Lions Roster Prediction (Second Edition)

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In my second Lions roster prediction, injuries have shaken things up a bit.  Also, with one preseason game out of the way, we all got a chance to get a look at some of the "on the bubble" players, and that has resulted in a change or two as well compared to the first edition.  I'll explain my decisions later on, but first take a look below for my second prediction (players in italics mean there is a change from the first edition).

The first difference as we go down the table is that I swapped Sean McHugh and Jerome Felton.  Originally I figured Felton had the edge since he is a true fullback, but McHugh, despite being listed as a tight end on the Lions' roster, was ahead of Felton on the depth chart at fullback for last week's preseason game.  McHugh is one of those players that can play both fullback and tight end, so his versatility is undoubtedly a plus.  We'll have to see if he and Felton swap spots on the depth chart in the coming weeks as that will give us the best idea of who is staying and who is going.

Newcomer Damion Cook, an offensive tackle, was just recently signed, so that is why his name is in italics.  Someone who is also in italics is linebacker Buster Davis.  In my first prediction I explained that it was a tossup between Davis and Teddy Lehman, and ultimately I opted for Lehman due to his versatility.  As I figured, an injury made this decision for me this time around as Lehman was placed on the injured reserve a week ago, opening up the door for Davis.

The final change to the 53-man roster comes at the expense of another injury.  Stanley Wilson is done for the season after suffering an injury against the Giants, and as a result he is now on the injured reserve.  That opened up another spot on the active roster, and I actually decided to give it to a safety instead of a cornerback.  Carrying only 4 corners is unusual, but the Lions have safeties that can play the role of nickel corner, meaning there is some crossover that allows fan favorite Greg Blue to join the team.

Other differences are the additions of cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas and kicker Dave Rayner, who will both end up on the cut list barring an injury.  Obviously Rayner could make the team if Jason Hanson isn't healthy enough to be the starting kicker when the season begins, but let's just hope that doesn't happen.  Not only would it create depth issues at other positions, but Hanson being injured to that extent would be a cause for concern by itself.

I'll make a third and final roster prediction two weeks from now as that'll come a day before the deadline to trim rosters down to 53 players, meaning by then we should have a general idea of which players will make the cut.  Until then, feel free to leave your thoughts on my prediction as well as any predictions you may have.