Three writers tie for most accurate Detroit Lions roster prediction
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 2:07 AM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Three writers correctly predicted 49 of the 53 players on the initial Detroit Lions roster following the conclusion of training camp. Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, and Don Drysdale of Detroit Sports Nation each achieved a 92.45% accuracy rate. Eleven analysts were evaluated on their final projections, with Dave Birkett and Adam Stark following closely with 48 correct roster spots. The evaluation process did not count players placed on injured reserve or physically unable to perform lists. The roster construction, which included five running backs and only four wide receivers, proved difficult to predict, as no writer successfully projected the inclusion of Jabari Small. Conversely, every analyzed prediction incorrectly included Greg Dortch, Tyler Conklin, and Nick Whiteside, all of whom were released during final roster cuts.
- •Erik Schlitt, Colton Pouncy, and Don Drysdale each correctly identified 49 of 53 roster spots.
- •No writer among the group of 11 correctly projected Jabari Small making the final roster.
- •Every writer failed to correctly predict the releases of Greg Dortch, Tyler Conklin, and Nick Whiteside.
- •The Detroit Lions official roster consists of five running backs and nine offensive linemen.
- •Justin Rogers remains unranked due to an incomplete submission of his 53-man roster projection.
- 2:07 AMYahoo Sports — Three Writers Tie for Best Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Prediction
"We graded 11 final Detroit Lions 53-man roster predictions, including Dave Birkett’s. Three writers tied for the top spot with 49 of 53 players correct.
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