Tag: playing time

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Here is a projected post minicamp 53 man roster for the Detroit Lions

The 2023 Detroit Lions have high hopes and high aspirations the team completed minicamp and a vision for the 53-man roster has been cast. Currently sitting with 90 players the team had some standouts during the offseason camp. So what could the roster look like for a team on the rise and a team that has a championship in their sights?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 18: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Quarterbacks- Jared Goff, fresh off a season that saw the veteran signal caller post 29-tds, 7-ints, 4438 yds with a QB rating of 99.32, Goff is the clear cut starter.

Backup- Nate Sudfeld, is the reserve for now as the team drafted Hendon Hooker from the University of Tennessee. Hooker is thought to be the starting QB of the future but he will begin the season on the non-football injury list as he continues to rehab a knee injury suffered last season at Tennessee.

Running Backs- David Montgomery, free agent signee from the Chicago Bears looks to be the starter.

Reserves- Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Jason Cabinda round out the running backs. Right now there is no projected backup that will playout during training camp.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 04: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Wide receivers- The starters look to be; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams* (once his six game suspension is served), and Marvin Jones.

Reserves- Kalif Raymond, Josh Reynolds, Antoine Green

Tight ends- Rookie Sam LaPorta looks the part of the starting TE already. But the Lions will carry three at the position.

Reserves- Brock Wright, James Mitchell round out the TE group and each will see playing time the rotation is unknown at this time.

Offensive line- Unless there is an injury the starters are set in stone, LT Taylor Decker, LG Jonah Jackson, C Frank Ragnow, RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai, RT Penei Sewell form one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Reserves- OT Matt Nelson, C Ross Pierschbacher, OL Colby Sorsdal, IOL Graham Glasgow

Defensive Tackle- Starters could be Alim McNeill, Christian Covington

Reserves- Brodric Martin, Isaiah Buggs, personally I could see Buggs make a push for starter. Keep and eye on Benito Jones who I believe will win the remaining DE spot during training camp. It will not be easy, but Jones athleticism looks to give him a leg up.

Edge rusher- Starters are locked in Aidan Hutchinson, and Charles Harris

Reserves- Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Romeo Okwara Paschal, who appeared in 10 after recovering from injury looks to have a larger role.

Linebackers- Starters- Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez

Reserves- Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman, many believe Campbell will be a starter and very well could be. But starting roles are earned. Based on last season I am giving Rodriguez the nod for now.

Cornerbacks- Starters- Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, C.J. Gardner-Johnson-(in the slot)

Reserves- Will Harris, Brian Branch, Starling Thomas, I can see Branch getting an expanded role soon. He looked good in minicamp.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 13: Kerby Joseph #31 of the Detroit Lions in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Safeties- Starters- Tracy Walker, Kerby Joseph; Walker is recovering from a torn achilles tendon and could be eased back into action.

Reserves- Saivion Smith, Ifeatu Melifonwu

Specialist- Kicker- Michael Badgley, Punter- Jack Fox, Long snapper- Jake McQuade

That is how I see the Detroit Lions 53- man roster shaping up before training camp opens in July.  Let me know your thoughts on the roster.

 

 

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Players to watch for the Michigan Wolverines football team

Embed from Getty Images College football 2019-20 is officially here, with the Michigan Wolverines having kicked off fall camp on Friday, August 2. While it is too early in fall camp to get a feel for who is standing out. There are some Wolverines who’s names have not been brought up. It is those players I think are ready to take the next step.

Freshman defensive tackle Chris Hinton. When it comes to incoming freshman hype, it starts with Hinton. Hinton has the size and ability to be a solid player on the inside of the defensive line. This was a trouble spot on last seasons defense. Mazi Smith has stolen most of the hype out of the freshmen, Hinton is a name to remember as he can make a big impact.

Sophomore linebacker Jordan Anthony, he can play middle linebacker. Red shirted last season Anthony is looking to earn more playing time. In is his third year in the system, and he should get more playing time, even if it is in a backup role.

Five star linebacker Cam McGrone might be the least hyped five star the Michigan football team has had. It did not help that McGrone was dealing early with an injury last year. His sideline to sideline ability, coupled with his willingness to hit, will remind the Michigan fan base of Devin Bush Jr.  Now healthy, Michigan coaches will look to find ways to get his speed and athleticism on the field.

With last seasons defensive departures that is where I wanted to focus. This is a unit that has some playmakers with big abilities. The 2019-20 Michigan Wolverines defense should not drop off a lot. There will be an initial dip when the season begins. As players learn their rolls and rotations.

That should be both cleared up and cleaned up by the time the Big Ten play starts.