The NFL Draft presents the best chance for teams to boost their talent pool. However, adding new players could also put certain roster spots in jeopardy.

Projecting the Detroit Lions’ Week 1 depth chart at this point is close to impossible, but with clear starters and reliable depth already in place, we can start identifying players who may be on the bubble by the time training camp arrives. Some current backups look like locks right now, but the upcoming draft could easily push a few of them onto the edge of the roster.

Skipper has been a familiar face in Detroit’s offensive line room for years and has built a fan-favorite reputation. Still, his role could be in danger after the draft.

He started three games last year in place of Taylor Decker with average results, posting PFF grades of 58.7, 53.3, and 58.4. Though he’s useful as a sixth lineman, that performance is replaceable—touchdown catch or not. At this point, he’s a veteran with limited upside and an equally low floor.

Detroit already has multiple options at tackle even before the draft. Ideally, Giovanni Manu develops into the fifth tackle in 2025. While raw, he’s a long-term project. Colby Sorsdal, another small-school player, is also developing and could rise with time.

Both have higher ceilings than Skipper. Jamarco Jones, re-signed this offseason, also offers veteran depth and could push Skipper for a spot.

If the Lions draft one or two linemen, the offensive front could get crowded. Sewell, Decker, and Ragnow are locked-in starters. Either Mahogany or Glasgow (possibly both) will start at guard, and both are safe bets to make the team.

Manu, due to his draft status, should be safe. Assuming two interior backups stick, that’s already eight linemen—and that doesn’t include Skipper, Sorsdal, or Jones.

Detroit is likely to draft a guard or center, but also values backups like Awosika, Niese, Muti, and Eguakun, any of whom could stay alongside a rookie. A rookie tackle addition would only tighten the squeeze.

Last season, Detroit carried 10 or 11 linemen—above the league average—but often kept three inactive on Sundays. Add some rookies, and the math gets tight. If Skipper wants to stay on the roster, he has to beat out not only the other tackles, but all linemen competing for backup roles.