Detroit Lions 2011 Roster: Who Will Suit Up on Offense?

Here is a look at what the Detroit Lions offense might look like when they take the field September 11^th, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

As always, this is list is fluid, and it depends on who else might be brought in by general manager Martin Mayhew. 

I will preview the defensive roster on Tuesday, August 30^th

Let me know what you think!

Quarterback

Safe: Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill

On the bubble: Drew Stanton, Zac Robinson

No chance: None

Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill are obvious locks to make the roster. The surprise here is that Zac Robinson is pushing Drew Stanton for the number three spot.

If you would have asked me before training camp, I would have said there is no chance that Robinson is even in the competition for the last spot, but he really has played well in the preseason. 

That being said, I think the Lions are going to try and slip Robinson to the practice squad, with an eye on moving Stanton up to the backup QB position next season once some team overpays for Shaun Hill as a free agent.

Running Back

Safe: Jahvid Best, Maurice Morris, Stefan Logan

On the bubble: Mike Bell, Jerome Harrison, Aaron Brown, Jerome Felton

No chance: Mike Clapp, Ian Johnson

With the season-ending injury to rookie Mikel Leshoure, Jahvid Best and Maurice Morris are the top two running backs left on the team. Both are expected to contribute greatly to the Lions’ offensive effort this season.

Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison were both acquired when Leshoure went down.  Unless something unforeseen happens, only one of these guys will make the roster.  Currently, Harrison seems to have the edge.

The unforeseen circumstance that could occur is that the Lions choose not to carry a fullback on the roster.  Jerome Felton has not been the pile mover or short yardage guy that the Lions are looking for at the position, and it would not be a shock if he is cut. The Lions could then go with Mike Bell as a hybrid fullback/running back instead.

Stefan Logan makes it because he is one of the premiere return men in the league, but he can help out on reverses and as a slot receiver out of the backfield as well.

Wide Receiver

Safe: Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Titus Young, Rashied Davis

On the bubble: Derrick Williams, Maurice Stovall, Nate Hughes, Tim Toone

No chance: Demario Ballard, Dominique Barnes, Marcus Harris

Rashied Davis makes it because he is good on special teams.  The Lions are hoping that he can give them something as a receiver also.

Maurice Stovall really came on in the last preseason game, and it looks like he has the inside track to be the fifth receiver.

Derrick Williams was having a strong camp, but dropped passes against the Cincinnati Bengals in the team's first preseason game have hurt his chances to make the roster.

If the Lions keep a sixth receiver, look for that spot to go to Nate Hughes.

Demario Ballard looks like a candidate for the practice squad.

Tight End

Safe: Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler, Will Heller

On the bubble: None

No chance: Richard Dickson, Joe Jon Finley, Gijon Robinson,

There really isn’t much competition at tight end.  The Lions' threesome is one of the better units in the NFL.

Offensive Line

Safe: Jeff Backus, Jason Fox, Gosder Cherilus, Corey Hilliard, Dominic Raiola, Stephen Peterman, Rob Sims

On the bubble: Dan Gerberry, Dylan Gandy

No chance: Kirk Chambers, Johnny Culbreath, Rudy Niswanger, Greg Niland, Donald Thomas

Barring any injuries, the starting offensive line will be the same as last year: Backus, Sims, Raiola, Peterman, and Cherilus. 

Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox will be the backup tackles.

Dylan Gandy and Dan Gerberry should make it because of their ability to play multiple positions. 

The only way this changes is if someone is brought in from another team that the Lions consider an upgrade over Peterman.