Detroit Lions staff project defensive roster cuts ahead of 53-man deadline
The Lions' coaching staff predicts which defensive players will make the final 53-man roster, highlighting competition at defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety positions.
Detroit will need to trim its roster to 53 players by the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Sunday, and staff members say the most difficult decisions will involve the defense.
At defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore are assumed to stay, while Payton Turner remains on injured reserve. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams are also locked in, but the fifth and possibly sixth interior line spots are still undecided.
Ben Stille, a veteran defensive tackle, received three votes after receiving praise from head coach Dan Campbell. > "He’s a pro, smart, really smart. He’s got versatility, strong, very strong. He can shed blocks, shock, shed, make plays… he can play some big end, we think; he can play the nose, certainly, and then three if you needed it," Campbell said.
Linebacker voting shows Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez as presumptive starters, with Devin White and Trevor Nowaske securing the fifth spot. The status of fourth-round rookie Jimmy Rolder remains uncertain after missing most of camp with a leg injury.
Cornerback selections remain unchanged, with DJ Reed, Rock Ya-Sin and Keith Abney assumed in, and Ennis Rakestraw, Nick Whiteside and Roger McCreary receiving unanimous support. Khalil Dorsey, a special-teams contributor, stayed out of the final preseason game but retained nine votes.
At safety, Christian Izien, Avonte Maddox and Chuck Clark are projected to stay, while Thomas Harper also received full backing. New entrant Aamaris Brown was added to the bubble after a strong preseason showing, though he received no votes.