The dust has settled. The lockers have been cleaned out. Hearts were broken and dreams turned into realities. The Detroit Lions have their 53-man roster. We take a look position by position and also discuss Injured Reserve and Practice Squad players.
QB (2): Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlvosky
The only real surprise at the Quarterback position is that the Lions decided to go with two quarterbacks instead of three. Kellen Moore was cut, just months after signing a two-year extension with the Lions. Moore was given every opportunity to win the backup job from Dan Orlovsky, but simply did not produce. The Lions may use a practice squad spot to store a third quarterback. However, that will not be Garrett Gilbert, who didn't make the cut from 90 to 75, announced he is signing with the Oakland Raiders.
RB (4): Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner
The top three running back spots were never up for grabs, but their was intense battle between George Winn and Zach Zenner all throughout training camp and the preseason. Many believed that Winn's value on special teams would give him the edge. As it turned out, that was not the case. Zenner has good vision and is a home run threat. Winn has cleared waivers and is a member of the practice squad.
FB (1): Michael Burton
The gap between Michael Burton and Emil Igwenagu was razor thin. Both players performed well in the preseason. Ultimately, the Lions invested this years 5th round pick in Burton and liked the prospects of his future over Igwenagu.
TE (3): Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Tim Wright
It appeared all off-season that the Lions were set at Tight End. Everyone knew that Eric Ebron would be the primary tight end with Pettigrew playing near the same number of snaps. Joseph Fauria was expected to be the 6' 7" red zone threat that he was until his season was derailed last year due to "tripping over a puppy". Fauria battled a few small injuries during camp and didn't get much time in the preseason. The Lions traded for Tim Wright just days before their final preseason game. In the end, the Lions decided to go with Wright.
WR (5): Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Lance Moore, Corey Fuller, T.J. Jones
The top four receiver positions, arguably, were predetermined. However, the battle for the fifth receiver was the most intriguing of all the position battles happening during training camp and ultimately throughout the preseason. Former second round draft pick Ryan Broyles asked to be released prior to the cut to 75. Greg Salas had a strong showing early in preseason, but was injured in the final preseason game against Buffalo. Second year receiver Andrew Peacock also did not make the cut, but was retained to the practice squad.
OT (4): Riley Reiff, LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas, Corey Robinson
The only position battle among the offensive tackles was a battle to stay on the roster. Riley Reiff and LaAdrian Waddle are the starters at left and right tackle, respectively. Waddle suffered a torn ACL last season, but has been practicing recently since being removed from the PUP list. Rookie Corey Robinson was the team's seventh-round pick in this year's draft.
OG (3) : Larry Warford, Laken Tomlinson, Manny Ramirez
In years past, the Lions were incredibly thin at the Guard position. That is no longer the case. The team acquired veteran and former Lion Manny Ramirez in a draft day trade from Denver. At the very least Ramirez is a depth player who can play both guard positions as well as center. The Lions first-round draft pick Laken Tomlinson is expected to start. One thing to keep an eye on is the highly touted Larry Warford. At the time of this article Warford has not practiced since spraining his ankle in the Lions Week 2 preseason game against Washington.
C (2) : Travis Swanson, Taylor Boggs
Travis Swanson had been groomed to take over for long time Lions center Dominic Raiola. Swanson played great in preseason and when he was called upon late last season to start in place of a suspended Raiola. The move to keep Boggs is somewhat of a surprise, but he played great in the preseason. So great that he was their top graded offensive player (according to Pro Football Focus in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
DT (5): Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker, Caraun Reid, Gabe Wright, Jermelle Cudjo
This is the one unit on the team where the Lions do not have a player remaining who took a snap for their team in 2014. Haloti Ngata did not play in the preseason, but appears to be ready to play in the season openers, as he was hampered by a hamstring injury. Tyrunn Walker looked solid in the preseason. As did Caraun Reid before he went down during the Lions week 2 game against Washington. The rookie Gabe Wright has work to do, but has a promising future. With the initial release of the roster, the Lions only had 4 defensive lineman. Many fans and pundits were a bit surprised that the team had parted ways with Jermelle Cudjo. However, the Lions immediately made a roster move putting cornerback Alex Carter on IR and signing Cudjo to the active roster.
DE (5) : Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp, Phillip Hunt
The only battles for defensive end were depth spots. Ezekiel Ansah and Jason Jones have been a starting duo for the past two seasons. Darryl Tapp played well last season, and this season earned praises from coaches and teammates alike. Phillip Hunt has bounced around the league, but performed well for Detroit in the preseason.
LB (7): DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Travis Lewis, Kyle Van Noy, Brandon Copeland
The real shock among the linebackers during preseason was the amount of snaps that Whitehead played with second and third team units. Kyle Van Noy was hampered by an injury but showed promise in the final preseason game. Tulloch appears to be healed from his bizarre ACL injury last season. Levy will be Levy, although he is currently sitting out of practice and has for the past two weeks. It appears with keeping seven linebackers the Lions will use multiple fronts and multiple personnel packages.
CB (5) : Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Nevin Lawson, Josh Wilson, Quandre Diggs
Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis remain the starting cornerbacks. The position that was up for grabs was the nickel corner spot. It appears that second year player Nevin Lawson will assume that position, but expect Josh Wilson to see plenty of action as well. Rookie Quandre Diggs is a very raw player who will contribute on special teams.
S (4) : Glover Quin, James Ihedigbo, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Don Carey
The Lions return their great tandem of Glover Quin and James Ihedigbo. Quin had a great year in which he had six interceptions and made the Pro Bowl. Ihedigbo played at an incredibly high level for most of the season. Isa Abdul-Quddus serves as an ideal backup player. Don Carey will have practice squad member Isaiah Johnson on his heels most of the season.
Specialists (3) : (K) Matt Prater, (P) Sam Martin, (LS) Don Muhlbach
No surprises in the Specialists department. Veteran Matt Prater gives the Lions a reliability at kicker that they dearly missed since Jason Hanson left the team. Sam Martin will handle punts, and longtime Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach remains at the position.