NFL Preseason 2010: An Early Look at the Detroit Lions Offensive Roster

With the preseason now upon us it’s time to look at what the Detroit Lions roster might look like on the 12th of September when they take on the Chicago Bears.

With Martin Mayhew at the helm, it is difficult to accurately predict a final roster because of his willingness to make changes.  I expect that Mayhew will probably make a move or two before the start of the regular season.

The other factor that could alter the roster is if any player has an outstanding preseason.

Today the offense will be previewed, with the defense coming up on Friday.

I will separate the players’ chances of making the roster into three categories, safe, on the bubble, and no chance.  

Let the second guessing begin.

Quarterbacks

Safe: Matthew Stafford, Shawn Hill

On the bubble: Drew Stanton

No chance: None

The Lions could decide to go with two quarterbacks because they might need the roster spot to keep an extra running back or wide receiver.  If that happens, Stanton will not make the 53 man roster.

Running Backs

Safe: Jahvid Best, Kevin Smith, Jerome Felton

On the bubble: Aaron Brown, Maurice Morris, Dede Dorsey

No chance: Matt Clapp, Jake Nordin

If the Lions decide to carry five running backs than Dede Dorsey will be the odd man out.  Don’t be surprised of the Lions drop down to four backs and release Maurice Morris as well.  I don’t see the Lions carrying more than one fullback and Felton is the best of the bunch.

Wide Receivers

Safe: Nate Burleson, Bryant Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Derrick Williams

On the bubble: Tim Toone, Brian Clark

No chance: Eric Fowler, Michael Moore, Dennis Northcut, Contrevious Parks

If the Lions go with five wideouts look for Clark to make the team and Toone to be invited to the practice squad. 

I believe the only reason Northcutt is still on the team is because the Lions are hoping to get something for him in a trade.

Tight Ends

Safe: Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler

On the bubble: Will Heller, Dan Gronkowski

No chance: None

I don’t see the Lions carrying four tight ends, either Heller or Gronkowski will be released. 

For Gronkowski to stick around, he is going to have to play at a very high level in the preseason to displace Heller. 

The Lions will have a tough decision here because Heller is their best blocking tight end.  At the end of the day I believe Heller will stick around.

Offensive Tackles

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: Jeff Backus #76 of the Detroit Lions moves to block against the Chicago Bears on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Safe: Jeff Backus, Jason Fox

On the bubble: Gosder Cherilus, Jon Jansen, Corey Hilliard

No chance: None

There is an interesting battle brewing at tackle.  At the start of training camp it was assumed that either Cherilus or Jansen would start on the right side with the other being the backup, however those plans have now been altered a bit. 

With the emergence of Hilliard, the loser of the battle for the starting right tackle job could be left off the roster altogether.  The reason is Hilliard has the ability to play any position on the line with the exception of center.  Most importantly he is the only experienced player who can backup Backus on the left side.

I don’t see the Lions outright cutting Cherilus however, if they chose to part ways with him look for Mayhew to try to swindle someone in a deal for the former first round pick.

Centers

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 18: Dominic Raiola #51 of the Detroit Lions walks the bench area during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 18, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 26-0. (Photo by Jonathan Dani

Safe: Dominic Raiola, Dylan Gandy

On the bubble: None

No chance: Dan Gerberry

The team will not keep three centers.  Raiola and Gandy are the obvious choices here.

Guards

Safe: Rob Sims, Stephen Peterman

On the bubble: Manny Ramirez

No chance: Trevor Canfield, Roy Schuening

With how difficult the final cuts are going to be the Lions could surprise by not keeping a backup guard on the roster. 

They have two other offensive linemen, Hilliard and Gandy, who can slide to guard if needed.  That said I would be surprised if Ramirez is not on the 53 man roster, however I would not be shocked.