Detroit Lions depth chart: Jared Goff update

Official depth charts often leave you wanting more, which is why I develop my own based on what I know about the players, projected expectations of roles, and first-hand observations from training camp and practices. Obviously, we’re still a long way away from practices, which is why this version of the depth chart is painted with a broad stroke, but as more information becomes available, I'll be publishing updated versions of this chart with more specifics on how players fit into this roster.

At this stage of the offseason, the Detroit Lions can have up to 90-players on their active roster, but for now, they only have 56 under contract—with one player expected to be released or traded any day now.

Let’s take a look at where the roster stands.

Quarterback

• Jared Goff — acquired via trade with the Los Angeles Rams
• Tim Boyle — signed from Green Bay Packers
• Chase Daniel — UPDATE: he has been released
• David Blough

The Lions are expected to move on from Daniel soon and once that happens they will likely have the three players they want heading into the draft. This gives them options to consider taking a quarterback if the right one presents themselves but it won't force their hand either.

Running back

• D’Andre Swift — primary back
• Jamaal Williams — signed from Green Bay Packers
• Kerryon Johnson — third-down back

Expect at least two more backs to be added before training camp but the priority here is low. It wouldn't be surprising to see an inexpensive vet option added in free agency and a Day 3 or undrafted rookie also brought in.

Fullback

• Jason Cabinda (ERFA)
• Nick Bawden

Is this position being phased out with Josh Hill in the mix? Special teams contributions will be huge here.

Wide receiver

• Tyrell Williams — signed from Las Vegas Raiders
• Quintez Cephus
• Geronimo Allison — Opt’d out last season

Well. This is underwhelming and should get a lot of attention in the coming weeks.

Slot receiver

• Tom Kennedy
• Victor Bolden

Tight end

• T.J. Hockenson
• Josh Hill — signed from New Orleans Saints
• Hunter Bryant
• Alize Mack
• Hunter Thedford

Unless they’re not sold on Bryant, this may be the group that heads into camp.

Expected starting offensive line

• LT — Taylor Decker
• LG — Jonah Jackson
• C — Frank Ragnow
• RG — Hal Vaitai
• RT — Tyrell Crosby

Picking up where they left off.

Reserve offensive line

• LT – Matt Nelson (ERFA), Dan Skipper
• LG – Logan Stenberg
• C – Evan Brown
• RG – Logan Stenberg
• RT – Matt Nelson, Dan Skipper

Depth will be added probably in free agency and the draft.

Interior defensive line

• Michael Brockers — DL — acquired via trade with the Los Angeles Rams
• Nick Williams — DL
• Da’Shawn Hand — DL
• John Penisini — NT
• Jashon Cornell — DL
• Kevin Strong — DL
• John Atkins — NT
• Joel Heath — DT

They’re not flashy but they have enough bodies to compete without adding anymore talent—though adding more talent would be preferred.

EDGE Rushers

• Trey Flowers
• Romeo Okwara — re-signed on a 3-year deal
• Austin Bryant
• Julian Okwara
• Robert McCray

The four-man combination at the top is not bad, but it would be nice to have more depth, especially with the injury history of this group.

Off-the-ball linebacker

• Jamie Collins
• Jahlani Tavai
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin —re-signed on a 1-year deal
• Anthony Pittman
• Shaun Dion Hamilton

Adding speed and athleticism has to be a priority here and we should see, at a minimum, two players added here.

Cornerback

• Amani Oruwariye
• Jeff Okudah
• Mike Ford — re-signed on a 1-year deal

Only about halfway through adding players to this group.

Nickel corner

It’d be nice to have someone to place here.

Safety

• Tracy Walker
• Will Harris
• C.J. Moore
• Bobby Price
• Jalen Elliott
• Godwin Igwebuike

Lots of bodies here but how many starters?

Kicking team

• Jack Fox (ERFA) — punter, holder, kickoffs
• Matthew Wright — kicker

Wright is the leader in the clubhouse now that Matt Prater is in Arizona.

Kick/Punt returns

With Jamal Agnew in Jacksonville, these spots are up for grabs.

Kick coverage

• Mike Ford — gunner
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin — five-phase specialist
• Jason Cabinda — five-phase specialist
• Will Harris — five-phase specialist
• C.J. Moore — Personal Protector (PP)

Not a bad start here, but there are still plenty of spots to fill.