Training camp can be an easy reminder of which positions on the roster are the most invulnerable to injury. It’s one thing if the first-team offense is rolling, but if things start falling apart by the time the second and third stringers are in the game, it could be a sign of a flimsy roster that could come apart at the seams if injuries happen.
On Saturday, we discussed two of the biggest needs at defensive end and defensive tackle. Let’s talk a little about the opposite end of the spectrum today
because, in my opinion, training camp has revealed two potential big areas of strength when it comes to depth and protection in case of injury.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Where are the Detroit Lions the deepest on their 90-man roster?
My answer: The obvious answer to me is wide receiver.
First, you start with an All-Pro receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, and you pair him with one of the most improved players over the last couple years in Jameson Williams, a budding star. You’re bringing back Kalif Raymond and Tim Patrick—two veteran players who are ideal culture fits and have had very productive spurts in this offense. Now, you add to it a third-round developmental pick in Isaac TeSlaa, who is already making big plays in camp.
And even beyond that impressive group of five, you’re talking about some other rookies who have been some of the most productive players in camp: Dominic Lovett, Jackson Meeks, and Jakobie Keeney-James. While those players may take some time to fully develop into offensive threats, several of them have already popped on special teams, where they could have roles in 2025.
“To have about four or five receivers that are popping on special teams right now early, that’s a good thing, that’s a good thing,” coach Dan Campbell said Saturday. “You guys know, and they know, they’ve been told, ‘Man, if you can help on special teams and continue to develop at your role in your position, there’s a place for you.’”
The only other position that may come relatively close is, oddly enough, safety. While there is very little experienced depth behind Detroit’s top-two star safeties (Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch), the young guys are really starting to bud. I think Morice Norris is having a fantastic camp, despite getting thrown out for being overly aggressive. Loren Strickland and Erick Hallett have both stood out for making plays and flashing versatility. And the Lions did draft Dan Jackson to, at the very least, be a beast on special teams. Oh, and their primary backup, Avonte Maddox, has boatloads of experience at multiple spots.
Those are the two positions that stick out to me most when it comes to depth. Which positions do you feel particularly comfortable with? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!
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