The Detroit Lions' 2026 roster is taking shape, and with two more preseason games to go, the team is starting to gain clarity on their 53-man roster. While the Lions' 0-1 preseason record may not matter, it's still a learning experience for players, coaches, and fans alike. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the Lions' projected roster, with a focus on the key decisions that need to be made.
Quarterbacks: A Difficult Choice
The Lions have a tough decision to make at quarterback. Do they keep the experienced and reliable Joshua Dobbs, the undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer who has shown promise, or both? Personally, I think keeping three quarterbacks is a numbers crunch, but Dobbs has the advantage of not being subject to waivers due to his accrued seasons. If the Lions cut Dobbs, they could keep Altmyer off waivers and re-sign him to the practice squad, allowing him to elevate to the game-day roster for the first two weeks. This choice kicks the can down the road, but it's a way to keep both backups in the organization.
Running Backs: A Settled Room
The running back room has been settled, with Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors, Raheem Blackshear, Jabari Small, and Trayveon Williams all competing for spots. Vaki's value on special teams is unquestioned, and Saylors has taken a massive leap in the RB4 battle, making keeping a fourth running back palatable. In my opinion, Saylors is ahead of Vaki on offense, and his contributions on special teams make him a strong contender for the roster.
Wide Receivers: A Competitive Group
The wide receiver room is a competitive group, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Tarik Black, Malik Cunningham, Lucky Jackson, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett all vying for spots. Despite a slow start to training camp and a poor preseason showing, TeSlaa is still safely on the roster. Dortch looks like the team's top returner option, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. is currently taking the spot as a reserve. Lovett's ability to get open is promising, but he needs to corral the ball consistently to justify his roster spot.
Tight Ends: A Clear Top Three
The tight end room is clear, with Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin as the top three. The real debate is whether to keep a fourth tight end, with Jackson Meeks currently in the lead. Meeks saw action early in the preseason game, showing that the coaching staff likes him ahead of his competition. However, I have him on the outs since I wanted to allocate that roster spot elsewhere.
Offensive Line: A Question Mark at Center
The offensive line has an opening at starting center due to Cade Mays' wrist injury. I think a stint on the Injured Reserve makes sense, ruling him out for at least four games. This leaves an opening for a backup center, with Seth McLaughlin's encouraging preseason performance giving him an edge. The status of Mays and his wrist injury is a significant question mark, and the Lions will be considering it if he's ready to suit up.
Defensive Line: A Clear Top Five
The defensive line has a clear top five, with Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, Tyler Lacy, and Skyler Gill-Howard. There's a non-zero chance that Onwuzurike could find himself on the roster bubble in the next few weeks if his game doesn't pick up soon. Chris Smith looks like the best nose tackle option behind McNeill and Williams, while Wingo and West have disappointed thus far.
Edge Defenders: A Competitive Group
The edge defenders are a competitive group, with Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Derrick Moore, Ahmed Hassanein, Anthony Lucas, Eric O'Neill, and Payton Turner all vying for spots. Aside from Turner, the reserves have impressed, but I only have room for one of them. Hassanein is teetering on the edge of being a lock, but I'm not ready to solidify his roster spot yet. At least one of Lucas or O'Neill should be practice squad candidates.
Linebackers: A Health Question Mark
The health of Jimmy Rolder is a significant question mark that could reshuffle the linebacker group. As a rookie that would be largely limited to special teams, I don't think they need to rush him back and can afford to stash him on IR to start the year. The Lions signed Devin White, who has impressed, and he may even jump Damone Clark and Malcolm Rodriguez on the depth chart. I still believe that Trevor Nowaske and Clark are good bets to make the roster thanks to their roles on special teams.
Cornerbacks: A Clear Seven
The cornerback room is clear, with D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary, Ennis Rakestraw, Keith Abney, Khalil Dorsey, and Nick Whiteside as the top seven. Whiteside has been the star of camp so far, and I cannot justify cutting him at this point. Abney and McCreary had a great game against Cincinnati and look capable of playing inside or outside. Dorsey has quietly been playing well on defense, and his elite special teams ability should make him a safe roster choice.
Safeties: A Quartet of Clark, Harper, Izien, and Maddox
The safety room is a quartet of Clark, Harper, Izien, and Maddox if both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph start the season on PUP. However, if one of those starters returns to action, how will the depth chart shake out? Those are questions the Lions will be considering if Branch and/or Joseph are ready to suit up.
Specialists: A Simple Choice
The specialists are a simple choice, with Jake Bates at kicker, Jack Fox at punter, and Hogan Hatten at long snapper. Part of me wants Detroit to sign another punter to give Fox some time off, but c'est la vie.
Players on the Fringe
The players on the fringe include Joshua Dobbs, Dominic Lovett, Jackson Meeks, Seth McLaughlin, Chris Smith, Ennis Rakestraw, and more. These are the players I was waffling on the most when making my 53-man roster, and due to the constraints of an NFL roster size, I had to make some tough choices. Meeks is my top 'OUT' candidate, while Rakestraw is firmly on the hot seat. Lovett has the potential to be a big riser if he can turn his targets into yardage, while McLaughlin could fall off if the Lions are serious about training Tate Ratledge at center. If Altmyer falters and Dobbs succeeds, he will be an easy choice to keep. As for Smith, he has fans in the coaching staff, but as a backup nose tackle, his roster spot will always be endangered.
