The Detroit Lions open the 2022 NFL regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 11 at Ford Field.
There have been some interesting battles throughout camp, notably at wide receiver, backup quarterback and the cornerback spots. Last week, head coach Dan Campbell reported there were 8-10 roster spots in flux. So, he will have some tough decisions come cut-down day.
The Lions are looking to make a jump from last year's 3-13-1 record and have faith in the players returning, particularly quarterback Jared Goff. This offseason, the Lions surrounded him with more offensive weapons in hopes of having an explosive offense in 2022.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Jared Goff, David Blough
There's no denying that Goff is the guy at quarterback this season. However, Campbell described the backup quarterback spot as "neck-and-neck" entering the preseason finale, but Blough has ultimately done enough to get the slight edge over Tim Boyle.
RUNNING BACK (4): D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike
Swift's goal for 2022 is to gain 1,000 yards rushing as well as 1,000 receiving yards. Williams rounds out the two-deep, with Reynolds and Igwebuike providing solid depth behind. Fullback Jason Cabinda will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list .
WIDE RECEIVER (6): DJ Chark Jr., Josh Reynolds, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Quintez Cephus, Kalif Raymond, Tom Kennedy
Detroit's limited receiving corps was an Achilles heel last season, but that shouldn't be the case in 2022. The Lions will have some big decisions to make within that position group. Kennedy has shined throughout the preseason, but will the Lions keep the 2019 undrafted free agent? My guess is yes. Rookie wideout Jameson Williams -- the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft -- will start the season on the reserve/non-football injury list (NFI).
TIGHT END (4): T.J. Hockenson, Brock Wright, James Mitchell, Shane Zylstra
At his best, and barring injuries, Hockenson has the potential to be among the top tight ends in the league. Wright, Mitchell and Zylstra are solid additions for depth purposes and have proven throughout training camp and preseason action that they can be contributors.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8): Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Evan Brown, Matt Nelson, Tommy Kraemer
This is one of the most loaded position groups on the roster, with the five starters -- Decker, Jackson, Ragnow, Vaitai and Sewell -- primed for a breakout season. Sewell is looking to build off his strong rookie season and says the game has slowed down for him. Goff should be well protected behind this line.
DEFENSIVE LINE (10): Aidan Hutchinson, Michael Brockers, Julian Okwara, Charles Harris, Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, James Houston, Austin Bryant, Demetrius Taylor, Isaiah Buggs
The Lions had the second-lowest pass rush win rate in the NFL last season (33%), according to ESPN Metrics/NFL Next Gen Stats. Additionally, Detroit's 30 sacks last season were the third fewest in the league. The also had the fourth-lowest pressure percentage and have ranked in the bottom five in that category in each of the past six seasons. This group will be looking to change those numbers, with No. 2 overall pick Hutchinson looking to make his mark. Romeo Okwara and Josh Paschal will start the season on the PUP list.
LINEBACKER (5): Chris Board, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Jarrad Davis, Malcolm Rodriguez
Rookie linebacker Rodriguez has impressed his teammates as well as the coaching staff since he arrived for rookie minicamp. Rodriguez's personality has also made him an attraction on HBO's "Hard Knocks". He's hoping to be a game-changer at the position.
CORNERBACK (6): Will Harris, Jeff Okudah, Amani Oruwariye, Chase Lucas, AJ Parker, Mike Hughes
Detroit will look for contributions from Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, to help turn around a defense that had the third-worst defensive efficiency rating in the NFL last season. Okudah was in a tough training camp battle with Harris to regain his starting role after an Achilles tear ended his season in Week 1 last year. Jerry Jacobs will start the season on the PUP list.
SAFETY (5): Tracy Walker, Kerby Joseph, DeShon Elliott, C.J. Moore, Ifeatu Melifonwu
Walker is looking to lead this group after agreeing to a three-year, $25 million contract extension this offseason. The secondary has added depth, but it needs to produce. The Lions are the only team to allow 100 passing touchdowns over the past three seasons combined (102).
SPECIALIST (3): LS Scott Daly, P Jack Fox, K Austin Seibert
Seibert was solid throughout training camp, though he did miss a 55-yard attempt against the Indianapolis Colts in the second preseason game. However, his overall production, including practice, has earned him a spot on the team.