2025 Detroit Lions Week 1 depth chart projection ahead of training camp, 5 new starters emerge

OTAs are almost over, and the Detroit Lions will be taking a little break ahead of training camp. With the roster where it's at now and the Frank Ragnow retirement, it feels like a good time to do a depth chart projection for Week 1 of the season. Here's what we came up with: 

Quarterback

Starter: Jared Goff
Bench: Kyle Allen

No shocker here. The Lions have their franchise quarterback in Goff, and that's not going to change for some time now. While both Allen and Hooker are struggling, it's hard not to go with the guy who's been an NFL starter before. Even if he wasn't that good of one. 

Running Back

Starters: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery
Bench: Sione Vaki

The Lions don't really have a starter here, per se. It's more a 1A and 1B type thing. No real changes here obviously. I do think this is the year the Lions part with Craig Reynolds and move forward with their plans for Sione Vaki.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa
Bench: Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Jackson Meeks

I really think that when camp is done, the Lions will feel they can get more out of TeSlaa at that X-receiver spot than they can with Patrick. That doesn't mean Patrick is not going to get targets; he will. I just think the rookie brings more speed and more opportunities. 

Tight End

Starter: Sam LaPorta
Bench: Brock Wright, Zach Horton

Horton is one of the guys to have your eyes on this summer. He brings a run-blocking ability and a fullback option to the Lions that they just don't have right now. Outside of that change, it's LaPorta and Wright as always. 

Offensive Line

Starters: Taylor Decker, Christian Mahogany, Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Penei Sewell
Bench: Giovanni Manu, Miles Frazier, Dan Skipper, Kingsey Eguakun

There you go, that's probably your most likely offensive line combination in 2025. Glasgow at center is going to be a downturn for sure, but basically anyone would have been that. Then the Lions have two younger guards on either side of him. It's going to be interesting. 

Defensive Line

Starters: Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, DJ Reader, Za'Darius Smith
Bench: Ahmed Hassanein, Marcus Davenport, Roy Lopez, Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, Josh Paschal

With McNeill starting the season off on the PUP list, it's Williams' job out of the gate. Until the moment that camp starts and Za'Darius Smith isn't on this roster, I'm going to keep projecting that he will be. It's just hard not to see it happening.

Linebacker

Starters: Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell
Bench: Grant Stuard, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske

The most predictable group the Lions have. Predictable in a good way. The only change here is Stuard in for Jalen Reeves-Maybin. 

Cornerback

Starter: D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson
Bench: Ennis Rakestraw, Rock Ya-Sin, Khalil Dorsey

This group is going to be fun together. Last season, the Lions' secondary was pretty good, with Reed they have a chance eot be even better. That's going to be very important for the Lions' defense. 

Safety

Starters: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph
Bench: Avonte Maddox, Dan Jackson, Morice Norris

A completely different bench from last season, but the starters remain the same. No bones about it, this is the best safety duo in the NFL, and this could also be the best safety room in the NFL. 

Special Teams

Starters: Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Hogan Hatten

The same gang as usual. Nothing changing here.