The Detroit Lions defense went through a ridiculous amount of injuries last year, highlighting the importance of depth in any roster.
This year, there remains a ton of top-end talent at every level of the defense, and the depth seems good in many spots, as well. However, with unexpected injury news already hitting the defense, it appears that depth will be tested again.
But who will win those depth jobs in Lions training camp? Our staff made their predictions for the bubble players on defense below.
You can see our predictions for the offensive side of the ball here.
Edge defender:
- Assumed in: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal
- Al-Quadin Muhammad: 11 “IN” votes
- Ahmed Hassanein: 11 votes
- Nate Lynn: 1 vote
- Mitchell Agude: 0 votes
- Isaac Ukwu: 0 votes
No drama at the edge defender position to start camp. However, with the lingering feeling that the Lions could possibly add Za’Darius Smith at any time, it would make for some interesting, tough decisions ahead. If the Lions were to sign Smith, I imagine that would put Muhammad firmly on the bubble, but we could also see the Lions carry a sixth EDGE and forfeit a player at a different position.
Defensive tackle:
- Assumed in: DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez
- Assumed out: Alim McNeill (PUP), Levi Onwuzurike (PUP)
- Mekhi Wingo: 11 votes
- Pat O’Connor: 7 votes
- Brodric Martin: 0 votes
- Chris Smith: 0 votes
The shocking news that Levi Onwuzurike will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list and miss at least four games has opened up a significant opportunity in the defensive tackle room. As of right now, the biggest benefactor is Pat O’Connor, whom I originally had as OUT, but changed when the Onwuzurike news dropped Thursday afternoon.
Suddenly the depth of this room doesn’t look quite as good, and Detroit may be heavily relying on first-round pick Tyleik Williams to take on an immediate role while Onwuzurike and (presumably) Alim McNeill heal up.
Linebacker
- Assumed in: Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard
- Assumed out: Malcolm Rodriguez (PUP)
- Trevor Nowaske: 9 votes
- Anthony PIttman: 8 votes
- Ezekiel Turner: 4 votes
- Zach Cunningham: 2 votes
This, by far, is the most competitive room on the Lions’ roster. All four roster bubble players have proven to be useful in the past. Everyone but Nowaske has at least 56 games of NFL experience, primarily on special teams. But the reason Nowaske leads the way is because he played 14 games for the Lions last year, including two starts. The Lions were very excited to get Nowaske back after briefly losing him in 2023.
In short, all four of these players could play a role, and given that Detroit has kept up to seven linebackers on their 53-man roster—meaning there could be three spots up for grabs—all four bubble players have a decent shot to make the team.
Cornerbacks:
- Assumed in: Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey
- Rock Ya-Sin: 10 votes
Safeties:
- Assumed in: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox
- Dan Jackson: 11 votes
- Loren Strickland: 2 votes
- Morice Norris: 1 vote
- Ian Kennelly: 0 votes
I’m going to package these two groups together, because Maddox essentially belongs in both groups, and the Lions may have to make a decision between CB6 and S4/5.
We’ve already got eight defensive backs assumed in. Detroit will almost certainly keep a ninth, possibly a 10th, and an outside chance at an 11th. We all have Dan Jackson filling one of those spots, and most have veteran Rock Ya-Sin filling another. Although it’s possible another safety/nickel type (Norris or Strickland) could fill the 10th spot over Ya-Sin. While that could leave Detroit a little shorthanded on the outside, Amik Robertson’s versatility could give them that flexibility.
Special teams:
- Assumed in: K Jake Bates, P Jack Fox, LS Hogan Hatten
No need for Bubble Watch on special teams this year. All three specialists are running unopposed for the first time in several years.
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