We’re past the halfway point of training camp, and we’re rapidly approaching cutdown date. The Detroit Lions’ personnel department has some tough decisions ahead, and with the amount of competition across the roster, it may be the hardest year to predict what they will end up doing.
There are some easier positions to predict. For example, at running back, the top three players have been pretty well established with Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, and special teams ace Sione Vaki. And when it comes to a possible
fourth spot, Jacob Saylors has shown enough both on offense and special teams to be considered the favorite there. Offensive tackle seems similarly solidified with Penei Sewell, Blake Miller, and Larry Borom being the clear top three.
But let’s talk about the other side of the coin. Which position battles remain tightly-contested? Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which position battles are currently the tightest on the Lions roster?
My answer: I’m looking at the linebacker group as a lot more complicated than it looks.
While Detroit likely has their top four settled in Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Devin White, there is a huge competition brewing for the next two or three roster spots.
Trevor Nowaske is likely the player I’d put in next, as he’s a four-core special teamer who also has the unique ability to back up the tricky SAM linebacker role. Then there’s Damone Clark, Troy Reeder, and Joe Bachie. All three are veteran linebackers with some defensive experience, but all three have an extensive history on special teams. Clark clearly led the pack amongst these three, but an injury has sidelined him for nearly two weeks, allowing the other two to gain ground.
Beyond that, there are two rookies to consider.
Fourth-round pick Jimmy Rolder would be a no-brainer to make the roster if he was healthy. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury early in camp and was expected to miss significant time. But now with the news that Rolder could return as soon as next week, he may avoid injured reserve completely, leaving one less spot available for the rest of the group.
Then there’s Erick Hunter. The undrafted defender out of Morgan State has undoubtedly shined on special teams drills in training camp and has made the occasional defensive play, as well. But on Wednesday, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp warned of putting a player as raw and inexperienced as Hunter in a key role.
“He’s definitely done something probably every practice where you’re like, “Wow, he did a great job there.” Or he stood out And that’s really what you’re looking for,” Fipp said. “Now that being said, he’s also made some big mistakes too. And it’s like, ‘Man, how much of that can you weather?’ Well, when you’re talking about the punt team, not a lot. So those guys have got to go out there and execute. They’ve got to protect the passer. It’s going to be a blitz most of the time that they’re picking up and they’ve got to be 100%. And you can’t have a sack or for us, a blocked punt.”
Will the Lions be willing to risk some tough learning lessons early for the long-term potential of Hunter? That’s a tough question to answer right now.
And on top of that, Fipp gave an unprompted compliment to recently added veteran linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, too.
In essence, this is how I see the linebacker group right now:
Locks: Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Devin White, Malcolm Rodriguez
Favorite for reserve spot: Trevor Nowaske
In if he’s healthy enough: Jimmy Rolder
Still very much in the hunt: Damone Clark, Troy Reeder, Joe Bachie, Amen Ogbongbemiga
Wouldn’t surprise me: Erick Hunter
That’s seven players who I think have a legitimate chance to make the roster fighting for 1-3 roster spots. I don’t think there’s any tighter position than that.
What positions do you think are still very much up for grabs? Share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
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