The Longshots: 3 Underdogs with a Real Shot at Breaking the Lions’ 53 Man Roster

Information sourced from: Sports Illustrated, RAS, Pro Football Reference

The Lions’ have a lot of positions that are likely already set in stone coming into the offseason. Take, for instance, offensive tackle. It’s a foregone (and safe) conclusion that the Lions will have Blake Miller at right tackle, and Penei Sewell at left tackle. However, the roster is far from written in stone. If you know me, you also know I love a good underdog story. Let’s dig in on four Lions underdogs who have a chance to break the 53 man roster.

Ahmed Hassanein - Defensive End

I have loved Hassanein since he was selected by the Lions in the sixth round of last year’s draft. I became even more endeared with him when the Lions waived him with an injury settlement, and he came back to the team that drafted him despite other opportunities. He has shown he is loyal. However, the value doesn’t stop there: Hassanein has good/solid athleticism (see RAS below), and he has very little wear on his tires given he didn’t even start playing football until high school. Add in his 24 sacks at Boise State (largely tallied in his last two years) and you have potential.

He has an uphill climb behind the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Moore, DJ Wonnum, and the oft injured Payton Turner. However, if the Lions can raise his level of play just a bit, I truly believe he can become a rotational player, and a feel good story for all Lions players and fans alike.

Thomas Harper - Safety

I really feel like Thomas Harper has an opportunity ahead of him. I do understand the Lions have the likes of Christian Izien and Avante Maddox who are going to be the first players off the bench when it comes to Kirby and Branch missing time. However none of us should sleep on Thomas Harper.

Did he give up a bit too much in coverage? The answer is yes, but many times I saw the flashes. Since coming into the league he has notched 63 tackles, half a sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass deflections. None of that happens by accident. If there is any time for him to take the next step, it is now. Keep an eye on Harper, I am not convinced we won’t see him getting more time this year than last.

Jay Tufele - Defensive Tackle / Nose Tackle

This offseason the Lions lost DJ Reader and Roy Lopez, both are nose tackles who were critical to the defensive line. If the Lions deploy the defensive line in the same way they have in the past, then that means it’s time to start looking at Jay Tufele. Now, I don’t have stats to back this one up, this is based on nothing more than a gut feeling. However… Let’s talk through this.

Roy Lopez was not expected to be anything special last year with the Lions. He was likely looked at as a reserve option to DJ Reeder and nothing more. However, he turned out to be very productive in the middle of the Lions’ line. Even if they do change the defensive deployment, Kelvin Sheppard has shown he knows how to effectively use nose tackles. Tufele is plenty athletic for a nose tackle, and was picked in the fourth round by the Jaguars in 2021 for a reason. I have a very strong feeling that if he can take the direction of Sheppard, he has a chance to be a piece in the middle of the defense. Having a giant body to soak up gaps won’t hurt anything either.

Of course none of this means anything until the production shows up. I may be wrong on all accounts. But if there is one team where these players have a chance, it’s the Lions. The Lions have shown how much you make, where you are drafted, or what you have done in the past doesn’t mean anything to them. Simply show up, take direction, and show them you have what it takes to play. I think all three of these guys have that potential.