53-Man Final Roster Prediction

The Detroit Lions will have to submit their 53-man roster by 6 p.m. today after coming off a 25–16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Detroit now faces some tough decisions as the team prepares for the regular season.

Let’s break down my final 53-man roster prediction.

QBs

Jared Goff, Josh Dobbs, Luke Altmyer

Yes, I believe the Lions will keep three quarterbacks. If Altmyer is placed on the practice squad, there’s a good chance another team could claim him. After his preseason performances, Detroit may decide it’s better to keep him on the active roster rather than risk losing him.

RBs

Jahmyr Gibbs, Isaiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors

With Pacheco and Vaki banged up right now, Dan Campbell has already made it clear that he is more than comfortable with Saylors as the backup running back behind Gibbs.

His 17-carry, 100-yard performance against the Colts was more than enough to make the roster in his final preseason game.

WRs

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Tay Martin

Initially, I thought Cedrick Wilson would make this team, but after an injury in Detroit’s second preseason game, the Lions were forced to waive him.

Tay Martin has looked reliable throughout the preseason and finished with a touchdown in the final game. I believe he did enough to claim the final wide receiver spot.

TEs

Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin

This is one of the more straightforward positional groups on the roster. I don’t think there was anyone who seriously challenged Conklin during training camp, and the Lions should enter the season with these three tight ends.

OL

Penei Sewell, Christian Mahogany, Juice Scruggs, Tate Ratledge, Blake Miller, Larry Borom, Miles Frazier, Ben Bartch, Mason Miller

I believe Cade Mays will start the season on injured reserve, leaving a roster spot open for Mason Miller.

Detroit has plenty of versatility along the offensive line, which should give the team some flexibility heading into the regular season.

DL

Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, Alim McNeill, D.J. Wonnum, Tyler Lacy, Derrick Moore, Skylar Gill-Howard, Levi Onwuzurike, Ahmed Hassanein, Eric O’Neill

Hassanein and O’Neill earn the final two spots on the defensive line for me, with Detroit moving on from 2026 seventh-round pick Tyre West and 2024 sixth-round pick Mekhi Wingo.

Hassanein has been one of the biggest risers throughout the preseason, while O’Neill has done enough to earn a roster spot.

LBs

Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Devin White, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jimmy Rolder, Trevor Nowaske

White has looked very solid since signing with the Lions and seems to have locked up not only a roster spot but a legitimate role in the defense.

Detroit has plenty of experience and versatility at linebacker, making this another interesting group to watch when the final cuts are announced.

CBs

D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary, Christian Izien, Nick Whiteside, Keith Abney, Ennis Rakestraw

Initially, I did not believe Rakestraw would make the team, but after a strong performance against the Colts in the final preseason game, I believe he earned another shot with the Lions.

Safeties

Chuck Clark, Avonte Maddox, Thomas Harper

IR: Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch

I think Detroit will keep three safeties to start the season, which could create some tough decisions once Branch and Joseph are ready to return from injured reserve.

Both players are expected to play major roles once healthy, so the Lions could have some difficult roster decisions ahead when that time comes.

Special Teams

Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Hogan Hatten

This group is pretty straightforward, but eyebrows have begun to raise around Bates.

He went 1-for-3 on extra points in the final preseason game, and although he has become something of a Michigan darling, a bad season from Bates could potentially put his future with the Lions in question next offseason.

For now, though, I expect Detroit to enter the regular season with Bates handling the kicking duties.