The Detroit Lions announced the team’s initial 53-man roster early Tuesday evening with a handful of surprises. Here’s our immediate reaction to the Lions’ decisions.
Overboard on edge rushers
There are few things more valuable in the NFL than having an effective edge rush, and after years of being deficient in that department, the Lions found themselves with a surprising amount of talent this offseason. That was apparent when Romeo Okwara, who led the team with 10 sacks in 2020 before suffering a torn Achilles, and James Houston, who exploded for eight sacks in seven games as a rookie last season, were seeing snaps at the bitter end of the preseason games.
Logic suggested someone was going to be the odd man out. With Aidan Hutchison and Charles Harris set for starting roles, and John Cominsky and Josh Paschal locks for playing time, it seemed as if Houston or either Okwara, including Romeo’s younger brother Julian, would be traded or cut.
From that bunch, Julian made the most sense. Houston’s ceiling and per-snap production is too high and Romeo’s contract restructure would have made his release a tricky cap situation. As for Julian, a former third-round pick, he is undeniably gifted, but has struggled with durability through his three-year career, and he hasn’t produced consistently when he has been healthy. That was encapsulated during the preseason when he racked up three sacks in the opener, but did little of consequence the next two games, including exiting with an injury in the finale.
Maybe the Lions want to shop those players on the trade block a little longer, or possibly slide Julian on to injured reserve Wednesday, giving him time to properly heal, while being eligible to return this season. Regardless, things are shaping up for the Lions to have to make one, possibly two of those guys inactive on game days.
Similar, but lesser issue at DT
Detroit kept five defensive tackles, which is less surprising. Benito Jones would have been the cut, in my opinion, but he was too good this offseason to let go. Plus, he holds a key, run-stuffing role in short-yardage situations, including the team’s goal-line package.
More than anything, this speaks to something I’d written about in my previous roster projection; Brodric Martin needs time to develop. This isn’t a shock, given his coach and general manager have said the same since the team selected him in the third round of the draft. That said, there was admittedly a period early in training camp, when Martin had a few great reps working against Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, where you thought the rookie might contribute more earlier than expected.
UDFA corners flip late
All offseason, Starling Thomas V looked to be on track for a roster spot. Fast and physical, he’d done well through OTAs, minicamp and training camp, serving as one of the top backup cornerbacks with the second-team defense, as well as getting extensive work with the first special teams groups, including some good reps as a gunner on punt coverage.
But by the end of the final preseason game, Steven Gilmore jumped over Thomas due to his poise and playmaking ability, which included interceptions in each of the past two games.
Thomas’ biggest issue is an overreliance on his hands, which you could see being an issue at a position where you’ll draw a flag in the NFL if you breathe too hard on a receiver. Assuming he clears waivers, there’s clearly a developable skill set, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get some game action for the Lions later in the season.
Moseley activated
After spending the entire offseason rehabbing, the Lions opted to activate Emmanuel Moseley instead of keeping him on the physically unable to perform list the first four games of the season. But that doesn’t mean the free-agent addition will be good to go for the season opener.
It wouldn’t be surprising if he needs a little bit more time than two weeks to get physically acclimated. Still, the team clearly feels he’ll be good to go before October, and being on the active roster will allow him to practice, which is key for knocking off whatever rust has accumulated these past 11 months.
Light on offense
By keeping extra defenders at multiple spots, the Lions are technically on the lighter side at every offensive position. That was expected at quarterback and tight end, where the team will go into the season with two and three at those spots, respectively.
It’s more interesting at other positions, namely running back and offensive line.
It’s difficult to believe the Lions will go into the opener against Kansas City with just two running backs (plus fullback Jason Cabinda), even after cutting the presumed No. 3, Craig Reynolds. A veteran, he won’t be subject to waivers, so he could re-sign with the team as early as Wednesday if they do move someone, such as Julian Okwara or Ifeatu Melifonwu, to injured reserve.
Of course, the Lions could be targeting a different back, with dozens of options hitting waivers and the wire this week.
Along the offensive line, Detroit is keeping eight. They have the flexibility to do so thanks to the positional versatility of Graham Glasgow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai and rookie Colby Sorsdal, who can each play multiple positions. But if the Lions stick with that number, expect them to load the practice squad with linemen as insurance.
Finally, the Lions will go to work with just five receivers, with seventh-rounder Antoine Green snagging the fifth and final spot after a strong finish to camp and the preseason. Dylan Drummond and Chase Cota both made impressive runs at a job, and I really believed Drummond would get the nod after his remarkable offseason, but I understand the team’s thinking that an extra edge rusher or cornerback carry more value to the overall roster.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter/X: @Justin_Rogers