With the commencement of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), the Detroit Lions face imminent and challenging roster decisions. This period is expected to lead to the release of several players in the near future, including one recent second-round draft selection.
As the Lions begin their activities this week, head coach Dan Campbell is scheduled to address the media on Friday, offering insights into the team’s progress. Following this, personnel reductions are anticipated, likely occurring either before or after mandatory minicamp. Below are four players who are realistic candidates for release:
OT Colby Sorsdal
The offensive tackle position for the Lions is currently experiencing significant competition, with a substantial number of players vying for spots, including Penei Sewell, Blake Miller, Larry Borrom, Colby Sorsdal, Melvin Preistley, Giovanni Manu, and Devin Cochran. The organization has an established understanding of Sorsdal’s capabilities. Consequently, the team is likely more inclined to evaluate the potential of other, less-proven tackles rather than retaining seven players at the position as training camp approaches.
DT Levi Onwuzurike
While acknowledging the possibility of error, the ideal scenario would see Levi Onwuzurike, a former second-round draft selection, successfully reclaim his previous performance level, thereby securing his place with the Lions. Until such a resurgence occurs, his roster spot remains uncertain. This upcoming week is anticipated to be a critical opportunity for him to demonstrate his athletic readiness and current physical condition.
WR/QB Malik Cunningham
Malik Cunningham’s situation parallels that of Sorsdal, primarily due to the considerable depth at his position. The team currently boasts ten wide receivers, each with a compelling argument for retention. Furthermore, if Cunningham were to transition back to his original position as a quarterback, he would face substantial competition from Teddy Bridgewater and Luke Altmeyer, presenting a formidable challenge for a roster spot.
S Loren Strickland
Despite a personal affinity for Loren Strickland, it is challenging to identify a viable roster position for him within the current Detroit Lions squad. The team’s defensive backfield is exceptionally deep, comprising eighteen players, including Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Chuck Clark, Dan Jackson, Thomas Harper, and Christian Izien. Given this extensive competition, Strickland’s potential role becomes unclear. Furthermore, his limited defensive contributions thus far make it difficult to envision him surpassing the established talent at the position.
