Analyzing Detroit Lions First 2026 Unofficial Depth Chart

Offensive line updates

The Lions currently have three position battles going on for spots along their offensive line. They entered camp with competitions for right tackle and left guard, and another wrench was thrown into their plans with the injury to center Cade Mays.

Currently, the Lions have veteran Larry Borom listed ahead of rookie Blake Miller at right tackle. Miller has taken his fair share of first team reps at the position, and is being viewed with a very realistic chance at starting the opener at the position after the team drafted him 17th overall.

At left guard, Juice Scruggs is currently listed ahead of Christian Mahogany. However, Mahogany has drawn strong reviews for his performance early in camp and is right in the mix to win the position.

Additionally, Scruggs is expected to get reps at center when he returns from a soft tissue injury, and as a result Mahogany may still be the favorite to win his job back and start at left guard.

When Scruggs returns, the Lions will have him competing to start at center with Seth McLaughlin and Michael Niese. The depth chart lists Niese ahead of McLaughlin, but it was McLaughlin taking first team reps at the position in Monday's practice.

Wide receiver depth

The Lions have an established top four at the wide receiver position, but there is plenty of competition for the fifth spot. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch are all roster locks, but there are several players in the mix for the final one or two roster spots at the position.

The starters are St. Brown, Williams and TeSlaa. With this pairing, which would be 11 personnel, it would likely be St. Brown in the slot with Williams and TeSlaa out wide. Dortch, meanwhile, is behind St. Brown which checks out with him being expected to be a slot-exclusive presence.

Dominic Lovett is listed as the backup behind Williams, while Tom Kennedy is the third-string in the slot. Those two players are expected to be competing for the fifth spot, so the Lions could make the choice dpending on which player offers more versatility.

Cedrick Wilson Jr. is the backup behind TeSlaa. Another wide receiver with a big physical profile, Wilson has flashed with several strong moments in camp.

Defensive clarity

The Lions' depth chart lists two linebackers and a nickel cornerback, which could be an indication of coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's intent to play more nickel defense as opposed to base in 2026. The Lions have had different players playing the position throughout camp, with Roger McCreary currently holding top billing on the depth chart.

McCreary's performance throughout camp has been up and down, with the consensus being that he has work to do to become a starter within the unit. Head coach Dan Campbell stated that Christian Izien would also get some work at the spot, and Izien is currently listed second behind McCreary.

At linebacker, the Lions currently have Devin White and Malcolm Rodriguez listed as the top two backups behind starters Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. White, a former All-Pro, seems to have the leg up in the competition to be the top option in Detroit's three-linebacker packages.

Rising defenders

Several standouts have emerged amidst the Lions' roster through the first 10 days of training camp. Among them are defensive linemen Ahmed Hassanein and Tyler Lacy, who have both been showing up in a big way throughout camp.

Detroit has deployed a big end traditionally in their defense, and both Lacy and Hassanein have played well in this role throughout camp. On the first depth chart, they are listed second and third, respectively, behind presumed veteran starter D.J. Wonnum opposite of Aidan Hutchinson.

Another development on the defensive line is the fact that undrafted free agent Anthony Lucas has been listed ahead of veteran Payton Turner. A former first-round pick who has had his career interrupted by injuries, Turner has been absent from practice since completing the first day and could be in danger of not making the roster if he remains sidelined.

Another rising defender is cornerback Nick Whiteside. Viewed as a potential afterthought not long ago in Detroit's secondary, Whiteside has generated a ton of positive momentum behind a strong camp.

On the first depth chart, Whiteside is listed as the backup behind D.J. Reed. This puts him ahead of Khalil Dorsey and rookie Keith Abney, which would be a very positive development for his hopes of making the roster.

Both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are listed as starters on this depth chart, but neither is currently expected to play in Week 1. Instead, their backups are listed as Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox, and that pairing is anticipated to be the starting duo against the New Orleans Saints.