Projecting Lions’ Starting Lineup After Final Roster Cuts

Quarterback: Jared Goff

Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs

Wide Receiver: Jameson Williams

Wide Receiver: Isaac TeSlaa

Slot Receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown

Left Tackle: Penei Sewell

Left Guard: Christian Mahogany

Center: Juice Scruggs

Right Guard: Tate Ratledge

Right Tackle: Blake Miller

Not much has changed with the offense. With Greg Dortch getting cut, TeSlaa’s spot as a starter has become secure. Though they haven’t officially named starters at the position, all signs point to Christian Mahogany at left guard and rookie Blake Miller at right tackle.

But once again, the engines of the unit are quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Their play will dictate how the group performs in 2026.

Lions Projected Starting Defense

EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson

EDGE: D.J. Wonnum

Big End: Ahmed Hassanein

Defensive Tackle: Alim McNeill

Defensive Tackle: Tyleik Williams

Mike Linebacker: Jack Campbell

Will Linebacker: Devin White

Sam Linebacker: Derrick Barnes

Cornerback: D.J. Reed

Cornerback: Rock Ya-Sin

Nickel: Christian Izien

Safety: Chuck Clark

Safety: Avonte Maddox

A few changes here. With Hassanein posting a phenomenal camp and preseason, I have him taking over the big end spot ahead of Tyler Lacy. I also had Nick Whiteside as a starter, but with Detroit waiving him and placing him on the practice squad later on, Ya-Sin wins the No. 2 corner gig.

It’s hard to pinpoint who will be the other starting linebacker alongside Campbell and Barnes. I still have White, but Malcolm Rodriguez also has a strong case.

With Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list and out for at least the first four games, Clark and Maddox will likely be the starting safeties come Week 1.