Believe it or not, we are just over three weeks away from seeing the Detroit Lions host the San Francisco in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season, and head coach Dan Campbell will have some very important decisions to make when it comes to determining his final 53-man roster.
On Saturday night, the Lions will be in Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in their second preseason game of the year and there are still some important position battles that will be taking place.
Here are the three most important position battles remaining for the Lions.
Kicker – Randy Bullock vs. Zane Gonzalez
When it comes to the kicking game, the Detroit Lions leave much to be desired after they opted not to bring back veteran, Matt Prater (Mistake). Instead, the Lions currently have a battle going on between Randy Bullock and newly signed Zane Gonzalez. Bullock was 3-for-3 in the first preseason game vs. the Bills but he has been nothing to call home about in camp. That being said, there is no way the Lions will go into the season with Gonzalez as their kicker.
Eventual Winner: Bullock
Inside Linebacker – Anthony Pittman vs. Jahlani Tavai
With Shaun Dion Hamilton going down with an injury, the door is now open for either Anthony Pittman or Jahlani Tavai to make the team as a backup LB. According to reports, Tavai is in much better shape than he was a year ago and Lions LB coach Mark DeLeone recently said he is in good shape to make the roster. Personally, I believe Pittman is the better player but that comment from DeLeone has me thinking the Lions want to give Tavai a little longer to prove himself.
Eventual Winner: Tavai
Defensive Line – Kevin Strong vs. Bruce Hector
This one is tough for me. Barring injuries to other players, neither Kevin Strong nor Bruce Hector will be a starter for the Lions in 2021 but both are solid players. I have loved Strong for a while now but Hector has been playing very well in camp, especially in the Lions’ first preseason game.
Eventual Winner: Strong
Nation, what do you think?
