The Detroit Lions played their first game of the preseason on Friday evening and there’s much that can be speculated based on the players that took the field.
Preseason games are meant for evaluation of the players on the roster, specifically some of the guys who are competing for roster spots.
With predictions already made on the offensive side of the ball, it’s time to take a dive into Detroit’s defensive and special teams units and try to piece together what the roster may look like to start the season.
Defensive line (9)
In: Michael Brockers, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Romeo Okwara, Julian Okwara, Charles Harris, Josh Paschal, Jashon Cornell
Out: Eric Banks, Isaiah Buggs, John Cominsky, Demetrius Taylor, Bruce Hector, Austin Bryant
The Lions have changed their scheme from a 30-front to a 4-2-5 defense, which means that they will need more defensive linemen rostered than they did last season.
What makes this group interesting is their positional versatility. Julian Okwara has practiced a small amount at off-ball linebacker this offseason, while many of these other players have been placed on the edge and interior of the defensive line.
Expect Hutchinson and Romeo Okwara to be the starting defensive ends, assuming Okwara is taken off the PUP list before the season begins. His younger brother Julian and veteran Charles Harris should be mixed in heavily to the rotation.
On the interior of the line, Michael Brockers should be the starting 3/4i defensive tackle while Alim McNeill plays nose tackle. Onwuzurike, Paschal, and Cornell lack the size to play the zero-technique role full-time, but are versatile enough to plug in at about any spot on the line that they are needed at.
Players like John Cominsky and Demetrius Taylor have had their flashes in training camp, but could unseat Cornell for that last roster spot.
Linebacker (5)
In: Alex Anzalone, Chris Board, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Anthony Pittman
Out: Jarrad Davis, James Houston, Josh Woods, Shaun Dion Hamilton
As mentioned earlier, the Lions will frequently utilize just two off-ball linebackers in their defense for 2022. As of now, Anzalone seems locked in as a starter while the other spot will be fought over by Barnes and Board.
Rodriguez and Pittman will be vital special teams players on kickoffs while also providing solid depth at the position. Pittman and Barnes also have been cross-trained as pass rushers for specific defensive subpackages.
Davis,…
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