Inside the Article:
The 2023 NFL Draft is finally a wrap, and it is now time to start to take a look at what the 2023 Detroit Lions‘ initial 53-man roster could look like coming out of training camp. Now, we know it's pretty darn early to really know what could happen, as the Lions are sure to make further roster additions/subtractions leading up to camp. That's why I have included a couple of roster additions that I have been rooting for Brad Holmes to make.
2023 Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction
Quarterbacks (3)
Jared Goff
Teddy Bridgewater
Nate Sudfeld
As you can see, I still believe the Lions will end up signing Teddy Bridgewater to back up Jared Goff in 2023. It is going to take Hendon Hooker some time to recover from his ACL and it will also take some time for him to learn a completely new offensive system with the Lions. Because of that, I am not so sure he will be ready to play in a game until 2024.
Running Backs (5)
David Montgomery
Jahmyr Gibbs
Mohamed Ibrahim
Craig Reynolds
Jason Cabinda (FB)
This one is pretty straightforward and as you can see, I believe Mohamed Ibrahim secures the No. 3 RB spot.
Wide Receivers (5)
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Josh Reynolds
Marvin Jones
Kalif Raymond
Antoine Green
Don't be completely surprised if the 2023 Detroit Lions add another veteran to the mix before the start of the season, but at this point, I think they roll with the five listed above until Jameson Williams returns from his six-game suspension.
Tight Ends (3)
Sam LaPorta
Brock Wright
James Mitchell
Does Shane Zylstra land a spot on the roster? There is a chance as the Lions did open the season with four tight ends in 2022. For now, I am going with three tight ends on the initial 2023 Detroit Lions 53-man roster.
Offensive Line (9)
Frank Ragnow
Taylor Decker
Penei Sewell
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Jonah Jackson
Graham Glasgow
Matt Nelson
Colby Sorsdal
Kayode Awosika
Don't be surprised if Matt Nelson does not make the cut if one of the UDFAs balls out in training camp.
Defensive Line (10)
Aidan Hutchinson
James Houston
Romeo Okwara
Charles Harris
Josh Paschal
John Cominsky
Alim McNeill
Isaiah Buggs
Brodric Martin
Matt Ioannidis
If you noticed, I have Matt Ioannidis listed just below the rest of the group. Ioannidis is not currently on the 2023 Detroit Lions roster, but he is a free-agent DL who is available and who would certainly help out the team in terms of stopping the run. TALK IT INTO EXISTENCE!!!
Linebackers (6)
Alex Anzalone
Jack Campbell
Malcolm Rodriguez
Derrick Barnes
Anthony Pittman
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
No surprises here.
Cornerbacks (6)
Cameron Sutton
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Emmanuel Moseley
Jerry Jacobs
Will Harris
Ifeatu Melifonwu
I can see Ifeatu Melifonwu being one of the final cuts and the Lions rolling with a youngster such as Starling Thomas.
Safeties (3)
Tracy Walker
Kerby Joseph
Brian Branch
No surprises here.
Special Teams (3)
PK Robbie Gould
P Jack Fox
LS Jake McQuaide
As you can see, I have Robbie Gould as the Lions' kicker going into the 2023 season. Of course, before this happens, the Lions would have to offer him a contract, and he would have to accept it! If now, Michael Badgley will get the nod.
