Projecting the Lions depth chart: Fullback

As the offseason winds down, we're going to project each position on the Detroit Lions depth chart and also take a look at some training camp battles. Next up is the fullback position.

Starter: Michael Burton | Other players: Emil Igwenagu

Following the exit of Jed Collins this offseason as a free agent, the Lions' starting fullback job is up for grabs. Originally, it looked like Emil Igwenagu was in line to take over this role on offense, but that was before the Lions spent a fifth-round pick on Michael Burton. With the Lions drafting Burton, he is now the favorite to start at fullback, and he's likely going to be the only player at this position who makes the 53-man roster.

Featured camp battle: Michael Burton vs. Emil Igwenagu for the starting FB job

Other camp battles to watch: FB runner-up vs. No. 4 RB for a roster spot

It's unlikely, but the odd man out for the starting fullback job could still potentially make the 53-man roster. Look no further than last year as an example of this. Instead of keeping only Collins, the Lions also held on to Montell Owens, who briefly served as the backup fullback and a special teams contributor before getting injured.

The Lions eventually ended up with four running backs once George Winn was promoted to the 53-man roster, and the expectation is that Winn, Zach Zenner or Desmond Martin will occupy the final spot in the backfield this year. If the No. 2 fullback outperforms those running backs on special teams, however, there could be room for both Burton and Igwenagu on the 53-man roster, so that will be a cross-positional camp battle worth watching this summer.

Previously: Quarterback, running back