Detroit Lions: Predicting The Defensive Roster

On august 19^th we previewed the Detroit Lions offensive roster, today we will take a look at the defensive roster.

The article about the offense can be found here, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439411-detroit-lions-preview-an-early-look-at-the-roster-offense#page/1 

There are a lot more question marks surrounding the defense than the offense.  The lack of talented backups is evident.  Even more of a concern has been the amount of injuries that are piling up, especially in the secondary where the Lions were weak to begin with.

As I stated in previewing the offense, I don’t believe Martin Mayhew is finished tinkering with the roster and it seems that new players are being brought in on a daily bases.

At this time I will use the players currently listed on the roster and will not speculate on who might be added.  But let this serve as a shout out to Jarrod Page, are you bags packed yet young man?

Defensive Ends

Safe: Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Turk McBride, Lawrence Jackson

On the bubble: Willie Young

No chance: Chima Ihekwoaba, Jared DeVries

Defensive end along with cornerback are the most difficult spots to figure out on the team.  Prior to the acquisition of Jackson I thought Willie Young had a decent chance to make the 53 man roster, but now those chances appear to have dimmed a little.  My esteemed colleague John Farrier discussed the possibility of Young making the roster at the expense of Drew Stanton.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439520-2010-detroit-lions-53-man-roster-willie-young-over-drew-stanton

This is not a case where if you have too many players at one position you probably have none.  This is more of a case of having too many quality players and in order to keep them all you have to give up something else. 

If Rod Marinelli was still coaching this team he may have kept them all. 

If young continues to play and practice like he has done so far than I think the Lions will find a way to keep him.

As for Devries, it would have been a great story if he came back from last year’s injury but unfortunately he is hurt again and has barely practiced.  This looks like the end of the road for a good player.

Defensive Tackles

Safe: Sammie Hill, Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams

On the bubble: Andre Fluellen, Landon Cohen

No chance: Robert Calloway

Along with defensive end, defensive tackle is one of the strongest positions on the team.  The guys that fall in the safe category are unquestioned.

The battle between Fluellen and Cohen for the final roster spot may not materialize, as I believe one of these two guys will be traded.   If a trade does not occur the one that plays better in the preseason will be on the team and I believe that guy will be Fluellen.

Linebackers

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 18: DeAndre Levy #54 of the Detroit Lions awaits the start of play 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 Daniel/Getty Ima

Safe: Zach Follett, DeAndre Levy, Julian Peterson, Vinny Ciurciu

On the bubble: Caleb Campbell, Isaiah Ekejiuba, Landon Johnson

No chance: Lee Campbell, Ashlee Palmer

Typically teams like to keep eight linebackers but the Lions might opt to keep just seven because of lack of talent. 

This is one spot where I think the Lions will make a move to acquire another player.  If no move is made than everyone on the bubble will make the team.  If a move is made look for Landon Johnson to exit stage left.

Safeties

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT - DECEMBER 20: Louis Delmas #26 the Detroit Lions leaves the field after a 31-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on December 20, 2009 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Safe: C.C. Brown, Louis Delmas, Randy Phillips

On the bubble: Ko Simpson, Dave Roach

No chance: None

Yet another spot where I believe help is on the way.  The emergence of Randy Phillips has eased some concern but that has been offset by the continued struggle Louis Delmas has had with his groin.  Delmas was once again held out of practice on Thursday and will likely not play this Saturday in Denver.

Dave Roach is listed on the bubble strictly because of injuries concerns. If all players are healthy, and no new players are brought in, than look for Simpson to be on the final roster.

Cornerbacks

Safe: Dre Bly, Chris Houston, Eric King, Dante Wesley, Amari Spievey, Jonathan Wade

On the bubble: Jonathan Hefney

No chance: Aaron Berry, Paul Pratt, Jack Williams

Dante Wesley is safe because of his flexibility.  He is still listed as a cornerback but has been converted to safety.  His special teams value is unquestioned. 

Eric King has been better than I thought he would be.  His previous relationship with Jim Schwartz, for whom he played prior to the 2009 season, also adds to his value.

Jonathan Hefney has been decent in camp but could be squeezed out because of limited roster space.

Special Teams

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT - JANUARY 3: Jason Hanson #4 of the Detroit Lions kicks during the game against the Chicago Bears on January 3, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Safe: Jason Hanson, Nick Harris, Don Muhlbach

On the bubble: None

No chance: Steven Houschka

I had listed Dan Gerberry as having no chance of making the roster at Center, but as our resident marine Mike Sudds pointed out, Gerberry has looked good at long snapper.  At first I was going to disagree with his assessment that Gerberry could make the roster but the more I think about it the more it makes sense.  Muhlbach is strictly a long snapper, but Gerberry also has value at center.  Could the Lions decide to cut both Muhlbach and Dylan Gandy and keep Gerberry? 

When the final bell tolls I don’t think this scenario will play out but it does give the Lions the option of using a roster spot elsewhere.