Detroit Lions Depth Chart

The Detroit Lions Depth Chart looks a lot different without Calvin Johnson penciled as one of the starting wide receivers.

Even without Calvin Johnson the Detroit Lions Depth Chart features enough offensive weapons for Matthew Stafford to utilize. Detroit also made a point to upgrade the talent along the offensive line through the draft.

Quarterback

Starter: Matthew Stafford
Backups: Dan Orlovsky and Jake Rudock

After some injury issues early in his career, Matthew Stafford has been one of the more durable quarterbacks in the league. He continues to put up good numbers each year, but he needs to start being more consistent on a game to game basis.

It would also help if he led the team to more wins!

Running Back

Starter: Ameer Abdullah
3rd-Down: Theo Riddick
Backups: Zach Zenner and Stevan Ridley

Detroit needs to get a lot more out of Ameer Abdullah who struggled in his rookie season. There’s a chance that last-year’s preseason stud, Zach Zenner, could steal carries from Abdullah if he continues his fumbling problems.

The one bright spot here is Theo Riddick who is a real weapon in the passing attack. He will be relied upon more heavily this year without Johnson.

Fullback

Starter: Mike Burton

Wide Receiver

Starters: Golden Tate and Marvin Jones
No. 3: TJ Jones
Backups: Jeremy Kerley, Corey Fuller and Andre Caldwell

Marvin Jones cannot replace Calvin Johnson, but he’s a talented player who excels at taking the top off the defense. He and Golden Tate are a capable duo who bring different things to the table. TJ Jones is a sleeper who has tons of talent and could emerge as a difference maker.

Tight End

Starter: Eric Ebron
Backups: Brandon Pettigrew and Matthew Mulligan

Eric Ebron continues to be a bit of an enigma as someone with elite physical talent but lacks polish. He has the most heat on him to step up and help replace some of the production lost with the retirement of Calvin Johnson.

Left Tackle

Starter: Taylor Decker
Backups: Riley Reiff, Corey Robinson and Michael Ola

Taylor Decker is already working as the team’s starting left tackle and should hold onto that job through out the year. He’s a better athlete than he’s given credit for and also plays with good technique.

Adding Decker also strengthens the right tackle spot as it allows Riley Reiff fill that position.

Left Guard

Starter: Laken Tomlinson
Backups: Joe Dahl and Geoff Schwartz

Laken Tomlinson is a road-grader whose best skill is opening running lanes. However, he really struggle as a rookie and must improve. The addition of veteran Geoff Schwartz will put some pressure on Tomlinson.

Center

Starter: Graham Glasgow
Backup: Travis Swanson

This is going to be a fun battle to watch during training camp. Swanson is the incumbent and has the ability to be the team’s long-term starter. However, Graham Glasgow was selected in the 3rd round of the 2016 draft and is a more physical player.

Right Guard

Starter: Larry Warford
Backups: Geoff Schwartz and Joe Dahl

Warford was headed towards being an elite player early in his career, but things fell off the rails last year. He needs to have a bounce back year or he could lose his starting job to either the veteran Schwartz or the rookie Dahl.

Right Tackle

Starter: Riley Reiff
Backups: Michael Ola and Cornelius Lucas

Riley Reiff had some solid years at left tackle, but was often overmatch by the top-level pass rushers in the league. A move to right tackle will give him a break from facing the elite pass rushers on a week to week basis.

Defensive End

Starters: Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor
Backups: Wallace Gilberry and Anthony Zettel

Ziggy Ansah is a stud and among the top pass rushers in the NFL. Detroit is hoping that Devin Taylor can build off the solid production he showed in a part-time role. The depth at defensive end is a concern with Gilberry the only backup with any meaningful experience.

Defensive Tackle

Starters: Haloti Ngata and A’Shawn Robinson
Backups: Tyrunn Walker, Caraun Reid, Gabe Wright and Khyri Thornton

Adding A’Shawn Robinson in the 2nd round of the draft was a major steal. This is a big-bodied defender who has more athleticism than most realize. Opposing teams will have a tough time running up the middle with the combination of Robinson and Haloit Ngata.

SAM Linebacker

Starter: Tahir Whitehead
Backups: Kyle Van Noy and Josh Bynes

Tahir Whitehead tested free agency, but it was in everyone’s best interest for him to come back to Detroit. Whitehead has developed nicely from someone who was mainly special-teamer to a productive starter.

Middle Linebacker

Starter: Stephen Tulloch
Backups: Antwione Williams and Jon Bostic

Stephen Tulloch’s future with the team is in question which is interesting because there isn’t a clear cut answer on who’ll take over the starting role. The most likely scenario is Tahir Whitehead bumping inside and Kyle Van Noy taking over at the SAM linebacker spot.

WILL Linebacker

Starter: DeAndre Levy
Backups: Kyle Van Noy and Josh Bynes

The Lions need a healthy year from DeAndre Levy in order for the defense to play to its potential. Kyle Van Noy played well in spot-duty last year and will be asked to play a significant role should the injury bug strike again.

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Cornerback

Starters: Darius Slay and Quandre Diggs
Nickelback: Nevin Lawson
Backups: Alex Carter and Darrin Walls

Darius Slay has developed into a strong coverage guy who continues to improve. Detroit got a surprise from Quandre Diggs last year who has now established himself as a major piece to the puzzle.

Safety

Starters: Glover Quin and Tavon Wilson
Backups: Miles Killebrew and Rafael Bush

Glover Quin is a playmaker who is always around the football. Tavon Wilson is a below-average starter, but might just hold down the starting job until rookie Miles Killebrew gets up to speed.

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