Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Prediction (Pre-Patriots Game Edition)
by Sean Yuille on Aug 26, 2011 5:11 PM EDT
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I made one big change on each side of the ball for this week's Detroit Lions roster prediction. Let's start first with the change on offense.
WR Maurice Stovall in, FB Jerome Felton out
Stovall had an excellent game against the Cleveland Browns last week, catching four passes for 67 yards and one touchdown. More importantly, he showed he can be a reliable target at wide receiver. The same can't be said for Derrick Williams, who lost his spot in last week's roster prediction. Stovall has clearly passed him on the depth chart, and I now have Stovall securing a spot on the roster.
The difficult part about adding Stovall was deciding who should not make the 53-man roster. In the end I settled on Felton. When thinking about worth to the team, I ultimately decided that Stovall was more valuable to the Lions than Felton. Obviously there could be a problem with not having a true fullback on the roster, but I think Will Heller has shown enough at fullback to allow the Lions to part ways with Felton. Also, with Stefan Logan helping depth in the backfield (I probably should just list him as a running back instead of a receiver), the Lions can afford to go with Stovall at receiver instead of Felton at fullback.
LB Doug Hogue in, CB Nathan Vasher out
A number of you have disagreed with keeping Vasher over Hogue in my first two roster predictions, and I have finally come around to that line of thinking. In this edition I have Hogue, the Lions' fifth-round pick, making the team over the veteran Vasher.
The one disclaimer I will present is that Vasher not making the team is based on the assumption that Alphonso Smith will be healthy and ready to go in the regular season opener. It seems he's made progress with his broken foot, but if for some reason he's not healthy to start the season, you could see the Lions keep a sixth cornerback on their initial 53-man roster. I'm not sure which linebacker would be the odd man out in that scenario, but I have a hard time believing Hogue would make the team over Ashlee Palmer and Isaiah Ekejiuba.
In any case, you can check out my latest 53-man roster prediction below (players in bold are the ones I have making the team).
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QB Matthew Stafford RB Jahvid Best FB Jerome Felton WR Calvin Johnson TE Brandon Pettigrew OT Jeff Backus OG Rob Sims C Dominic Raiola |
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch DT Ndamukong Suh LB DeAndre Levy CB Alphonso Smith S Louis Delmas K Jason Hanson P Nick Harris LS Don Muhlbach |
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Love it!
now if only we could get the FO to rubber stamp it!
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
agree
this seems like a solid line up barring injury.
few things to consider is the 7 lb’s I could see Hogue over Ekejiuba and giving Vasher the last slot. Hogue has a lot of praise and from some of the interviews seems like Schwartz would be willing to give him that chance knowing he can take his time in development behind the LB in place when Durant Tulloch Levy and Carpenter will already be the main 4 on the field.
Morris and the RB position probably beating a dead horse but could he be a sacrificial lamb going into the season ? thats little over 1 mill back on cap.
Hill/Stanton/Robinson – I dont know but im starting to like the upside Zac could have and less and less liking Hill this year. Not to mention Zac doesnt play w/ the first or second groups really. Originally Hill signed to a 1 yr contract he got an extra year extension makin this his last year. Stanton coming along and the way he has been playing games says he could be ready to take over that 2 spot. Leaving the 3rd to a new project if necessary. Hill to Miami for a 4-5th round pic getting back at least the pick that was stolen due the tampering charges.
A coward dies a thousands Deaths a soldier dies once ....
by JaiGaiaAries on Aug 26, 2011 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Only reason I could see them not keeping Ekejiuba is if they feel the changed kick off rules make him less valuable- but then again, with our coverage unit- it looks like we could just have Hanson pop them up and go wallop guys – trying to force fumbles at or before the 15… in that case, he makes a big difference IMO (he’s good at FFs).
Morris=lock
I was an apologist for Hill last year, but with Stanton’s development, I just don’t see why we need him. Stanton has been outplaying him by all accounts…I’d go with the youth personally – but I certainly don’t mind keeping our best 3 QBs on the roster (Staff, Stanton, Hill)
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
I'm feeling same thing about hill
Stanton is looking very reliable for a 2nd string QB, and zac is looking solid, would be nice to see him with the 2nd string players though and see what he can do.
I agree, hill could be some nice trade bait if he was looking a little bit better, him to miami would be a great fit giving the fact he could start there.
Practice Squad
Based on this roster, I think we go:
Ballard
Mixon
Fulghum
Silva
Culbreath
Clapp
Finley
Pratt
The top five should be locks; I wouldn’t mind switching one of the bottom three out for a defensive lineman, especially if Finley can be traded like Gronk.
Would love for Clapp to continue to develop
he looks like a monster and I soooo want a bruising lead back! I like Silva a lot as well!
Hope Cullbreath isn’t stolen (again)
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
Um, maybe it's me
or my browser, but they’re all bolded.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
Yea its a problem with your browser
At least mine have bolded and non bolded.
Anyways i love the list
by Liontotheextreme on Aug 26, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Me Likey
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer. I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me aroused." - Jim Schwartz
I am thinking that they are using Hilliard at G so they may only carry 2 pure guards making a spot for Felton
Ya, I could see that too...
Considering Gandy backs up C and G as well.
He who laughs last didn't get it.
Good point
That’s certainly possible
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think felton will make it
maybe one of the linebackers gets cut to keep stovall
why not
Keep Vasher and let Fluellen go?
by jayoung34 on Aug 26, 2011 6:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think Felton is at this point
I Heller has been playing the “F” spot in a some offensive formations. But the fact that he is 6’6 could cause some problems for Matthew and his passing lanes if Will is in playing the normal FB position.
Yooperlionfan is officially "the man"
the Lions D-Line: the Four Horsemen of the A-sack-alypse
Jim Schwart: Erasing the stink of Millen, one fist pump at a time.
P.C.P: It is not just for recreation anymore.
yeah, but we rarely pass when we have a FB
when we do, I feel like the pocket often moves (such as bootlegs)
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
BTW
Logan is, in fact, a “running back” now.
by Forward Down The Field on Aug 26, 2011 7:35 PM EDT reply actions
'Tis a special time for Lions fans
For the first time in a long time, our 53-man roster is league-average and very competitive. By next year, I expect us to be having to part ways with a whole lot more NFL-caliber talent during camp cuts – and it’s going to feel good.
by Hussein Beydoun on Aug 26, 2011 7:52 PM EDT reply actions
I am good with this roster
Barring injury or some surprising performances down the stretch, your roster is very close to what I would keep as well. Any differences we might have would be a matter of preference in where to have more depth, so I am not going to nitpick over that.
Is Stovall really all that?
I saw him in his “breakout” game, but did he play well in the first game and has he looked good on special teams?
Given the Lions problems at RB, I would be surprised if they let Felton go for a WR. Felton is a useful special teamer too from what I recall.
I like the idea of keeping Hogue over Vasher although I think the Giants, Vikings, and Raiders will probably snap Vasher up.
Good article though. I am sure we all enjoy seeing the Lions have some hard decisions to make.
"Filling a need doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good player," said Schwartz. "It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that best fits; it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that’s better than what you have already."
Almost
I would drop WR davis and keep an extra O lineman like OT Johnny Culbreath
just sayin after a few of these guys come back to the line are they really gonna be 100%
just sayn
I'd rather have the development guys over the career special teamers
It’s great to have someone like logan to return kicks. But in the case of the O-line, I’d much rather have Lydon Murtha right now instead of wendling or ekejuiba, or even zach follet. We kept follet because he was a special teams beast but in the process risked losing a potential starting tackle, or at the very least a solid back up. With the new kick off rules I’m not sure how valuable wendling or davis will be so I’m totally in favor of keeping culbreath, hogue, or clapp over them.
The future is bright.
ya i know...
but its irrelevant because him retiring doesn’t bring lydon murtha back. i was talking about their rookie years when we put took him off the pc i believe.
The future is bright.
by joecool5672 on Aug 27, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
crap!
the ps!!!! (practice squad)
The future is bright.
by joecool5672 on Aug 27, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Re: Follett
As I recall, both Follett and Murtha were on the practice squad. Follett was activated part way through the season for his special teams play. It’s not like Murtha was only on the PS because Follett took his roster spot.
Special Teams is an important unit too
Just because the kickoffs are 5 yards closer doesn’t mean you can ignore special teams. We will still have to return and cover kicks. Teams are going to bring it out from further back then before and even if a team only returns one kickoff in a game, it’ll hurt if that return goes for 7.
Besides, we still need to cover punts. Good teams excel at all three phases of the game; offense defense AND special teams and that is not going to change; even with the new rules.
field position is an under-rated component
both in terms of your chances to score and prevent scoring…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
i think last years special teams unit was just fine
so drop davis and wendling, keep hogue and culbreath. i wont be upset if we have a few good special teamers. but i think it is also possible to have a surplus when you end up sacrificing future starters to the ps, and risk losing them all together. also, so someone doesn’t state the obvious below, i realize wendling was on the team last year. i think coleman has played just fine on st and i’d be comfortable with him over wendling and just keeping 3 safeties.
The future is bright.
by joecool5672 on Aug 27, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
whoa
3 safeties. And what happens when 2 of them are injured? Then we’re back to square 1 – looking like the Lions of old…at least Wendling has been serviceable as a spot safety (all the while a pro bowler on ST)…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
well take your pick
wendling or coleman, it’s not a big deal to me. i’d rather have o-line depth so i’m willing to sacrifice a safety spot. that being said i haven’t really taken my time going through the roster. my main point is to keep developmental guys over a couple special teamers.
The future is bright.
by joecool5672 on Aug 27, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
If we had kept Murtha
would we have signed Corey Hilliard off someones PS toward the end of the year? Probably not imo. I think we’re better off with Corey.
Ah but I was so much older then and younger than right now
by Justan Oldfart on Aug 27, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
why
do they need a roster limit at all, why shouldn’t you be able to have as many players as you can sign, within the given salary cap? why not just let the cap, and a team’s ability to deal, dictate how many players they have?
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
I think the logic is this.
It is simply because players want to play. Teams that are good could just hold good players that are better than guys on other teams to give themselves an edge. Good players could end up stuck on a depth chart and never see playing time and therefore never be afforded the oppertunity to earn more money. In the spirit of competition you want every team to be the best they can be too.
by MonteCarlo7888 on Aug 27, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Good Roster!
Hey guys, long time reader. About three years to be exact, but first time poster. I usually, read these posts from work where I’m blocked from logging in. But thanks to the new app, here I am! I everyone’s insight, and being a Lions fan in Bears country I rely on all of you a lot!
Anyway, great roster, though I do think Felton and Vasher make the team. I’m just not sure who’d you take off. Personally, I’d like Brown gone, but I know I’m in the minority there.
by slopes44 on Aug 27, 2011 1:54 AM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
I am with you as far as Aaron Brown. I just don't see that he adds anything to the team.
I would keep Felton over Brown. Logan can do what Brown does IMO.
"Filling a need doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good player," said Schwartz. "It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that best fits; it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that’s better than what you have already."
I disagree about Brown.
But I can’t justify keeping him either but only because it’s a numbers game and can’t he how a fits into the overall picture.
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
i like your icon!
didn’t notice it before.
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
MikeyClaw.....Would you contact Sean to write on the front page?
.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?
Thanks, it's good to be here
And actually participate for a change rather then just muttering to myself. BEST APP EVER!!!
by slopes44 on Aug 27, 2011 1:40 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Someone posted above...
about the PS, but since this is really the first year I’ve followed Pro football with any sort of depth, I have what is most likely a stupid question:
Is there a limit to how many players they can have on the PS? How do those spots get picked?
Sorry for my incompetence/ignorance/lack of knowledge. TIA.
Welcome to the Pride and remember there are no stupid questions.
Here is a good article from 2010 covering the rules for Practice Squad players:
LINK: http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2010/8/24/1648313/nfl-practice-squad-explained-rules
You are allowed eight players and they can’t have much NFL experience. They can also be signed by any other team at any time. They just have to be kept on the signing team’s roster. I am not sure if there have been any changes to the PS in the new CBA. I did not notice anything on my Google search.
"Filling a need doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good player," said Schwartz. "It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that best fits; it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that’s better than what you have already."
Great
Thank you! I’ve been a lurker for a while this summer and preseason. I plan on visiting much more often during the season.
There are no stupid questions, just stupid people
I was only kidding!!! Thas ok, another qualude and you love me in the morning!
Go Blue!
Revenue - Expenses = Profit
by dezznutz1001 on Aug 27, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Still rooting for Ian Johnson
With Javid sitting out this game, I really hope he can really make an impact and make the final roster. I’m not really sure if he has impressed the coaches and staff yet, but hopefully he can get some time with the first or second string this game.
Yeah, I'm on Zoloft, but I take that to keep from killing ya'll! - Mike Tyson
as am I!
I’m also rooting for Ballard and Clapp, but I honestly don’t see any of them making the team unless an injury occurs. Hopefully we can hide them on the PS.
by slopes44 on Aug 27, 2011 9:35 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
my bold prediction for the 53 man roster...
Not only does Ian Johnson find a way to make the roster, he single handedly leads us to a SB victory where we inevitably rush upon the field to purpose to him!
by slopes44 on Aug 27, 2011 12:52 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
The only change I would like to see is Ian Johnson making the roster
I have no idea who Jerome Harrison is, and don’t care much for Aaron Brown.
but that’s probably because Brown went to TCU. idk.
My grandfather was a Packers fan, my father is a Vikings fan, I am a Lions fan, and there is no way in hell I am raising a Bears fan.
Oh, and I hate the Philadelphia Eagles (but like the Phillies)
as i said before the lions will add afew rbs from camp cuts also the lions might keep rudy niswanger as backup on offensive line beacuse he can play 3spots instead of 2spots licke 2of our backups from last year licke thomas also culbreath might macke roster as backup og /ot if the dont keppand extra offline men licke they did with fox last year then will be the 1st player on the pracice roster this year but with all the injureys this year to the offlisive line thet might keep an extra ot/og on the rosteer this year .
I think you nailed it, Sean, and mcivor's practice squad looks good as well.
With three days left before the first cuts are made I think that there are only a couple of spots that could surprise. Here’s one of them:
SS Ricardo Silva beating out Erik Coleman
Silva has been a revelation in training camp and has produced good results during preseason games (a fumble recovery and an interception). Coleman has shown a propensity for being burned in run support and plays a too soft zone.
was thinking same thing
the 4th safety spot could still be won out by a strong preseason and camp performance by Silva.
the only other question mark i see is on OLine How is Fox looking I know he’s still in boot or w/e but I wonder if this could be another roster spot for the O Line pending how far along his recovery is coming.
A coward dies a thousands Deaths a soldier dies once ....
by JaiGaiaAries on Aug 27, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Fox's injury might be more serious that we were led to believe.
If so, missing camp and the preseason will hurt the entire O-line, IMO.
Fox needs some serious reps and playing time.
Felton ran better than Brown against Browns
by Pedro Ferreira on Aug 27, 2011 10:53 AM EDT reply actions
on 2 carries
they were nice, but not enough of a sample to make an evaluation…
It’s hard to tell if Linney isn’t giving Felton a chance because he know what Felton can do and that they will keep Felton (and use him more in the regular season – but don’t want to show their hand) or if Felton’s already as good as gone…
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
I suspect
Gerberry makes the team and we say bye to Gandy. Gandy has not shown much and though Gerberry may not be an improvement he’s at least younger and cheaper.
Ah but I was so much older then and younger than right now
I wonder what Flullens fate would be
if Fairley was healthy. Not sure the exact numbers, but isn’t he a little pricey for our 5th DT. I like his versatility, but wonder if he’s worth keeping a roster spot instead of younger developmental talent.
Guess it’s a moot point at the moment.
by slopes44 on Aug 27, 2011 2:15 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
Its that versitility that gives him an edge
I do think we keep 9 DLineman and I do think that he will make it.
Go check out the Datsyukian Deke , Detroit Red Wings Blog
http://datsyukiandeke.wordpress.com/
I agree with you, but
At what point do we part with our 5th best DT, who, while versitale, will never be more then he is, when we can keep a guy who has a potential to develop into something more. It’s a fine line to walk and I’m not sure which side of the line is right. But, if it comes down to keeping flu or Houge/Culbreath, maybe even Callaway, I’d choose one of them. Flu isn’t the only one, I wonder about Ekejiuba as well. Though, at least he is a bit of a special teams ace.
Like I said, kind of a moot point with Fairley banged up, no way he gets cut… Yet!
Question
I know that Don Mulbach is good at what he does but cant we look and see if we can find a backup C or G that can do the same thing and open up a spot?
Go check out the Datsyukian Deke , Detroit Red Wings Blog
http://datsyukiandeke.wordpress.com/
you would think
the funny thing is that most teams have a designated LS.
Yooperlionfan is officially "the man"
the Lions D-Line: the Four Horsemen of the A-sack-alypse
Jim Schwart: Erasing the stink of Millen, one fist pump at a time.
P.C.P: It is not just for recreation anymore.
Truthfully
No. I’m sure we could find a backup WR who’s a really good punter too, but it makes no sense to. Fundamentally, Mulbach is as important to special teams performance as a punter is. He’s there for the same plays, his consistent good performance is critical to punts and field goals, etc.
by Mavyrk on Aug 28, 2011 3:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I want to see more of Hughes before i write him off...
" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32
by SmittyJ on Aug 27, 2011 6:30 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
That's a tough one
Vasher played well tonight and it wouldn’t hurt to keep him around with Alphonso Smith’s injury. I like Hogue but I think it might come down to who’s more valuable: A rookie linebacker, a veteran corner who has shown he can play, or possibly even a DE/DT hybrid that is Andre Flu? I think it’s a 3-way battle between those guys for a roster spot bc I don’t see Hogue making the team over a guy like Ekeijuba or Palmer
Watching #49 was a blast but now it's time for some #53
by TheForceOfFollett on Aug 28, 2011 12:38 AM EDT reply actions
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