There will not be a extra muddled place battle for the 2025 Detroit Lions than what is occurring within the secondary. Not solely have accidents to Khalil Dorsey, Ennis Rakestraw, and Dan Jackson opened up alternatives for different gamers, however there’s a lot versatility in that room that it’s exhausting to determine how the items match collectively.
On this week’s Bubble Watch, there are numerous differing opinions on what the Lions ought to do with their defensive backs, and never numerous consensus. Let’s get into it with our employees’s roster predictions for the defensive roster bubble.
See our newest predictions on offense right here.
Clearly our employees shouldn’t be very optimistic in regards to the damage to Ahmed Hassanein damage. Whereas we don’t have an official replace from the staff, it actually didn’t sound nice from coach Dan Campbell after the sport.
“He’s, out of the (accidents) we had at this time, he could be the one which might be a minute. It might be somewhat bit,” Campbell mentioned. “We’ll know extra within the morning. For everyone else, I believe we received out okay.”
If Hassanein’s damage is taken into account critical, or even when it simply holds him out for a month, it might make sense to make use of an IR-to-return spot on him and make it possible to Nate Lynn, who has had a powerful preseason. One other huge issue is the standing of Josh Paschal, who stays on the Non-Soccer Damage checklist, however his standing for making the 53-man roster continues to be very a lot up within the air.
Keith Cooper continues to rep excessive and play effectively sufficient that this was the week wherein our employees collectively determined that it was okay to begin Mekhi Wingo on the Bodily Unable to Carry out checklist and have Cooper fill in for him for the primary month of the season. It wouldn’t be a perfect growth for Wingo, however it could give him time to completely recuperate and be 100% by the point he hits the sphere in his second season.
Chris Smith and Brodric Martin each proceed to indicate huge enhancements, however with the Lions set at nostril deal with with DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, and infrequently Tyleik Williams, it’s only a numbers recreation for each.
No modifications right here, because the hierarchy of the Lions’ linebacker room appears comparatively easy.
Whereas our complete employees has Khalil Dorsey in, I don’t assume it’s a assure he’s activated off PUP earlier than the beginning of the season. That being mentioned, Erick Hallett is making waves after a powerful preseason efficiency that displayed each his protection abilities (three cross breakups) and his versatility. Hallett performed nook, nickel, and security in opposition to the Dolphins, making him an intriguing possibility for the 53-man roster.
Nick Whiteside began after a powerful preseason recreation in opposition to the Falcons and had one other strong recreation in opposition to Miami. Nevertheless it seems his play was overshadowed by Hallett.
Kennelly continues to rep over Strickland each on protection and particular groups, seemingly indicating his greater standing on the depth chart. And whereas this room seems to be awfully skinny, don’t neglect about Rock Ya-Sin and Erick Hallett’s potential to drop again to security.
