Lions' Updated Offensive Depth Chart
The Detroit Lions have focused their entire free agency efforts so far on upgrading their defense. As a result, much of their offense is untouched early in the offseason.
One big move the Lions have made is to re-sign Graham Glasgow. However, the unit lost left guard Jonah Jackson to the Los Angeles Rams.
Here's a look at the Lions' current offensive depth chart early in free agency.
Quarterback
Starter: Jared Goff
Backup: Hendon Hooker
Goff is still awaiting an extension, but appears to be the team's quarterback of the future. Hooker is penciled in as the backup, but the Lions are still evaluating what they have in him after he spent most of last year rehabbing a torn ACL.
Running back
Starter: David Montgomery
Backups: Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Zonovan Knight, Jermar Jefferson, Jake Funk
Both Montgomery and Gibbs proved capable of doing all the necessary dirty work, as both surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards. As long as both remain healthy, the Lions are in very good hands in the backfield.
The battle for the No. 3 running back role will be an interesting one. Reynolds has held the role each of the last two years, and is highly regarded by the staff. However, Knight has potential, and could challenge for the spot.
Wide receivers (3)
Starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Antoine Green
Backups: Kalif Raymond, Tre'Quan Smith, Maurice Alexander, Daurice Fountain, Tom Kennedy
St. Brown is an All-Pro, so Detroit will be in good hands out wide. Williams, meanwhile, is expected to take a big leap in what will be his first full season.
One of the bigger areas of need still out there for the Lions is a true "X" receiver. Josh Reynolds has yet to re-sign, so the organization should continue to look at options.
Green had just one catch in his rookie campaign, while Smith was an intriguing addition on a futures contract. The Lions would benefit from adding at least one more big-bodied pass-catcher this offseason.
Tight end
Starter: Sam LaPorta
Backups: Brock Wright, James Mitchell, Shane Zylstra
The Lions struck gold with LaPorta, as he delivered top-tier production in a record-setting rookie campaign.
Behind him, Wright offers a comfortable secondary option. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Zylstra are two athletic options, who have battled injuries, that will compete for the third spot.
Offensive tackles (2)
Starters: Penei Sewell (Right), Taylor Decker (Left)
Backups: Dan Skipper, Connor Galvin
Detroit acted quickly to bring back Skipper as depth behind its two talented tackles. Sewell and Decker give the team book-end options that will offer stability and strength.
Galvin is another interesting player on a futures contract that could compete for the swing tackle role.
Offensive guard
Starters: Graham Glasgow (Right), Kayode Awosika (Left)
Backups: Colby Sorsdal, Matt Farniok, Netane Muti
With Jonah Jackson off to Los Angeles, Detroit's lone hole up front will be at left guard. Awosika is penciled in there currently, but Colby Sorsdal also started games last year and could battle for the spot.
Although the offensive line has been a strength for the Lions, Detroit could certainly seek out starter-caliber talent in either free agency or the draft. A number of intriguing options could be available at the team's No. 29 overall selection.
Center
Starter: Frank Ragnow
Backups: Michael Niese
Ragnow is an All-Pro talent when healthy. He battled through numerous injuries to play in all but two games in 2023, and will be the centerpiece to Detroit's offensive attack in 2024.
During this past year, Niese was a practice squad player who was promoted to provide depth during two games. Glasgow also provides center depth with his versatility.
