroit doesn’t make an effort to bring him back.
Tyler Conklin Loses TE3 Spot to Jackson Meeks
Jackson Meeks was another surprise player who made the roster.
Meeks ultimately took Tyler Conklin’s spot as Detroit’s third tight end. The interesting thing about Meeks is that he can operate as a hybrid tight end and wide receiver, which I believe played a major role in the Lions’ decision.
With Detroit keeping just four traditional wide receivers, having a player like Meeks who can line up in multiple positions gives the offense some additional flexibility.
Conklin being left off the roster wasn’t nearly as shocking to me as seeing Whiteside and Dortch get cut, but I did have Conklin making my 53-man roster while leaving Meeks off.
Meeks also showed flashes throughout the preseason. In Detroit’s second preseason game against the Washington Commanders, he finished with the highest PFF grade among Lions offensive players who saw action. Playing 28 snaps, Meeks posted an 81.7 overall offensive grade.
He also found the end zone in Detroit’s final preseason game of the year.
Ultimately, the Lions appear to have valued Meeks’ versatility and upside over Conklin’s experience, and that decision helped him secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.
