Detroit Lions 91-man roster prediction featuring three players who aren't currently signed with the team

The Detroit Lions will be wrapping up OTAs soon and then skipping mandatory mini-camp so they can get an earlier start to training camp, as they are a part of the Hall of Fame game. 

With that in mind, we want to take a final stab at what that 91-man roster is going to look like once camp starts up in July.

Remember, the Lions have 91 players because they get an international exemption for Ahmeda Hassanien.

*Rookie

Quarterback (3)

• Jared Goff
• Hendon Hooker
• Kyle Allen

At this point, this one seems easy. It's hard to see the Lions adding a fourth quarterback at any time in June. Hendon Hooker vs Kyle Allen is the big batt;e to watch this summer and it should be a fun one. 

Running Back (6)

• Jahmyr Gibbs
• David Montgomery
• Craig Reynolds
• Sione Vaki
• Kye Robichaux*
• Antony Tyus*

I'm really intrigued to see what these two undrafted running backs can bring to the table. Even more than that, I'm intrigued to see if Sione Vaki gets more at running back this summer. If he can build on last year's solid summer, the answer should be yes. The expectation should be that he's the eventual Montgomery replacement. 

Wide Receiver (10)

• Amon-Ra St. Brown
• Jameson Williams
• Isaac TeSlaa*
• Tim Patrick
• Kalif Raymond
• Jackson Meeks*
• Jakobie Keeny-James*
• Tom Kennedy
• Dominic Lovett*
• Hakeem Butler

Out: Ronnie Bell and Malik Taylor

There's a fun battle brewing here. Jackson Meeks vs Dominic Lovett vs Jakobie Keeny-James. Which one of these undrafted or later-round picks is going to break through enough to have a chance to nail down that sixth receiver spot? Better question, which one of these guys is going to have the big summer that convinces the Lions to carry six receivers?

I'm adding former UFL Offensive Player of the Year Hakeem Butler to the group because the offensive coordinator who played a big part in him winning that award is now on the Lions coaching staff. That's Bruce Gradkowski, and I think he helps Butler get that shot. 

Tight End (6)

• Sam LaPorta
• Brock Wright
• Kenny Yeboah
• Shane Zylstra
• Zach Horton*
• Luke Deal*

The Lions spent a lot of time looking at tight ends before the draft. They didn't wind up drafting one. It makes you wonder how the Lions feel about their guys outside of LaPorta and if these two UDFA's might have a chance to score a roster spot. Zach Horton is the guy to watch this summer.

Offensive Line (16)

• Taylor Decker
• Christian Mahogany
• Frank Ragnow
• Tate Ratledge*
• Penei Sewell
• Miles Frazier*
• Graham Glasgow
• Giovanni Manu
• Dan Skipper
• Kayode Awosika
• Colby Sorsdal
• Jamarco Jones
• Netane Muti
• Mason Miller*
• Kinglsey Eguakun
• Michael Niese

Hank Fraley is going to have his work cut out for him. 16 guys is a lot, and he's going to have to figure out who to keep on the roster, who to keep on the practice squad, and who to say goodbye to. It won't be easy.

Defensive Tackles (11)

• Alim McNeill
• DJ Reader
• Tyleik Williams*
• Roy Lopez
• Mekhi Wingo
• Levi Onwuzurike
• Pat O'Connor
• Chris Smith
• Brodric Martin
• RaeQuan Williams

Brad Holmes wasn't kidding when he said the Lions were getting heavy on interior defensive linemen. 10 is a lot of guys. They're probably going to have to almost cut this list in half when it comes to narrowing it down to the 53-man roster. Some of these guys are going to have to step up and show why they should carry more than six.

Edge Rushers (10)

• Aidan Hutchinson
• Za'Darius Smith
• Ahmed Hassanein** (Lions get international exemption)
• Josh Paschal
• Al-Quadin Muhammad
• Marcus Davenport
• Myles Adams
• Isaac Ukwu
• Nate Lynn
• Keith Cooper Jr.*

I know you see the name I have right under Hutchinson. I'm calling my shot on that one. I know I said it seemed bleak recently, and it still kind of does, but I'm predicting somewhere ahead of training camp, the two sides come to an agreement and Smith comes back. We'll see what happens.

Linebackers (11)

• Alex Anzalone
• Jack Campell
• Derric Barnes
• Malcolm Rodriguez
• Gran Stuard
• Trevor Nowaske
• Mitchell Agude
• Abraham Beauplan
• DaRon Gilbert
• Anthony Pittman
• Exekiel Turner

There's not going to be a harder spot to crack the roster than this one if you ask me. The Lions have their guys with Anzalone, Campbell, Barnes, Rodriguez, Stuard, and Nowakse, and it's just hard to see anyone taking a spot from them.

Cornerbacks (7)

• D.J. Reed
• Terrion Arnold
• Amik Robertson
• Ennis Rakestraw
• Rock Ya-Sin
• Khalil Dorsey
• Steven Gilmore

OUT: Stantley Thomas-Oliver and Gavin Holmes*

While I think we all know who is making this roster, you have to wonder if they will bring in a couple more guys at some point during the summer to have more of a competition for the depth roles. It's a bit surprising they didn't draft one late.

You'll notice a name from the past on there. Gilmore is currently having a really good season in the UFL, and he looks primed for another shot in the NFL. The Lions make the most sense for that. 

Safeties (8)

• Kerby Joseph
• Brian Branch
• Avonte Maddox
• Morice Norris
• Loren Strickland
• Dan Jackson*
• Erik Hallett
• Ian Kennelly*

This is the battle I'm looking forward to the most when it comes to training camp. Strickland vs Jackson vs Hallett vs Norris vs Kennelly. There's one spot, go fight for it. 

Special Teams (3)

• Jakes Bates
• Jack Fox
• Hogan Hatten

While it's Jake Bates' spot for sure, I wouldn't be shocked if they brought in another kicker for camp just to keep Bates sharp. It's something they've typically done in the past despite having a starter.