Projecting Detroit Lions' Most Heated Roster Battles This Offseason

Kellen Moore will be the backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

Now whether that will be the backup to the backup or the second-string signal-caller will be up for debate well into September. Still, there's a strong argument that the former Bronco (of Boise State) could man the spot behind Matthew Stafford.

That's not the only battle that will be raging through this offseason. Heck, it doesn't even rank among the top half of them, which will be evident by the handy ranking system you'll find in the next six slides.

So click through for a double-feature. Each slide will predict the winner of a preseason battle just starting to take shape while also ranking its importance to the upcoming season.

6. Third, Fourth and Fifth Wide Receiver

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Everyone knows Lance Moore because everyone has had him on his or her fantasy squad. He's always been the classic boom-or-bust play that's handy when you're dealing with bye weeks or injuries.

Moore has had two seasons with 900 or more yards, but five with less than 500. And his best year yards-wise (2012: 1,041) saw him average 4.3 yards per catch more than 2007, when he caught 10 touchdown passes.

In short, he's incredibly unpredictable, but he's still more of a known quantity than the guys he'll be facing—especially when you factor in his knowledge of the offense.

Corey Fuller, Jeremy Ross, Ryan Broyles, T.J. Jones, Andrew Peacock and a couple of undrafted free agents will be vying for no more than three spots behind Golden Tate and Calvin Johnson. More than likely, those spots will be further down the depth chart than meets the eye because Eric Ebron should see an expanded role. Plus, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi loves to utilize running backs in the passing game.

Obviously, the latter five didn't snag many catches last year, with Broyles leading the way with a pair of receptions. But the prior two didn't set the world on fire. Fuller hauled in 14 catches, while Ross nearly doubled him with 24.

The added competition will be good for the unit as a whole. However, since I promised predictions, I'm going to rely on last year's trust in Fuller and Ross while giving Moore the leg up over Broyles because of his production in a very similar offense for so long.

Prediction: Jeremy Ross, Corey Fuller and Lance Moore

5. Backup QB

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

The time has actually come. Kellen Moore is ready to step into Matthew Stafford's shadow and keep quiet as the backup to a guy who has started 64 straight games. 

That last bit is why you'll find this battle so far down the list. Stafford has proven that the freak occurrences of his first two years were just that. And if Stafford does go down, Detroit's season likely goes with him.

But let's not let its insignificance ruin the moment for Moore. He's more than earned this spot as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press detailed when describing last year's preseason performance:

"

Running primarily the third-team offense, Moore completed 68.6% of his passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in four preseason games.

He was more consistent than No. 2 quarterback Dan Orlovsky, and with Orlovsky scheduled to hit free agency next month, Moore might have a chance to be Matthew Stafford's backup in 2015 and beyond.

"

Granted, Detroit did sign both guys to new contracts, but it seems telling that Moore received a second year to Orlovsky's one. And Moore's contract carries more guaranteed money ($340,000 to $140,000, per Spotrac.com). 

Ultimately, those numbers might mean little more than a Ryan Leaf scouting report. Still, it's something tangible to work with this early in the offseason, and Moore's accuracy might be enough to edge out the veteran Orlovsky for the coveted role of "Chief Clipboard Holder."

Prediction: Kellen Moore

4. Return Specialist

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

There was no way that Jeremy Ross would return (pun intended) as recently as January. The mistakes (like the one featured above) were too many and the lack of big plays too glaring.

But I think my rush to judgment might have been as ill-fated as a Theo Riddick carry.

As many have pointed out, Ross still finished in the top 11 in both punt- and kick-return average. And the return units did little to help him out as the season progressed, so perhaps the poor decisions to field punts deep inside the 10 were borne of frustration.

Whatever the reason may be, he'll still get a shot, but he'll have to earn it:

"

Cost to production, I thought Jeremy Ross would be safe heading into 2015, but nope, Lions sending message they are in market for a returner

— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) April 16, 2015"

Vernon Johnson is probably the most likely candidate to steal his kick-return duties. Ameer Abdullah has been floated as a possibility and recently fielded punts at minicamp, but he'll probably be too important to the offense to significantly raise his injury potential.

Instead, it'll fall on Johnson, who has speed (although his 40s weren't impressive), vision and explosion. This one will be a very tight race that will help set up the offense for success with short fields (ideally), and in the case of a tie, I'll side with the veteran with a semi-proven track record and correctable mistakes.

Prediction: Jeremy Ross

3. Third-Down Back

Here's another battle that I would have easily handed over to the new guy until I unearthed a statistical gem: Out of Theo Riddick's 51 rushing yards last season, 46 came after contact, per Pro Football Focus.

That's impressive. It provides hope that Riddick could improve (as any running back would) with a better performance from the offensive line. And it more than likely means the Lions are headed for a split among these duties, per Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus:

"

Hey, a running back. Abdullah a good rusher and receiver. Nice fit along with Joique Bell. Theo Riddick will steal some targets, as well.

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) May 2, 2015"

But where's the fun in platitudes and soft predictions? Instead, let's hammer home why Ameer Abdullah has a chance at relegating Riddick to the two-minute drill.

First off, Abdullah is a better threat to run the ball, the above notwithstanding. Abdullah equals Riddick in terms of burst, and his weightlifting addiction gives him the power edge.

Abdullah's soft hands may be the real kicker. Per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, he hasn't dropped a pass in two years (48 receptions). Meanwhile, Riddick has had three drops in 58 targets over that same time frame. We're splitting hairs here, which probably means they'll be splitting reps, but talent wins out, and Abdullah takes that contest hands down.

Prediction: Ameer Abdullah 

2. Nickelback

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

The Lions entered last season with Nevin Lawson and Bill Bentley battling for this position. By Week 3, the Lions were scraping barrels, kegs and other liquid containers in a desperate search for help.

This year, Detroit is taking no chances. General manager Martin Mayhew inked veteran Josh Wilson and drafted Quandre Diggs to ensure history doesn't repeat itself.

Lawson looked good enough last season to guarantee himself a roster spot. Kyle Meinke of Mlive.com explains why here:

"

Lawson was a fourth-round pick just one year ago, and showed rapid improvement during training camp and the preseason. He likely will make the team, as long as the team believes he can fully recover from his dislocated foot.

"

Meinke also noted that Bentley's injury history may be too much to overcome despite his talent advantage. However, if he gets through camp healthy, he'll leapfrog Wilson considering the free-agent acquisition was the 75th-best cornerback last season in a limited role (458 snaps).

As for Diggs, he may end up being the best of the bunch. He was an absolute steal in the sixth round, and his ability to mirror receivers while playing physically against the run will land him on the active roster.

The Lions were often torched at this spot last season, as opponents took advantage of Cassius Vaughn playing out of position. Detroit needs a more complete defense because it won't have the same firepower up front. If the defense can solidify the slot cornerback positions, it will maintain last year's lofty status. That's why I see Detroit keeping three inside guys and six cornerbacks overall.

Prediction: Quandre Diggs, Nevin Lawson and Bill Bentley

1. Center

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

The Lions had only two interior linemen on the roster heading into the draft. After the first night, they had four after drafting Laken Tomlinson and swinging a trade for Manny Ramirez. Tomlinson is a safe bet to be tattooed in at left guard, but the future for Ramirez is uncertain.

Not as a member of the Lions, of course. He's a valuable veteran with a ton of experience. Rather, he could wind up swiping the starting center position.

Ramirez logged 575 snaps there for Denver last year with an unimpressive minus-7.1 grade, per PFF. However, he spent the entire year at center in 2013 and finished as the fifth-best in the league.

That could be enough to overtake Swanson. The former third-rounder started only one game in place of Dominic Raiola last season. He was solid, though, earning a positive 1.2 run-blocking grade and giving up only a pair of hurries.

I'm of the belief that a healthy LaAdrian Waddle won't be tested much by Cornelius Lucas or rookie Corey Robinson this year, so you won't find that battle here. The center position will be a different story. It'll be close until the end, but Swanson starts with the edge thanks to his familiarity with the offense.

Prediction: Travis Swanson

All combine statistics are sourced from NFL.com. All advanced stats, grades and rankings are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.