Way too early Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction after the 2024 NFL Draft

NFL free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. The Detroit Lions made a lot of moves this year that will improve their roster. Especially in the secondary. 

Speaking of roster, now is a fun time to make some predictions with the Lions roster. So we're going to break it all down position by position and and make our way too early 53-man prediction. 

Quarterback (2)

Starter: Jared Goff
Backup: Hendon Hooker

Out: Nate Sudfeld

The Lions won't have to make many changes at the position when it comes to the quarter back position. They'll carry Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker into the season with Nate Sudfeld being the practice squad guy.

Running back (3)

Starters: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery
Backups: Sione Vaki

Out: Craig Reynolds, Zonovan Knight, Jermar Jefferson, Jake Funk

Drafting Sione Vaki changes some things. The Lions are very interested in using him in all three phases of the game, but primarly as a running back. That could push someone like Zonovan Knight and even Craig Reynolds out. 

Wide receiver (5)

Starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Donovan Peoples-Jones
Backups: Antoine Green, Kalif Raymond, 

Out: Tre'Quan Smith, Jalon Calhoun, Isaiah Williams, Tom Kennedy, Daurice Fountain, Maurice Alexander

Josh Reynolds is not returning to the Lions next season. The Lions are a team that is in need of a definitive number two receiver and they did not go looking for one in the draft or free agency. Maybe they feel that guy is already on the team and his name is Jameson Williams

Tight ends (4)

Starter: Sam LaPorta
Backups: Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, James Mitchell

Out: Isaac Rex

I thought for sure that the Lions would look to add a tight end that could be a solid backup this offseason and what they did was show how much they like Brock Wright when they tendered him and then matched the 49ers offer sheet. They also brough back Shane Zylstra after he missed the entire 2023 season. 

Offensive line (9)

Starters: Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, Penei Sewell
Backups: Kayode Awosika, Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu, Christian Mahogany

Out: Dan Skipper, Connor Galvin, Michael Niese, Netane Muti, Matt Farniok, Duke Clemmens, Bryan Hudson, Kinsley Eguakun

The Lions have a very good offensive line going into this next season. They also have a bench that's chock full of projects that can someday be something.

Defensive line (10)

Starters: Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeil, DJ Reader, Marcus Davenport
Backups: Mehki Wingo, John Cominsky, Brodric Martin, Mathieu Betts, Josh Paschal, James Houston 

Out: Levi Ownwuzurkie, Isaac Ukwu, Nate Lynn, Chris Smith,

The Lions didn't address edge rusher in the way that everyone assumed they would. That likely means that Marcus Davenport is about to play a lot more than initially thought. 

Linebacker (6)

Starters: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes
Backups: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Malcolm Rodriguez, Steele Chambers

Out: Mitchel Agude, DaRon Gilbert, 

The linebacker room went from a weakness to a strength pretty quick and they managed to do that with the same players. These guys just grew into their roles. I can't see anyone going anywhere. 

Cornerback (6)

Starters: Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson
Backups: Ennis Rakestraw, Steven Gilmore, Emmanuel Moseley

Out: Kindle Vilor, Khalil Dorsey, Loren Strickland, Craig James

The Lions really bulked this group up. It's a brand new cornerback room with only a couple guys making their returns in smaller roles. It's going to be interesting to see who will be the slot corner since it looks like a return to safety could be set for Brian Branch

Safety (5)

Starters: Brian Branch, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kerby Joseph
Backups: Morice Norris, Brandon Joseph

Out: Chelan Garnes, 

It's time for the rotation. The Lions move Branch back to safety and then they use Vaki as a safety as well. Suddenly the Lions have a really good group of guys here. This is also the one spot where I think an undrafted free agent has the chance to make the roster. Norris is the guy I'm going with.

Special teams (3)

Starters: Michael Badgley, Jack Fox, Scott Daly

Out: Jake Turner, Hogan Hatten

Nothing changing here. The Lions are sticking with the same group the went into the season with last year. That is unless Michigan Panthers Jake Bates comes over.