The Detroit Lions are one of the most buzzed-about teams in the NFL right now. I’m so excited for the upcoming NFL season. It all kicks off with the Detroit Lions against Superbowl Champions the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 7. Pop that popcorn. Also, drink that blue Kool-Aid. I’m lining up guests for the new season of “The Squad with Anne Erickson,” and we have some great people booked. I’m ready with a new season of my sports podcast. Subscribe to “The Squad with Anne Erickson” wherever you listen to podcasts. Reach out to me with your NFL insights here, and I’d love to include your thoughts on my show. Let’s get to know the initial 53-man roster for 2023.
So, who will we see on the field this season? The initial lineup is set. Of course, this will change throughout the season, but this is the initial crew. No matter who’s playing, there’s something different about the Detroit Lions this season, and it’s in a good way. For the first time in many years, there’s a respect for the Lions that just hasn’t been there.
When it comes to the roster, Jared Goff is one of the key pieces of the puzzle. He had a rough first year with the Lions in 2021. But, Goff was great last season and had some of the best stats in the NFL towards the end of the season. He still has a strong offense on the team, so if he picks up where he left off last season, then we’re golden. We also have a solid defense and offense. We’re not really rated as the “best” in any of these categories, but all of our positions are good enough to make us one of the strongest teams in the NFL. I’m not happy that summer is ending, but I’m happy that football is starting up.
Detroit Lions: Get to Know the Initial 53-Man Roster for 2023
Quarterbacks
This year’s quarterbacks are Jared Goff, who is the starting quarterback, of course, along with Teddy Bridgewater and Hendon Hooker. We have a solid crew here. I’m a Goff believer.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions look on during pregame warm-ups prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Wide receivers
This year’s wide receivers include Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Marvin Jones, Jameson Williams and Antoine Green. Sadly, Williams will miss the first several games due to gambling violations.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Running backs
We’re strong here. This year’s running backs include David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jason Cabinda (FB). This is a solid roster. It’s great to get Montgomery from the Bears.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 11: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs up the field in the second quarter of a preseason game against the New York Giants at Ford Field on August 11, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Tight ends
We need some help in this area, but this year’s lineup seems strong. This year’s tight ends include Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and James Mitchell.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Offensive line
Let’s go get it! This year’s offensive line includes Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Colby Sorsdal and Matt Nelson. That’s a good showing.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Defensive line
Let’s look at the positions of EDGE and tackles. We have Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, Brodric Martin, Levi Onwuzurike, Benito Jones, Aidan Hutchinson, Charles Harris, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Romeo Okwara and Julian Okwara. It’s a solid list.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 11: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Linebackers and Defensive backs
Let’s check out our linebackers and defensive backs. We have Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman, Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker, Brian Branch, Will Harris, Khalil Dorsey, Steven Gilmore and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Many of these are familiar names.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Specialists
Don’t forget these guys. We also have Jack Fox, Scott Daly and Riley Patterson. In the fold. So, there you have it. Our initial lineup. Let’s keep everyone healthy and winning.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
