Earlier this week, we saw the Detroit Lions put out their first unofficial depth chart for the preseason. This depth chart helps gives us a better idea of where players sit through about two weeks of practices. That includes joint practices with the New York Giants this week.
Now the Lions will shift gears from the practice field to the game field. Tonight, they’ll be playing the New York Giants in their first preseason game. Many of the players on the field tonight will be backups, practice squad players and guys that don’t make the team at all. In fact, that’ll be the case for both teams.
It’s been reported that the Lions and Giants will be playing most, if not, all of the game without starters on either side of the ball. That includes Lions QB Jared Goff and Giants QB Daniel Jones. While we won’t see many starters, there’s still plenty to play for with most of these players. Let’s look at four position battles to watch for with the Lions tonight!
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Who’s going to be the 4th and 5th wide receiver?
The top 3 wide receivers on the Lions depth chart are Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond. But what players will get the spots beyond that? There’s been a lot of eyes on Donovan Peoples-Jones since his arrival to Detroit. Unfortunately, he still “has a lot left to prove,” according to Dan Campbell. For DPJ, he’ll need strong performances in each preseason game to ensure he makes the roster.
There will be plenty of attention on Daurice Fountain and as of now, he seems locked into the 4th spot on the wide receiver depth chart. He’s had a strong start to the summer with good hands and fluidity in practice. If all goes right against the Giants, he should maintain his spot on the depth chart.
As for the other receivers, it’s going to be very tight, with little room for error. Tom Kennedy, Isaiah Williams, Antoine Green, Maurice Alexander and Tre’Quan Smith will get their chances this summer to prove themselves. Personally, I look at Tre’Quan Smith and Isaiah Williams as potential fits but it all starts tonight for them to make some big plays to prove themselves.
Cornerback depth will be key for the defense
With the news about Emmanuel Moseley, there will be plenty of focus on the Lions cornerbacks. Starting with rookie Ennis Rakestraw, I thought his play style at Missouri was very comparable to Moseley. Physical with good length for the position to redirect receivers when jamming them at the line. Rakestraw is physical and should get a chance to play inside and outside tonight against the Giants.
We all know that the Lions signed Amik Robertson to contribute in some way. I’d expect to see him on the field tonight for a series or two. As of now, I’d project Robertson to start in the slot.
As for everyone else, it comes down to Khalil Dorsey, Steven Gilmore and Kindle Vildor. The way it sits right now, Vildor has had a stronger summer than Dorsey or Gilmore. However, Gilmore made some big plays early in training camp last season. Could some in-game action be all he needs to really get going? He’ll get plenty of chances tonight.
Who’s going to be the 4th safety?
I don’t think people realize how important this spot is for the Lions. Listed at the top, it’s Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, but we know that Ifeatu Melifonwu will have a role. Whether that be playing more in the slot or as an overhang, there will be instances where Melifonwu is on the field.
In fact, there could be instances where we see all three of those guys on the field at once. Again, the depth behind them will be important, especially with Branch coming back from an injury.
The players listed are Brandon Joseph, C.J. Moore, Morice Norris, Chelen Garnes and Loren Strickland. I’d be surprised if we saw Garnes or Strickland stick on the roster. However, there’s hope for Moore, Norris and Joseph.
The name I’d highlight is Morice Norris. He’s a UDFA signing from Fresno State this spring and he hits HARD. By now, you should have seen the clip from earlier this week where he blew up a Giants pass catcher in practice. However, that’s the common theme in his film. He can play close to the line of scrimmage and work off initial contact to lay some hits on pass catchers. His ability in coverage against the Giants tonight and during the rest of the preseason will be important to monitor.
Will we see four running backs on the roster?
Last season we saw the Lions only carry three running backs on the roster. At this point, it seems almost a certainty that they’ll carry four running backs with the addition of Sione Vaki in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
That said, it’ll still be important that Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki play well this preseason. As we know with Dan Campbell, everything is earned on this roster. Both players will need play well and outplay the other running backs on the roster to earn their spots.
Those other running backs are Zonovan Knight, Jermar Jefferson and Jake Funk. At this point, I’d expect all three of these players to either be cut or sent to the practice squad. However, the first preseason game is tonight and with strong showings, they could make life very difficult for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes as the 53-man roster will begin to take shape after tonight.