The Detroit Lions spent the offseason loading up, talking tough, and reminding everyone they want the NFC North back. That much is clear. But mandatory minicamp came and went, and now the roster is starting to sort itself out in ways that aren’t always comfortable for the guys on the bottom of the depth chart.
Some of these decisions are already starting to feel inevitable. Three Lions players in particular are looking at real trouble when training camp opens in late July. Let’s talk about why.
Sione Vaki’s Utility Role Is Getting Blurry
Sione Vaki is one of the more interesting guys on this roster because he doesn’t really have a fixed position. He came into the league as a safety, converted to running back, and has lived mostly on special teams ever since. That worked for a while. But in 2025, his special teams snaps actually dipped. And that’s a problem, because the rest of his game hasn’t filled the gap.
Over the past two seasons, Vaki has exactly 10 offensive touches. That’s 55 total yards. No one is carving out a long career in Detroit on those numbers, not when the Lions have Jahmyr Gibbs eating up carries and a stable of backs behind him.
The real threat here is Jacob Salyers. Salyers was one of Detroit’s primary kick returners in 2025 and put up 897 return yards. He barely touched the ball as a runner, but he gave the Lions something Vaki hasn’t: actual production in the return game. If the coaching staff has to pick one guy to hold onto as a third running back and special teams piece, Salyers makes more sense right now.
Vaki needs to show something big during training camp. Otherwise, Detroit might decide they can find that same value somewhere else.
Jackson Meeks Is Trying to Become a Tight End. That Might Not Be Enough.
Jackson Meeks came to Detroit as an undrafted wide receiver after the 2025 draft. He got cut, came back on the practice squad, signed a futures deal, and now the Lions are trying something new. According to John Maakaron of SI, the team moved Meeks to tight end this spring after noticing how well he looked during scout team reps at the position.
This feels like a last-ditch effort to find a home for a guy who hasn’t found one yet. And honestly, it’s a tough sell. Meeks is 6-foot-2 and 218 pounds. That’s decent size for a receiver but small for a tight end. Blocking against NFL defenders at that size is going to be a real problem, especially in an offense that leans hard on the run.
Detroit already has Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin at tight end. If they keep a fourth, it’s probably going to be someone like Zach Horton who can also play fullback. Meeks would have to be a truly special receiving threat to make the roster as an undersized tight end who can’t block. That’s a long shot.
Best case for Meeks is another year on the practice squad. But that’s not a career plan.
Loren Strickland Is Stuck in a Crowded Safety Room
The Lions have seven safeties on the roster right now. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph headline the group, but both are coming off major injuries and could miss the start of the season. That means Detroit needs guys who can step in and play defense right away in Week 1.
Veteran Chuck Clark has looked sharp during minicamp. Thomas Harper has flashed. Christian Izien came over in free agency and can play both safety and slot corner. Dan Jackson is a second-year player on a cheap rookie deal who didn’t get many snaps in 2025 but still has time to develop.
All of those guys are ahead of Loren Strickland on the depth chart. Strickland’s main selling point is special teams, but that’s not going to be enough if the Lions decide to carry four safeties into September instead of five. Especially if Branch and Joseph start on injured reserve or the PUP list, Detroit’s roster math gets tight fast.
Strickland needs to prove he can handle defensive snaps during training camp. Otherwise, he’s exactly the kind of player who gets squeezed out when the numbers don’t add up.
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