Lions Release First Unofficial Depth Chart
The Detroit Lions have unveiled an unofficial look at their depth chart ahead of Friday's preseason opener against the New York Giants.
Dan Campbell and his coaching staff have been evaluating the team throughout training camp, with this week's joint practices serving as a pivotal point.
Though the release is not the official pecking order for the team, it offers insight on where certain players stand at this point in the preseason.
At wide receiver, Jameson Williams is listed as a backup. Marvin Jones, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds are the team's first three listed, with Williams, Denzel Mims and Kalif Raymond as the backups.
Brock Wright has been given the unofficial nod over Sam LaPorta at tight end, while James Mitchell is listed as the third-string.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai is listed first at right guard, though he and Graham Glasgow are continuing to battle for the starting spot.
Justin Jackson has been considered the favorite to be the team's third running back after re-signing, and this was reflected in the unofficial pecking order. He's listed before Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson and Mohamed Ibrahim.
Newly signed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was not listed, as he has yet to report to Allen Park. The Lions expect him to begin practicing next week.
Derrick Barnes is listed alongside Alex Anzalone as the team's starting linebackers, with Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez behind them. Campbell has been taking more first-team reps as of late, however.
On the edge, Josh Paschal is tabbed second behind Aidan Hutchinson and Charles Harris. James Houston is listed third, ahead of Romeo Okwara.
Rookies Brodric Martin and Brian Branch are listed as backups at their respective positions. Martin is behind Isaiah Buggs at defensive tackle, while Branch is behind C.J. Gardner-Johnson at nickel cornerback.
Detroit's unofficial starting cornerbacks are listed as Cam Sutton and Jerry Jacobs, with Chase Lucas and undrafted rookie Starling Thomas V as second-teamers.
Currently, Riley Patterson has the unofficial upper hand in the kicking battle. He's listed before Parker Romo. Raymond is expected to handle punt returns, while Jackson is listed as the kick returner.
