The Detroit Lions' training camp is underway, and with it comes the anticipation of which players will make the 53-man roster and which will be cut. While some cuts are expected, others could come as a surprise, especially for those who have been deemed as sure-fire roster locks. One such player who could be a surprise cut is Juice Scruggs, a center and potential guard who was acquired via the David Montgomery trade.
Scruggs' tenure with the Houston Texans was underwhelming, and his move to the Lions is seen as a bit of a risk. The Lions' high expectations for Scruggs, despite his unimpressive resume as a starter, could be a sign of their faith in his potential. However, the sheer number of candidates for interior positions could threaten his job if he struggles and others excel.
The Lions have a surprising amount of interior depth, with Christian Mahogany as the top candidate to start at left guard, and Miles Frazier, Ben Bartch, and Scruggs as reserve options. Additionally, Giovanni Manu and Colby Sorsdal could also claim spots along the interior. While Scruggs is currently the top center option, the Lions' preference for Michael Niese and the recovery of Seth McLaughlin from an Achilles tear could further threaten his position.
Scruggs has a leg up on his competition, but his lack of a strong resume as a starter and the depth at his position could make him a surprise cut. The Lions' history of keeping castoffs around and their high expectations for Scruggs could be a double-edged sword, and his performance in the preseason will be crucial in determining his fate.
In my opinion, Scruggs is a player who could be a surprise cut, but it is also within the realm of possibility that he will make the roster. The Lions' depth at his position and his unimpressive resume as a starter could be a cause for concern. However, his potential and the team's high expectations for him could also be a sign of things to come.
What are your thoughts on Scruggs? Is there another surprise cut candidate that stands out to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
