Offense
Quaterbacks
Even with the addition of an experienced backup quarterback I still thing the job belongs to Rudock as a long term development project/ legit backup. Oh, and Stafford is the starter.
- Matthew Stafford
- Jake Rudock
Running Backs
My most controversial opinion has the team parting ways with both Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah. My reasoning is that both have similar skill sets as backfield receivers, both have series flaws (Riddick with repeated injuries, Abdullah with ball security) both were drafted by the former general manager, and both have been lacking in the teams run game. I initially tried to imagine the team picking one or the other but the more I though about it, the more it made sense to dispense with both of them. I have Zack Zenner in as the all purpose backup and Dwanye Washington as a potential kick returner. He fared very poorly at that role last year but has size, speed, and athleticism (stuff you can't really teach) and with practice and experience can get better at it. With Nick Bawden going to IR that leaves Nick Bellore as the team's fullback. I have the rookie Johnson ahead of Blount as he could develop into a all around running back an Blount is more of a 3rd and short yardage powerback use in a limited fashion.
- Kerryon Johnson
- LaGarrette Blount
- Zach Zenner
- Dwayne Washington
- Nick Bellore (FB)
Wide Receivers
The same Wide receivers from last year will be here again this year. So that means no camp darlings such as Theo Redding or Jace Billingsley on the roster this year.
- Marvin Jones
- Golden Tate
- Kenny Golladay
- T'J' Jones
Tight Ends
With the departures of Eric Ebron and Darren Fells, Luke Wilson will take over as the number one tight end and Toilolo as the main extra blocker. Micheal Roberts is expected to take a significant step forward this year as well.
- Luke Wilson
- Micheal Roberts
- Levine Toilolo
Offensive Line
The addition of first round pick Frank Ragnow means the starting offensive line is complete (for the moment anyway) and with the additions of some other O-line men the team has decent dept as well. The only question is whether Ragnow will be the Center or the Left Guard (I think he will be the center as he is better at that position but he may start the season at guard and move to center later)
- Taylor Decker
- Graham Glasgow
- Frank Ragnow
- T.J. Lang
- Rick Wagner
- Corey Robinson
- Joe Dahl
- Leo Kolamatangi
- Kenny Wiggins
- Tyrell Crosby
Defense
Defensive Line
The Defensive line will be the hardest group to figure out as such I mostly went with payers from last year and the few additions that were made. Robinson and Williams will be the team's nose tackles and Ansah is expected to roam around the field more often looking for miss-matches. If Zettel can continue his big step up from last year and if Hyder can return to his 2016 form this team could have a decent defensive line but that is a lot of "ifs".
- A'Shawn Robinson
- Da'Shawn Hand
- Sylvester Williams
- Jeremiah Ledbetter
- Ezekiel Ansah
- Anthony Zetttel
- Kerry Hyder
- Cornelius Washington
- Jeremiah Valoaga
Linebackers
The linebacker core has the most change over among the defense. I'm not really sure how the schematic change will affect this group so I just mostly went with the two picks from last year and the free agent additions and it came to these 6 LBs.
- Jarrad Davis
- Devon Kennard
- Christian Jones
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- Steve Longa
- Johnathan Freeny
Corner backs
The team's secondary is mostly the same, which is a good thing as this was easily the best part of last year's defense. DeShawn Shead replaces D.J. Hayden on the roster. I do think Teez Tabor will get the starting outside job opposite Slay at some point but maybe not to start the season with. I have Diggs back at Corner as the safety group got more depth.
- Darius Slay
- Qaundre Diggs
- Teez Tabor
- DeShawn Shead
- Nevin Lawson
- Jamal Agnew
Safeties
The other half of the secondary, the safety got some potential long term depth with Tracy Walker being drafted as Glover Quinn in the last year of his contract. Otherwise this unit is mostly the same from last year.
- Glover Quinn
- Tavon Wilson
- Miles Killebrew
- Tracy Walker
- Charles Washington
Special Teams
The least change group over the last few years continues to be unchanged. At least no more dumb Long Snapper battle speculation.
- Sam Martin (P)
- Matt Prater (K)
- Don Muhlbach (LS)
Conclusion
My first 53 man roster prediction is just that, my first. I probably short changed the linebackers a bit and put too many players in the secondary but I would not complain if this ends up being the final roster to start the season. I may do another prediction closer to the cu day which is after the last preseason game. In any case, like I said before, I can not wait for the new season to start.
