Where the Lions roster stands: Are the Lions starting guards on a short leash?

As we start to look ahead to training camp, we're going to take a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions roster. Next up is the guard position. (The final year of each player's contract is listed in parentheses.)

Set starters: Larry Warford (2016), Laken Tomlinson (2018)

Backups: Geoff Schwartz (2016)

On the bubble: Joe Dahl (2019)

Overview:

The Lions are returning their two starters from last season: Larry Warford and Laken Tomlinson. This season, however, those two may be on shorter leashes. Detroit signed Geoff Schwartz to a one-year deal this offseason and will likely be the team’s primary backup. Schwartz started 11 games for the New York Giants last year.

In addition to Schwartz, the Lions also added Joe Dahl; selecting him in the fifth round of the draft. Dahl has a pretty good chance of making the roster, as he has the versatility to fill in at tackle, as well.

Although not listed as a guard on the team’s website, the Lions could also use rookie Chase Farris as an interior linemen. Additionally, centers Travis Swanson and Graham Glasgow have some experience sliding over to the guard position.

Need going forward?

This year, the Lions have a good amount of depth at the guard position. If the Lions aren’t happy with the performance of one of their starters, they now have an experienced guard that can step in and perform with Schwartz. Additionally, they have a handful of young linemen that could potentially take over if the Lions decided to move on from some of these players next season. Schwartz and Warford are only signed through this year, so the Lions could have their future starters on the roster if the likes of Dahl and Farris pan out.

Previously: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackle