DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions open the 2024 NFL regular season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8 at Ford Field.
With veteran quarterback Jared Goff as the clear-cut starter, the backup spot between Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld has been a compelling battle during training camp and preseason. Entering the preseason finale, Lions coach Dan Campbell said there were "five or six, give or take" spots still up for grabs on the 53-man roster, notably on the defensive line.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection for the Lions:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker, Nate Sudfeld
The Lions probably will keep three quarterbacks for security purposes entering this season. Hooker suffered a concussion during the preseason that sidelined him briefly during a critical period, so Sudfeld could provide a veteran cushion for the squad.
RUNNING BACKS (4): David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
The Gibbs-Montgomery duo was one of the league's most effective in 2023, but Vaki was solid in the preseason and training camp, despite being relatively new to the running back position. Vaki played mostly safety at Utah before being drafted in the fourth round by the Lions.
WIDE RECEIVERS (5): Amon-Ra St. Brown, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Isaiah Williams
St. Brown has dominated throughout camp. Jameson Williams has shown dramatic improvement, and Raymond's work ethic has been on display as one of the last players to leave the field regularly. Isaiah Williams has been a pleasant surprise with his playmaking ability and could add value to this roster. He had six receptions for a team-high 71 receiving yards in the preseason win at Kansas City.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, James Mitchell
Goff loves to target his tight ends, which is how LaPorta was able to enjoy a Pro Bowl season in 2023 with the most catches (86) by a rookie tight end in league history. Due to the physical nature of the position, the Lions could keep Wright, Zylstra and Mitchell for depth purposes. LaPorta has been hampered by hamstring issues this offseason.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, Penei Sewell, Colby Sorsdal, Dan Skipper, Giovanni Manu, Kingsley Eguakun
Eguakun was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 draft and has impressed the coaching staff with his skill set after getting a ton of reps at center. Detroit's offensive line is one of the strong points of the squad, but Eguakun hasn't looked out of place at center or guard with his quickness, footwork and toughness.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Marcus Davenport, Levi Onwuzurike, John Cominsky, Brodric Martin, Mekhi Wingo, Josh Paschal, James Houston
Entering the preseason finale, Campbell admitted to playing the numbers game with GM Brad Holmes on how many linemen to keep on the final roster. However, Campbell has leaned on Holmes to sort out who should crack the final list, due to his expertise. After shifting Houston over to linebacker earlier in camp, the staff has decided to shift him back over to the edge.
LINEBACKERS (5): Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Malcolm Rodriguez
Barnes has been aggressive all throughout camp, even being involved in a few tussles early on. "I told everybody that this year is personal for me so I ain't with all the B.S.," Barnes said. "But at the end of the day it is all love, it's still my teammates and we're gonna pick each other up. That's how it is, but it's football. That's how it gets out here."
CORNERBACKS (7): Carlton Davis III, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khalil Dorsey, Kindle Vildor
The Lions feel they have instant impact players in rookies Arnold and Rakestraw, who were both impressive throughout the offseason. Detroit's secondary needs a boost after allowing 34 receptions thrown 20-plus yards downfield, which tied for second most in the NFL.
SAFETIES (4): Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph
Joseph may have snagged a roster spot after a solid camp, where he grabbed the first interception of the preseason against the New York Giants. He also forced a fumble at Kansas City and played meaningful snaps all throughout preseason.
SPECIALISTS (3): Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Scott Daly
Bates probably cemented his spot with a 43-yard game-winning field goal at Kansas City to help the Lions rally from behind to beat the defending Super Bowl champions, 24-23, in the second preseason game. Although Bates has experienced growing pains throughout camp, he has continued to improve on his journey from the UFL to the NFL.