The Detroit Lions have released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2024 offseason and there were a few things to note on it.
First, let's preface this article by saying that you cannot put too much stock into an unofficial depth chart. We are only through two weeks of training camp and there are still three preseason games left to be played, so a lot can change.
That said, we'll still try to glean what we can from the Lions' first unofficial depth chart, with our eyes focusing on starting and backup spots on both sides of the ball. Without further ado, here are the most interesting things we see.
Who wants to overreact to the Lions' first unofficial depth chart? I got you, boo. pic.twitter.com/vkvtz2IYyB
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) August 5, 2024
Lions unofficial depth chart takeaways
Kalif Raymond at WR3
The Lions entered the offseason with a question mark at the No. 3 wide receiver spot. Kalif Raymond and Donovan Peoples-Jones were thought to be the favorites, but Raymond has left him in the dust this offseason. Raymond's spot on the depth chart isn't surprising as a result.
Two veterans buried
Head coach Dan Campbell recently mentioned veteran wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones as someone he expected more out of, and that is reflected in the depth chart. Tre'Quan Smith is in even worse shape, as he's been borderline non-existent.
Fountain, Green, Kennedy listed as top backups
This isn't to say they would be a clean substitutions at each spot, but right now Daurice Fountain, Tom Kennedy and Antoine Green are listed as the top backups behind Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Raymond.
Backup O-line pecking order
The Lions recently hinted at who the top backups might be along the offensive line when they gave most of the starters off during practice last Wednesday. Penei Sewell manned left tackle, and the team deployed Kayode Awosika, Michael Niese, Ike Boettger and Dan Skipper from left guard to right tackle.
Skipper is the backup at left tackle on the first unofficial depth chart, and Colby Sorsdal, who can play both guard and tackle, is listed as the backup on the right side.
Hendon Hooker at QB3
The Lions aren't treating Hendon Hooker with kid gloves, as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson basically said. He's behind veteran backup Nate Sudfeld, which isn't surprising considering Sudfeld has been the more consistent of the two all offseason.
Sione Vaki at RB4
Some coaches will automatically bury rookies on the depth chart, no matter what. However, Vaki is where we expected him to be as the No. 4 running back behind Craig Reynolds. The question is, can he supplant Reynolds for RB3?
Jack Campbell listed as a starter
Campbell didn't take a top spot on the depth chart at all last season thanks to the presence of Derrick Barnes. That has already changed in 2024. By all accounts, Campbell is having an impressive offseason.
Terrion Arnold at CB2
Again, not a surprise here, but noteworthy nonetheless. We've expected Arnold to be the starter on the boundary from the day he was drafted, and this depth chart accurately reflects that.
Fellow rookie Ennis Rakestraw, who is expected to be the top backup on the outside, is listed behind Carlton Davis.
Brian Branch listed at safety
The Lions didn't list Brian Branch as a safety last season, instead putting him in the nickel cornerback spot, which is where he played. This year, Branch is listed at safety, where he is expected to play more — and possibly full time — in 2024. Ifeatu Melifonwu is the odd man out for a starting spot.
Amik Robertson the starting slot CB
ESPN's Dan Graziano revealed recently that Amik Robertson, Emmanuel Moseley and Ifeatu Melifonwu are the competitors for the slot cornerback job with Branch moving to safety. Unofficial depth chart No. 1 has Robertson in the top spot, with Moseley behind him. Melifonwu is listed at safety.
