Mike Payton

Detroit sits 17th in the waiver order after picking 28th a year ago, putting Brad Holmes in a much better position to attack quarterback and offensive-line depth after cuts.

Sione Vaki, Mekhi Wingo, Ennis Rakestraw and Tom Kennedy are squeezed by Detroit's depth, but each has a potential landing spot that could offer more opportunity.

Sione Vaki, Mekhi Wingo, Ennis Rakestraw and Tom Kennedy are squeezed by Detroit's depth, but each has a potential landing spot that could offer more opportunity.

Detroit isn't choosing between veterans and young players as much as it's deciding who can actually become useful before this season gets very far along.

Three qualifying player-safety violations in one season now mean an automatic one-game suspension, and Branch's career fine history shows why Detroit has reason to pay attention.

Detroit must decide whether to preserve the chance of an early return for Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph or gain two valuable roster spots by carrying them onto Reserve/PUP.

Detroit closed training camp with a full-team scrimmage that produced one of the strangest Jahmyr Gibbs stat lines you'll see and one final push from Sione Vaki.

Detroit's toughest decisions come at running back, cornerback and defensive line, while two offensive-line spots are reserved for additions from outside the building.

Detroit has several young players worth developing after cuts, but Brad Holmes should also leave room to add prospects and veterans released elsewhere.

Detroit's offense looks mostly settled, but edge rusher, nickel and safety could all change quickly as young players develop and injured stars work their way back.