An NFL team’s starting lineup is more of a theory than a truth. For one, injuries arise each season, forcing reshuffling up and down the depth chart. Additionally, teams have not shied away from rotations, from running back carousels to swapping around defensive linemen to present new looks.
The Detroit Lions have done their best to create a rounded roster from top to bottom in 2026, but will that materialize when the season arises? Which position group’s depth do you feel most confident in?
Advertisement
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions position group has the best depth?
My answer: Safety.
I was tempted to give this to offensive line, but I have some qualms. Although there are plenty of new faces in that group, it could be their deepest set of linemen in years. The Lions will have a starting lineup of Penei Sewell, Tate Ratledge, Cade Mays, Blake Miller, Christian Mahogany, Larry Borom, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, and Ben Bartch, in some combination. That makes nine players with chances of not only making the roster, but non-zero shots of winning a starting role—a very stacked depth chart.
Advertisement
However, the fact that there are so many competitors is not necessarily a good thing. At left guard, for example, the Lions might end up with four starting-caliber players as a best-case scenario, but they could also end up with four backup-caliber players if nobody steps up in training camp.
The safety group also has some valid concerns entering the season, but I feel more confident in the depth chart that Detroit has assembled.
The elephants in the room are Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, two star talents with unknown injury timelines. They are unquestionably a star duo, but we are simply in wait-and-see mode regarding their health. If the Lions have to weather extended absences from Joseph and Branch, they at least made moves in free agency as insurance.
Chuck Clark may have been signed late in free agency, but he could emerge as an important leader for the Lions defense. With 123 career games under his belt, the Lions can lean on Clark to step in should either Joseph or Branch be unavailable. Similarly, Christian Izien has versatility at safety and nickel and should be an important contributor in any facet. Factor in Thomas Harper—who was quietly impressive as a waiver claim in 2025—and Avonte Maddox—who played well in reserve appearances—and the Lions have four reserves that I would feel comfortable slotting into the lineup.
Advertisement
If everyone is healthy, then the Lions could boast an incredible six-man safety room. In fact, because of how many players have starting potential, there is a chance that a player like Maddox misses out on the roster in favor of a special teamer like Dan Jackson or Loren Strickland.
Which position group stands out the most to you entering training camp? Let us know in the comments below.
Read the full article here
