The Detroit Lions took part in their first preseason game in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night and now experts are putting out their updated 53-man roster projections.
One of the new 53-man roster projections for the Lions comes from Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman and Erik Schlitt, who predict 2023 third-round pick Brodric Martin to miss the cut.
However, Schlitt leaves the door slightly ajar for Martin or another one of the defensive linemen projected to be cut to make the roster if Mekhi Wingo isn't removed from the PUP list to start the season.
"With Wingo expected to remain on the PUP until September, there’s a chance he could start the season on the PUP, which could open the door for another interior defender," Schlitt explains. "However, at this time, we are anticipating his return ahead of the season and have included him as 'in' our 53-man roster."
Schlitt and Reisman project DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, Pat O'Connor and Wingo will make the roster. They also believe Alim McNeill, who is recovering from a torn ACL, won't be ready in time to be removed from the PUP list before the start of the season, which would force him to miss the first four games.
General manager Brad Holmes did note recently that McNeill has a chance to be back sooner than expected. The fact that he's on the active/PUP list suggests he could make it back within the first four weeks.
If so, that would leave one less spot on the roster for a defensive lineman, assuming the Lions carry five like Schlitt and Reisman predict.
“Still having Alim on his way back, which I think that, you know, that has a potential to be a little bit earlier than expected,” Holmes revealed.
Martin has appeared in just five games with the Lions over two seasons, making one start in those contests. In 2024, Martin suffered a knee injury in the preseason that kept him out until the end of November.
“I took a step back, I got hurt and all that. I’m just gonna chalk it up to one more year of development," Martin explained. "One more year of development is all I’m gonna say about that. I took my L and got hurt and all that, but it still was a year of development. Next year is gonna be better.”
With his disappointing career thus far, and with the Lions' crowded situation along the defensive line, it's absolutely conceivable Martin could get cut after the preseason concludes.
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