Lions depth chart released for preseason opener

In advance of their preseason opener on Saturday night against the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Lions have released their first 2014 depth chart. It's considered unofficial, and there are some positions that don't exactly seem all that accurate, so keep that in mind as you take a look at it.

The main thing that jumps out to me on offense is that Mikel Leshoure is listed ahead of Theo Riddick at running back. I suppose this is a positive sign for Leshoure more than anything, but I'm skeptical that he's truly ahead of Riddick in the pecking order. I suppose that'll be something to keep an eye on going forward.

Other interesting things on offense:

• Despite being listed as a running back on the Lions' official roster, Montell Owens is the starting fullback over Jed Collins.
  
  
• At wide receiver, Kevin Ogletree and Kris Durham are the top backups.
  
  
• At tight end, Eric Ebron is currently third on the depth chart, and the Lions are no longer listing two separate TE spots.
  
  
• On the offensive line, LaAdrian Waddle is the starting right tackle over Corey Hilliard.

The defensive depth chart really does a nice job of illustrating the fact that this is unofficial. Case in point: Andre Fluellen, who said this week that he's now a defensive end, is listed ahead of Caraun Reid at defensive tackle. Okay then.

Here are some other notable things about the defensive depth chart:

• Ashlee Palmer is currently ahead of Kyle Van Noy at outside linebacker, and Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead are the primary backups at the other two LB spots.
  
  
• At cornerback, Bill Bentley and Cassius Vaughn are the top backups, followed by Nevin Lawson and Jonte Green.
  
  
• DeJon Gomes and Don Carey are the second-string safeties.

On special teams, the only really notable thing is that Nate Freese is currently listed ahead of Giorgio Tavecchio at kicker. That position battle remains up in the air going forward, but that may be a sign that this is still Freese's job to lose.